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 | Are there any over-the-counter therapies for diaper rash? |
|  Diaper rash occurs when skin covered by the diaper becomes red and inflamed. The main causes are moisture, chafing, harsh soaps, irritating chemicals from urine or bowel movements, and bacterial or yeast infections. The main way to treat diaper rash is to reduce moisture and irritation. A mild case will often go away with more frequent diaper changes and letting the baby go diaperless for a few minutes between changes. Gently washing the affected area with plain water and patting it dry with each change can also help. Avoid diapers with plastic covers until the rash disappears. This allows more air to get to the area and reduces moisture buildup. Over-the-counter products by Desitin or A&D can help protect the baby's skin from moisture and irritation. Make sure the diaper area is clean and dry before applying ointment. If the rash doesn't improve after three days, talk to your child's doctor. The rash may be due to a yeast infection. While it's normal to have yeast on the skin, excess moisture can cause the yeast to multiply, leading to a yeast infection. Diaper rashes caused by yeast appear bright red. Doctors often recommend treating these rashes with an over-the-counter anti-yeast cream such a clotrimazole (brand name Lotrimin AF). Apply the cream to clean skin during diaper changes. Prescription anti-yeast creams are also available. Diaper rashes caused by bacteria appear as blister-like sores or sores with crusting. For these infections, your doctor may prescribe an anti-bacterial cream. Your doctor may suggest a cream which contains a steroid. Steroid creams should typically be used only for a short time and with a doctor's approval due to potential problems caused by steroids.Also contact your doctor if your child has a fever, a rash that extends beyond the diaper area, or blisters. Sources:Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus, Inc. 1998.Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.Diseases and Conditions, "Diaper rash." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/2/2007.Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.This answer prepared 10/27/2000. This information updated 1/2/2007. |
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