Treatment

Diaper rashes usually clear up in three or four days with the following treatment:

• Change diapers frequently.
• Use plain water instead of baby wipes to rinse your baby’s skin in the diaper area.
• Pat dry gently; do not rub or you could irritate the rash.
• Apply a protective ointment containing zinc oxide to the diaper area.
• Expose your baby’s skin to the air as much as possible.
• Do not use creams containing boric acid, camphor, phenol, methyl salicylate, or a compound of benzoin tincture.
• Do not use talcum or cornstarch powders.

See your pediatrician if:

• Open sores, boils, or pus develop
• Your baby is not sleeping or eating normally
• Your baby develops a fever
• The rash becomes worse or does not improve in 2 or 3 days
• Your pediatrician may suggest use of a mild hydrocortisone cream or, especially if the rash appears very red, a cream like miconazole, which is effective for treating yeast infection. While these creams are available without prescription, your pediatrician may prefer you contact him or her before starting treatment.