Diaper Rash

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions

Diaper Rash

Frost Bite

Head Lice

Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Pinworms

Ringworm

Ticks

Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Diaper Rash

Most infants will have a rash in their diaper area sometime during their first year of life. There are multiple causes for diaper rashes but the rashes are rarely serious. However, infants are sometimes uncomfortable as a result of the rash.

Despite advances in diaper "technology," excess moisture remains the most common cause for diaper rashes. Less commonly, the rash may be the result of a bacterial or yeast infection, chemicals in the infant's urine or stools, or a reaction to one of the components in a disposable diaper or to the laundry detergent used to wash a cloth diaper

By definition, a diaper rash is an area of abnormal skin that is limited to the area that is covered by the diaper. Rashes that involve other parts of the body including the diaper area should not be considered as simple diaper rashes but are indicative of a more generalized condition.

The most common type of diaper rash is an area of red, inflamed-appearing skin over the lower part of the stomach, upper thighs, buttocks, and genitalia. The rash may be dry or there may be oozing of yellowish fluid. If the rash is solely caused by chafing from the diaper or chemicals in the diaper, the skin creases of the upper thighs are generally not involved. Widespread involvement that involves the skin creases generally indicates that either excess moisture or a yeast infection is the cause of the rash. If the rash is extremely tender, very red, and the infant has fever, the rash may be indicative of a bacterial infection for which medical attention is necessary.

Most diaper rashes do not require medical attention and can be easily managed by the parents or caretakers. Two simple measures will clear up the most common types of diaper rash: leaving diapers off the infant or, if this is not practical, frequent changing of the diapers. If the latter method is chosen, the goal should be to change the diaper as rapidly as possible after it becomes soiled. Each time that the infant urinates or has a bowel movement, the skin in the diaper area should be gently but thoroughly washed with mild soap and water, and the skin should be thoroughly dried. Power and cornstarch should be avoided, and over-the-counter ointments and creams should not be applied without medical advice. In most instances, there should be gradual improvement over a three- to four-day period. If there is no improvement after this time, or if the rash worsens or spreads to other parts of the body, the infant's pediatrician should be consulted.

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If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Diaper Rash Frost Bite Head Lice Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis Pinworms Ringworm Ticks Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Diaper Rash Most infants will have a rash in their diaper area sometime during their first year of life. There are multiple causes for diaper rashes but the rashes are rarely serious. However, infants are sometimes uncomfortable as a result of the rash. Despite advances in diaper "technology," excess moisture remains the most common cause for diaper rashes. Less commonly, the rash may be the result of a bacterial or yeast infection, chemicals in the infant's urine or stools, or a reaction to one of the components in a disposable diaper or to the laundry detergent used to wash a cloth diaper By definition, a diaper rash is an area of abnormal skin that is limited to the area that is covered by the diaper. Rashes that involve other parts of the body including the diaper area should not be considered as simple diaper rashes but are indicative of a more generalized condition. The most common type of diaper rash is an area of red, inflamed-appearing skin over the lower part of the stomach, upper thighs, buttocks, and genitalia. The rash may be dry or there may be oozing of yellowish fluid. If the rash is solely caused by chafing from the diaper or chemicals in the diaper, the skin creases of the upper thighs are generally not involved. Widespread involvement that involves the skin creases generally indicates that either excess moisture or a yeast infection is the cause of the rash. If the rash is extremely tender, very red, and the infant has fever, the rash may be indicative of a bacterial infection for which medical attention is necessary. Most diaper rashes do not require medical attention and can be easily managed by the parents or caretakers. Two simple measures will clear up the most common types of diaper rash: leaving diapers off the infant or, if this is not practical, frequent changing of the diapers. If the latter method is chosen, the goal should be to change the diaper as rapidly as possible after it becomes soiled. Each time that the infant urinates or has a bowel movement, the skin in the diaper area should be gently but thoroughly washed with mild soap and water, and the skin should be thoroughly dried. Power and cornstarch should be avoided, and over-the-counter ointments and creams should not be applied without medical advice. In most instances, there should be gradual improvement over a three- to four-day period. If there is no improvement after this time, or if the rash worsens or spreads to other parts of the body, the infant's pediatrician should be consulted.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.