A diaper rash is a skin irritation in your baby’s diaper area. The rash can be on the abdomen and genitals and in the folds of the buttocks and thighs. Most babies develop a diaper rash at some time during infancy.
A diaper rash develops when your baby’s skin is irritated. Irritation can be caused by:
A risk factor is something that can increase your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for diaper rash include:
The main symptoms of diaper rash are bumps or redness and scaly patches on the skin that has been in contact with a soiled diaper. Erosions and vesicular lesions (like blisters) may also be present. This includes the abdomen, genitals, and the folds of the buttocks and thighs. In addition, your baby may be more fussy and irritable when the diaper is changed.
Most parents can recognize a diaper rash when they see it. A diaper rash doesn’t normally require a visit to the pediatrician. If the rash is not attended to, it can become infected. It can look very bright red with red bumps and blisters. If your baby has open sores, a fever, or isn’t sleeping or eating well, call your pediatrician.
Diaper rashes usually clear up in three or four days with the following treatment:
See your pediatrician if:
To help prevent diaper rash:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html .
American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.aap.org .
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Book of Pregnancy and Child Care . John Wiley and Sons; 1999.
Kleigman RM, Jensen HB, Behrman RE, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/ .
Last reviewed November 2008 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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