Yeast Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common concern for many parents, as it can cause significant discomfort for babies and infants. These rashes often manifest as red, irritated skin and itchy spots in the diaper area, including the genitals and bottom. In this blog post we’ll look at causes, symptoms, the best treatments, and how to avoid this condition.
Diaper Dermatitis
Skin irritation in the diapered region, commonly known as diaper dermatitis, is one of the most frequent skin disorders during infancy, peaking in incidence between 9 to 12 months of age. (Ward et al., 2000)
Over-hydration of the skin, along with prolonged exposure to urine and feces, are the primary factors contributing to this irritation. (Rodriguez et al., 2020)
These conditions create an environment where the skin becomes more susceptible to inflammation and rash, highlighting the importance of regular diaper changes and proper care to prevent discomfort and complications.
Sometimes, the rash can spread to the inner thighs, leading to further irritation, burning, and general discomfort for the child. Addressing diaper rash quickly and effectively is key to keeping your baby comfortable and happy. Because diaper rashes thrive in warm, humid environments, they are widespread. Because of this, a diaper is the ideal environment for the rash to appear. Diaper rash may be caused by a number of factors, including:
Fortunately, you can handle the majority of mild diaper rash instances in the comfort of your own home. Here are 12 tried-and-true tips to help prevent and treat diaper rash, ensuring your little one stays rash-free.Try the following advice to help eradicate and prevent any future diaper rash.
1. Skin Cleaning
After your child has a bowel movement, it’s essential to clean their bottom gently but thoroughly, ensuring the area is completely dry before putting on a fresh diaper. Moisture trapped against the skin can lead to irritation and increase the risk of diaper rash, so take your time to dry the area carefully.
Whenever possible, use baby wipes that are unscented and hypoallergenic to minimize irritation, as scented products can sometimes aggravate sensitive skin.
If your baby’s skin is still sensitive, consider using lukewarm water and a soft cotton cloth for cleansing. This approach can be even gentler on delicate skin, especially if your child is prone to rashes or has had reactions to wipes in the past.
After cleaning, you might also apply a thin layer of protective ointment, like zinc oxide, to create a barrier against moisture.
To further reduce the risk of diaper rash, wash your hands with unscented soap, such as goat’s milk soap, which is gentle on the skin and less likely to contribute to irritation.
Keeping your hands clean and free from harsh chemicals will help maintain a healthy environment for your baby’s skin. Additionally, try to give your baby some diaper-free time during the day to let their skin breathe, which can be an effective way to prevent rashes from developing in the first place.
2. Skin Exposure To Fresh Air
Allowing your baby’s bottom to air-dry frequently is crucial for promoting healthy skin, especially when dealing with diaper rash. After removing a soiled diaper, give the affected skin time to breathe by leaving the area uncovered.
This exposure to fresh air helps to dry out any moisture, which can otherwise lead to irritation. Letting your baby play without a diaper for a while, particularly in the summer when outdoor play is easier, can be a practical way to achieve this.
However, even during winter, indoor air-drying is beneficial and can be done by ensuring the room is warm and dry. In addition, taking advantage of natural sunlight by briefly exposing your baby’s bottom to it in the afternoons can further support the healing process.
The warmth and light help to dry the skin naturally, reducing the chances of a yeast-related rash worsening.
3. Frequency of Diaper Changes
When our babies were little, we followed our midwife’s advice to change their diapers every two to three hours, or more often if needed.
The reason is simple: babies can have between two and five bowel movements daily and urinate as frequently as once every one to three hours.
There are also important health considerations related to diapers and skin rashes:
A dirty diaper can also leak, leading to messes on your baby’s clothes, crib, car seat, and more—trust me, we’ve been there. To avoid these issues, it’s best to check and change diapers frequently, ensuring they aren’t fastened too tightly.
4. Caution With Baby Wipes
Most doctors recommend waiting until your newborn is at least one month old before using baby wipes. This is because many popular wipes contain chemicals that might trigger allergic reactions in babies with sensitive skin.
If you notice your baby’s skin turning red after using a wipe, it could be the start of an allergic reaction. It’s best to avoid wipes with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals, especially if your baby has diaper rash. Instead, consider using a soft cotton cloth, as water and a washcloth can be gentler alternatives for sensitive skin.
During the first few weeks, it’s safer to clean your baby with warm water and a soft cloth during diaper changes. If needed, you can dab on a mild, low-allergy baby detergent, but always remember to gently pat the area dry with a towel to prevent diaper rash before putting on a new diaper.
As your child grows older, wipes can become a convenient option, particularly for diaper changes on the go. To minimise irritation, opt for an unscented, alcohol-free brand.
5. Cotton or Disposable Diapers?
There’s no solid evidence that one type of diaper is better than another at preventing diaper rash. The key is to change wet or soiled diapers as soon as possible, whether you’re using cloth or disposable ones.
However, if you use cloth diapers, it’s best to avoid covering them with plastic or non-breathable covers unless you’re able to change them very frequently. These covers trap moisture and stool close to the skin in a warm, airless environment, increasing the risk of a fungal infection.
Disposable diapers, designed to be highly absorbent and to keep moisture away from the skin, can be a temporary option if your baby is dealing with a yeast diaper rash.
A recent study found that new material diapers outperform older styles in preventing diaper rash. These modern diapers are lightweight, breathable, and feature a highly absorbent layer with a soft, airy surface (Yuan 2018).
Modern synthetic diapers effectively wick away moisture, allowing the skin to breathe. If you prefer to use cotton diapers, consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil and half a cup of apple cider vinegar to the rinse water. This mixture helps eliminate any lingering yeast, further protecting your baby’s skin.
6. Changing Diaper Brands
If your baby develops a rash after switching to a different type of diaper, it could be due to a sensitivity or allergic reaction.
Although doctors generally don’t recommend any specific diaper brand, it’s wise to opt for diapers that are free from added colours or fragrances if your child has sensitive skin. These additives can sometimes irritate a baby’s delicate skin, leading to discomfort and rash.
If your baby continues to experience diaper rash, it might be helpful to switch both the diaper and the brand of baby wipes you’re using.
Low-allergy varieties are often a safer choice, as they are designed to minimize the risk of irritation. Sometimes, a chemical in disposable diapers or wipes can be the underlying cause of the problem.
By opting for products labeled as hypoallergenic or free from common irritants, you may reduce the likelihood of these reactions.
If the rash persists, it’s essential to monitor your baby’s skin closely and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you’re taking the right steps for your child’s comfort and health.
7. Chemical-Free Cream For Diaper Rash
Choosing the right cream for your child’s diaper rash involves considering several important factors. You’ll want to think about the price range, the ingredients in the cream, and how effective those ingredients are in treating diaper rash.
Common components in diaper rash creams include petroleum, lanolin, calendula, aloe vera, and zinc oxide. However, it’s important to be cautious about certain ingredients, especially petroleum jelly. While often used in baby creams, petroleum jelly is a petrochemical-based product derived from crude oil.
The European Food Safety Authority considers petroleum jelly and poly-aromatic chemicals as potentially carcinogenic, so it may be best to avoid it for your baby’s delicate skin.
When selecting a cream, I recommend choosing one made from natural ingredients. Calendula cream is a great option because it is both safe and gentle on a baby’s skin. It’s wise to steer clear of products containing synthetic components, especially those derived from crude oil by-products, which can be harsh or potentially harmful.
Skin cream you choose should preferably be 100% natural and free of additives or preservatives. Natural oils like jojoba or emu oil-based lotions are also very good options. However, be aware that even natural lotions can sometimes contain added fragrances or preservatives, so it’s best to opt for a higher-grade, unscented version if you’re willing to spend a little more. This ensures that you’re providing the safest and most soothing care for your baby’s sensitive skin.
8. Caution If Introducing New Foods
Food can have two distinct effects on a baby’s skin. First, a baby might develop an allergic reaction to a certain food, leading to a diaper rash.
Secondly, certain foods can cause cramping and diarrhea, which is more likely to irritate the skin around the anus and diaper area than urine, resulting in an uncomfortable diaper rash.
If you are nursing, it’s important to remember that whatever you consume can be passed to your baby through breast milk, potentially causing diarrhoea and, consequently, diaper rash. This includes anything from certain foods to medications like antibiotics.
Pay close attention to any new foods or drinks that you or your baby have recently started consuming. New introductions are often the most likely culprits when it comes to sudden diaper rashes or diarrhoea.
If you suspect a particular food or drink is causing the problem, consider withdrawing it temporarily to see if the symptoms improve.
This careful monitoring can help identify and eliminate the root cause of any sudden skin irritation, keeping your baby comfortable and rash-free.
9. When To Seek Help With Your Baby’s Diaper Rash
There may come a time when, despite your best efforts, your baby or infant develops a diaper rash. While most diaper rashes can be treated at home, it’s important to contact your doctor or paediatrician if you have concerns or if the rash isn’t improving after two to three days. In some cases, a different approach or treatment may be necessary for the rash to heal.
Seek medical help if:
Prompt attention to these signs can help ensure your baby receives the care they need to feel better and heal quickly.
10. Diaper Rash Due To Food, Or Medication?
Below you will find a chart titled Identifying Fungal Diaper Rash. This handy guide will help you determine if your child’s diaper rash is caused by food—often newly introduced—or by another factor, such as a recent antibiotic prescription.
It’s common to assume that a yeast infection is the primary cause of diaper rash, especially when the nursing mother has recently taken antibiotics for conditions like sinusitis, a UTI, or mastitis.
While it’s true that antibiotics can lead to diaper rash, either directly for the child or indirectly through the mother, I’ve also observed that many cases are triggered by the introduction of a new food or beverage—whether consumed by the nursing mother or the child.
Identifying the underlying cause is key to preventing future occurrences. By understanding what’s causing the rash, you can take steps to avoid it in the future, ensuring your baby’s comfort and health.
| Identifying Fungal Diaper Rash | |
| Don’t treat fungal diaper rash the way you would a conventional (non-fungal) rash. First identify and eliminate any offending foods/drinks the mother may be consuming (if nursing) or the baby is consuming. | |
| Food Intolerance Diaper Rash Symptoms | Fungal Diaper Rash Symptoms |
| Pink or red skin, smooth, chapped, burning. | Red skin with pimples or dots |
| Rash responds to diaper creams and can clear up in as little as 2-3 days. | Rash hardly responds to standard creams. Responds much better to antifungal cream. |
| Rash can occur on smooth skin surfaces, like the vulva, or the buttock area. | Rash more likely to occur in dark, moist areas like the folds of legs, genitals, or buttocks. |
| Rash does not generally occur with oral thrush. | Rash can more easily accompany mouth or tongue yeast infection. |
| Rash more common to one localised area. | Rash can have satellite spots outside the localised rash area. |
11. Severe or Chronic and Recurring Diaper Rash
When diaper rash becomes severe, it requires extra attention and care.
Frequent diaper changes are essential, and each change should include thorough cleaning, drying, and applying the appropriate treatment.
By following these four steps, you can help manage and treat severe diaper rash more effectively, providing relief and promoting quicker healing for your baby’s delicate skin.
Here are the 4 detailed steps to help manage and alleviate severe diaper rash:
12. Taking Care Of Your Child And Yourself
Caring for a sick child can be exhausting, so it’s essential to look after your own well-being. Getting rest during your child’s nap time, staying hydrated, and eating fresh, nutritious foods can help keep your energy up.
A bit of physical activity or time outdoors can also work wonders for your mood and resilience.
In addition, practicing calming techniques like deep breathing can reduce stress and make it easier to cope with caregiving demands.
Don’t hesitate to seek support from others when needed, and remember to set boundaries to protect your own health.
I’d like to conclude with a summary of good tips on how to care for yourself as well as your child: prioritise rest, nourish your body, and manage stress with simple techniques and support.
Balancing self-care with caregiving ensures both you and your child stay strong and healthy during tough times.
Caring for Your Child When They’re Sick
When your child falls ill, offering extra love, affection, and attention is essential for their well-being. Managing a sick child can be particularly challenging if you’re feeling tired or anxious, so seeking advice from more experienced caregivers can be beneficial, especially if you’re new to parenting.
Key Steps for Managing Illness and Diaper Rash
By adhering to these practices, you can provide effective care for your sick child, ensuring they recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Caring For Yourself When You Are Sick
Here are some self-care recommendations to consider:
Caring for Yourself When You Are Sick
By incorporating these self-care practices, you can better manage the demands of caring for a sick child while maintaining your own health and well-being.
Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.
