What is a DIAPER RASH?
- "Diaper rash" refers a number of different skin conditions and rashes in the diaper area.

Common symptoms of a DIAPER RASH
- Red, itchy, scaly rash patches in the diaper area and legs (atopic dermatitis).
- Redness around the anus (perianal dermatitis).
- Bright red and tender rash and/or spots in the folds between the thighs and abdomen with pustules spreading from the area (candidal dermatitis).
- Redness and chafing where friction is greatest but not in the skin folds (chafing dermatitis).
- Deep red rash with yellowish scales (saborrheic dermatitis).

What are some causes of a DIAPER RASH?
- Common causes of a diaper rash include excess moisture, chemical irritants, allergies to specific foods, bacteria from feces and urine, fungus, and friction from diapers and clothing.

Prevention of a DIAPER RASH
- Diapers should be changed and the area cleaned and allowed to dry as soon as possible after soiling or wetting.
- The skin should be exposed to the open air for 5 to 10 minutes following each diaper change.
- The use of plastic pants should be avoided or at least limited and diapers should not be too tight.
- Changing of diaper brands may be considered with chronic diaper rash breakouts.
- Irritants should be avoided or removed by washing with warm water and cotton balls and patting dry.

A physician should be contacted if:
-the rash becomes very red, raw, or sore looking.
-the rash has blisters, pustules, pus, peeling areas, or crusty patches.
-the rash is mainly in the skin creases possibly indicating a yeast infection.
-a significant rash lasts longer than a couple of days. 

Treatment of a DIAPER RASH
- Diapers should be changed frequently.
- The skin around the diaper area should be gently cleansed at every diaper change with warm water and patted dry.
- The use of a skin protectant may be needed.  These products help create a barrier between the skin and the irritant. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
- A pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic or anti-fungal cream for more severe cases.
- The use of boric acid, corn starch or talc should be avoided.

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This information is of a general nature and may not apply to your special circumstances. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician or an appropriate health care professional.  These monographs are counseling aids for healthcare professionals only and are not to be used as a reference to diagnose or treat medical conditions.          Copyright 2005 RXinsider LTD