Babies can develop a diaper rash--sore, red, scaly and irritated skin in the diaper area--for a number of reasons, including prolonged exposure to a wet or dirty diaper, the introduction of new foods or a reaction to a new type of detergent, wipe or diaper. Rashes that last for more than a few days can indicate a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, a type of fungus. A fungal rash requires evaluation and treatment by a doctor.
Significance
Most types of diaper rash respond to changes in diapering routine, such as changing diapers promptly and applying a soothing barrier cream to protect the area while it heals. These measures will usually not improve a case of fungal diaper rash, which generally needs the application of antifungal creams to heal.
Identification
Rashes caused by the Candida fungus consist of very red patchy areas with raised bumps and very distinct borders. The rashes often have small "satellite" spots that extend beyond the main rash area. The moist, damp environment of the diaper area makes a good breeding ground for yeast--causing it to spread quickly throughout the diaper area.
Considerations
Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph of Kids Health states that diaper rashes often occur as a side effect after a baby or breastfeeding mom takes antibiotics. She suggests that the antibiotics might kill off the "good" bacteria in your baby's digestive system, allowing the yeast to start growing. A baby with a recent case of thrush, an oral yeast infection, might develop a fungal diaper rash as well since the yeast can pass through his digestive system and end up in the diaper.
Prevention/Solution
While you might not be able to prevent a yeast infection in a child taking antibiotics or with thrush, the Babycenter Medical Advisory board suggests that you can take some steps to make the environment less conducive to the fungal growth. They recommend keeping your baby's diaper area as dry as possible by changing diapers frequently and fastening diapers loosely to allow air to circulate. They also advise allowing him to spend part of his day diaper-free so that the diaper area can air out.
Warning
Dr. Sears notes that some popular misconceptions about a baby's bottom are that babies have smooth, blemish-free skin in their diaper regions and that all diaper rashes result from fungal or bacterial infections. Sears cautions that while good diapering routines can help limit the frequency and severity of diaper rash, it is something your baby will experience from time to time as long as she wears diapers. He suggests parents give diaper rashes a few days to improve and heal before suspecting a fungal or bacterial rash.
