Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is irritation of skin covered by a diaper and may be related to moisture, friction, stool, urine, yeast, or sensitivity to products.
About diaper rash
Diaper rash is irritation of skin covered by a diaper and may be related to moisture, friction, stool, urine, yeast, or sensitivity to products.
What can cause it?
Diaper rash results from prolonged moisture, urine or stool contact, friction, diarrhea, new products, antibiotics, yeast, or bacterial infection.
Yeast often involves skin folds with small satellite bumps.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Red or tender skin in the diaper area
- Fussiness during diaper changes
- Raised bumps, peeling, or rash in skin folds
How clinicians find the cause
Most cases are diagnosed by appearance and history. Swab or scraping is rarely needed unless infection is severe, unusual, or treatment-resistant.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Frequent diaper changes, gentle cleaning, air drying, and a thick barrier ointment treat common irritant rash.
- 2
Yeast or bacterial rash needs the correct clinician-recommended medicine.
- 3
Avoid potent steroid creams, talc powder, or combination products unless prescribed.
Supporting recovery
- Rinse gently with water or fragrance-free wipes and pat dry.
- Apply barrier generously and allow diaper-free time.
What to expect
Most irritant diaper rashes improve within a few days with frequent diaper changes, gentle cleansing, air drying, and a protective barrier. Yeast, bacterial, severe, or persistent rashes may require targeted treatment and a clinician's evaluation.
Possible complications
- Yeast or bacterial skin infection
- Open sores, skin breakdown, pain, or disrupted sleep and feeding
- Repeated rash from ongoing diarrhea, product irritation, or another skin condition that needs a different treatment
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Seek prompt care for fever, blisters, pus, open sores, spreading redness, severe pain, a very young infant, or a rash that is not improving.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Change wet or soiled diapers promptly and use fragrance-free products.
- Protect skin with barrier during diarrhea.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.