Diaper rash or diaper dermatitis is a common skin irritation that occurs in the diaper-covered region of a baby's skin. It can often occur when a baby's skin is exposed to prolonged wetness, friction, or irritation from urine and feces in diapers. It can cause redness, irritation, and discomfort for your baby. There are different types of diaper rash, and identifying the specific type can help in selecting the appropriate treatment.
Diaper rashes are the result of irritation from their diaper causing friction against their skin, an infection, or an allergic reaction. There are many possible causes of diaper rash. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus commonly found in the digestive tract.
What is a yeast diaper rash?
An association of irritation and infection from Candida overgrowth most commonly causes a yeast diaper rash, also known as Candida diaper dermatitis. Candida grows best in warm, moist places like on the skin inside a wet or soiled diaper. Thus, the moist and dirty diaper provides the best environment for the growth of Candida and can easily cause a yeast infection.
Wet or soiled diapers are the main source of a yeast diaper rash. Babies can also get rashes caused by yeast both under their arms and in the folds of their necks.
How to identify a yeast diaper rash?
A yeast diaper rash is a type of diaper rash that is caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the diaper area. It is different from a regular diaper rash. Some signs of a yeast diaper rash includes:
- Red, scaly, and irritated skin in the groin area
- Rash may have small bumps or pimples
- Rash may spread to the folds of the legs, genitals, or buttocks
- Rash may occur along with thrush infection in the baby's mouth
- Rash does not respond to standard diaper rash creams and takes longer to heal
A yeast diaper rash can be uncomfortable and persistent, but it is not a serious condition. If you suspect your baby has a yeast diaper rash, you should consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
With proper care and treatment, it should clear up within a few weeks. Regular diaper rash clears up within 2-3 days, but yeast diaper rash takes a while to heal.
How to treat a yeast diaper rash?
Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antifungal medication (cream or ointment) to stop the yeast overgrowth and treat the rash. For severe yeast diaper rash, your healthcare provider might recommend a steroid ointment (hydrocortisone) to combat the issue.
Your healthcare provider should be able to diagnose the cause of the diaper rash by examining the baby and will give you instructions on how to apply the antifungal cream and how long you should be using it to make sure the infection clears up completely to reduce the likelihood of it returning.
How to prevent a yeast diaper rash from spreading?
A yeast diaper rash is a type of diaper rash caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Candida) in the diaper area. You can also try some home remedies to help soothe the skin and prevent the yeast from spreading, such as:
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Changing the diaper more frequently and letting the skin air dry between changes
- Applying a thin layer of antifungal cream or ointment, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, as directed by your doctor
- Avoiding wipes, powders, or fragrances that may irritate the skin
- Washing your hands and anything that touches the diaper area with hot water and soap
How long will a yeast diaper rash take to recover?
A yeast diaper rash can be treated with antifungal creams or ointments, as well as keeping the area clean and dry. Treatment will clear the symptoms that are irritating your baby within the first couple of days, but it will take a couple of weeks for the rash to go away completely.
If the rash does not improve after two to three days of treatment, or if it spreads or worsens, you should consult your doctor for further advice.
How to prevent a future yeast diaper rash?
A yeast diaper rash can cause red, scaly, and sometimes painful patches on the baby's skin. You can try the following tips to prevent a future yeast diaper rash :
- Change diapers frequently and as soon as they get wet or dirty.
- Clean the diaper area gently with water and mild soap at every diaper change.
- Avoid wipes that have alcohol or fragrance.
- Dry the diaper area well with a soft towel or a hair dryer on low setting.
- Let the baby's bottom air dry for a few minutes without a diaper.
- Use a barrier cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide or petroleum to protect the skin from moisture and irritation.
- Apply an anti-fungal cream such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole after the barrier cream, as directed by your baby's doctor.
- Use highly absorbent diapers that fit well and are not too tight.
- Leave the baby without a diaper for short periods of time to expose the skin to air.
- Wash cloth diapers with hot water and bleach and rinse them well.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets that may irritate the skin.
A yeast diaper rash is most common in babies and infants and most often affects babies between nine months and one year. Yeast diaper rashes are not contagious, but it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after diaper changes. If symptoms get worse or do not improve within a few days, a doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream.