6 Kinds of Diaper Rash and How to Treat Them
Not all diaper rashes are created equal in how they present or are treated. The red bum you find during a diaper change is likely to need different treatment based on the type of rash. We consulted the experts at NIH and broke down the most common rashes and recommended treatments.ew
1. Irritant Diaper Rash
What It Looks Like: Red, inflamed skin that usually spares the skin folds. This is the most common type of diaper rash, caused by prolonged contact with urine and stool.
How to Treat:
- Keep the area as dry as possible
- Switch to gentle wipes or plain water for cleaning
- Apply a thick barrier cream with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly
- Increase diaper-free time to let skin breathe
- Change diapers more frequently
2. Yeast Rash (Candida)
What It Looks Like: Bright red rash with small red dots (satellite lesions) spreading around the main rash area. Unlike irritant rash, this one often appears in the skin folds and doesn't improve with regular diaper cream.
How to Treat:
- Use an antifungal cream as recommended by your pediatrician
- Keep the diaper area very dry between changes
- Change diapers frequently to reduce moisture
- Allow for diaper-free time
- Continue treatment for a few days after the rash clears
3. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
What It Looks Like: Red, bumpy irritation that appears in the exact spots where a product touches the skin. You might notice it lines up perfectly with where the diaper tabs sit or where wipes were used.
How to Treat:
- Identify and remove the trigger (could be wipes, diapers, detergent, or lotions)
- Switch to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products
- Use a gentle barrier cream
- Try a different diaper brand
- Wash cloth diapers with fragrance-free detergent
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis
What It Looks Like: Greasy, yellowish patches with flakes, similar to cradle cap but in the diaper area. The skin may look scaly or crusty.
How to Treat:
- Use gentle cleansing with warm water
- Apply light moisturizing products
- Use a protective barrier cream
- Be patient—this usually clears with time
- Consult your pediatrician if it persists or worsens
5. Bacterial Diaper Rash
What It Looks Like: Intense redness with possible oozing, crusting, or honey-colored discharge. The area may look angry and painful, and your baby will likely be more fussy than usual.
How to Treat:
- This needs medical attention—contact your pediatrician
- Treatment typically involves topical or oral antibiotics
- Keep the area clean and dry while treating
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully
- Watch for signs of spreading infection
6. Intertrigo
What It Looks Like: Red, raw rash that develops in skin folds where moisture and friction combine. Common in chubby thigh creases and where the diaper rubs.
How to Treat:
- Keep skin folds as dry as possible
- Use barrier creams or baby-safe powders between folds
- Increase air circulation with diaper-free time
- Watch for secondary yeast infection (common with this type)
- Ensure diapers aren't too tight
When to Call the Pediatrician
Contact your child's doctor if:
- The rash doesn't improve after 2-3 days of home treatment
- The rash is severe, spreading, or getting worse
- Your baby develops a fever
- You see blisters, pus, or oozing
- Your baby seems to be in significant pain
- The rash spreads beyond the diaper area
Prevention Tips for All Diaper Rashes
- Change diapers promptly when wet or soiled
- Clean gently with water or fragrance-free wipes
- Pat dry completely before putting on a new diaper
- Apply a barrier cream at every change
- Avoid products with fragrances and harsh chemicals
- Ensure diapers fit properly and are not too tight
Knowing what you're looking at and how to treat it makes all the difference in caring for diaper rashes.
Looking for a way to keep baby from rolling all over during a diaper change? Give them a Forage Feeder full of their favorite foods to keep their hands busy.
Source: Information based on research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Library of Medicine, PMC6831759