Diaper Rash Trouble

Updated on November 12, 2008
J.S. asks from Amherst, MA
48 answers

After 8 man years (mom years?) of dealing with diaper rash you'd think this wouldn't be a problem but here it is.

2 yo DD (who by the way flat out refuses to toilet train) has had a horrid rash on her vulva for about 6 weeks now. It starts to get better and then gets worse again. After a while it started to get that bumpy, pustulely look so I thought it might be yeast and bought an anti-fungal the pharmacist recommended. That was a few weeks ago and hasn't seemed to make a difference.

I have been loading on the Desitin, letting her go diaper free (and dealing with the messes!) all day at home. She's not complaining other than when I wipe her. It looks really wretched. Bright red, bumpy, very sore looking.

I can't think of what else to do!

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone for the push to call the doctor. It was silly to let it got this long but every time I picked up the phone I was thinking, "Come on! It's a DIAPER RASH! I should be able to handle this!" If she had been bothered by it I would have of course called immediately.

(just to touch on something mentioned, I would never punish or push over toilet training. My eldest trained at 25 months so I've never had a kid this old not using the toilet! The funny thing is, she's been ready for a year, she just doesn't want to! *insert crazy expression here*)

We'll make an appointment today. Thanks!

Also to add we use cloth diapers and cloth wipes so I don't *think* that a diaper allergy is the problem...also obviously no alcohol irritant or anything like that.

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P.C.

answers from Hartford on

My son had a terrible rash, believe me I have tried everything and the only thing that has worked was dumping corn starch in his diaper! i didnt use it sparingly either when i say dumped i mean i dumped it in and the rash went away pretty quickly!

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S.P.

answers from Portland on

Hi,
Just to add what other's have said, call the doc. My 1 year old had a yeast infection and as soon as I put the anti-fungal AND the prescription of hydrocortozone, it went right away. Good luck!

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S.L.

answers from Boston on

I can't say I know what the rash might be but i would definitly take her to the doctor if you haven't already. 6 weeks seems like a long time and it may be something that might take an antibiotic to get rid of. best of luck =)

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P.V.

answers from Barnstable on

Hi J........You're gonna make it honey just hang in there !!
My Mom had the best advice ever and I used it and it worked with my two girls. NO MEDS: You put a 40 watt light buld ( hard to find with the new energy saving ones ) in a lamp that you can lie down on it's side. Turn it on and hold it about two feet from your babies raw bum. The heat will dry up the rash eventually and all will be well. Only leave your child there for about one minute @ a time a couple of times a day. A rash always does its best healing in open air and not wet damp ( ointments etc. ) When your child goes to bed maybe a little bit of ointment but not smeared on.
My girls have done it with thier six children and it still works !!

Blessings to you, P.

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K.M.

answers from Providence on

Hello J.,
I had the same exact trouble with my youngest when she was about 1.5 and I absolutely went insane trying to clear it up, only for it to seem better for a diaper change or two and return more fiercely than ever. A girlfriend of mine had all girls who always had yeast problems and she recommended tea tree oil and water on sterile pads as a cleaning agent before applying the antifungal. (I alternated between the antifungal and plain yogurt as the yogurt was cool and seemed to provide more immediate relief). It took about 3 full days, but we haven't had an incident like that again. Hope this helps!

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J.W.

answers from Boston on

have you tried going very basic and using vaseline (as a barrier) and cornstarch (drying agent)? I don't have a daughter but use it on my son for his rashes and it works really well. The Desitin seems to sting sometimes so we now always use this method and overnight I usually see a difference. good luck.

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T.Q.

answers from Boston on

hi, my daughter is also 2 and recently had a very bad rash, all red and bumpy, i used balmex, got prescribed something from the doctor, i tryed everything and then decided to try butt paste i got it at walmart and it was gone in a day or two and thats all i use now so try that

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

hello.
first i'd try old regular A&D ointment. don't wipe her with baby wipes instead use a warm cloth or paper towels. even wipes that say they are alcohol free or for sensitive skin will cause pain, and contain some alcohol. also you may want to turn using a blow dryer on low after bath or even a "big" diaper change to complete dry the area. make sure that she is completely clean, even the smallers leftovers can cause her to have issues and pain.
good luck. i hope that you able to resolve the problem.

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L.B.

answers from Portland on

I would see your ped. My daughter has had the same type of rash before, smelled very yeasty. I put a very small amount of Vagisil cream on it for a few days and it seemed to clear up. It does come back now and again though. I also use Bag Balm, an old remedy that works wonders on any rash, or abrasion. She may also have some allergy to something you are cleaning her up with or something like that.

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R.M.

answers from Boston on

I am not a doctor but it sounds like your daughter is allergic to Desitin. You may need to bring her to the doctor just to rule out any infections. I have sensitive skin and react poorly to harm chemicals, scented products, etc. It often shows up as bumps or a rash. (My 6yo daughter and my husband are allergic to the glue on band-aids and get the exact same bumpy rash.) I used Weleda or Burt's Bees diaper cremes and had no problems, except when I ran out and had to use the Desitin that someone had given me. So definitely switch to a more natural, plant-based brand.

Once the rash and the pain (and the pressure to be potty trained) goes away, your daughter may be ready to give up diapers. But don't push her. Stress can also cause rashes! My daughter wasn't potty trained until she turned 3yo. Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Springfield on

Hello J., It definatly sounds like yeast. My daughter battled with this same issue. Give up on the Desitin - -great diaper rash ointment, but useless for yeast. After my Pedi prescribed Nystatin (did not work) she prescribed another (?forget the name)my insurance denied it. After seeing a Dermitologist, we were prescribed Vusion -- this too was denied by my insurance (and I have BCBS ppo plan!!) I called the Insurance Co. they authorized a 1 time purchase (the tube cost $230.00!!) It worked like MAJIC!!!! Vusion is the way to go, so try to get a script from you Pedi. If your daughter has a yeast infection, this it the answer!!! best of luck, L. C.

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K.E.

answers from Boston on

You probably need something prescription strength. Her doctor can probably prescribe soomething that will help.

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T.K.

answers from Boston on

It sounds like a question for the doctor. Desitin never worked on my son. I use just petrolium jelly. Starts working right away.

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L.W.

answers from Boston on

You should deff call your pedi! Try pure cornstarch. Not baby powder. Its being kept too moist, theats why its not clearing up. But, let the pedi see her just in case its not something that needs a prescription.

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L.S.

answers from New London on

Please see your pediatrician. it could be bacterial or fungal but you may need a very strong prescription strength medication to get rid of it. good luck.

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H.G.

answers from Portland on

Did you call pediatrician? She should be checked. It could be a serious infection.

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K.A.

answers from Barnstable on

J.,

You were right to think that it is a yeast problem. I am a Nutritional Microscopist located in Osterville. I study people's blood under a microscope to determine how their diet and lifestyle are affecting their overall health and coach them through nutrition to reverse symptoms. Yeast is one of the things I see in the blood daily.

It is yeast, but y ou have to deal with the source, which is the inside of your daughter's body. Yeast is a fermentation of sugars in the body and a sign of an acid imbalance. This will come out through the skin (the third kidney) when the other eliminations organs are overwhelemed. First, you should eliminate all sugars in the diet including fruit and fruit juices, diary and breads. Focus on a lot of veggies, some lightly steamed veggies and plenty of good fats such as cold-pressed olive, avocado and flax oil. Plenty of plain water is important to flush out the yeast. Is she constipated? Peeing enough?
I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

K. Acton
Nutritional Microscopist
Alkaline Health Coach
###-###-####

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A.P.

answers from Providence on

Kind of expensive but worth it....www.grahamslambaby.com

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Sometimes some of the anti-fungals have steroids in them that actually make it worse. Make sure the cream you have is steroid free. Try a lot of diaper free air time. I would also make a doctor trip. These things can move into something worse.

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L.E.

answers from Hartford on

I'm a grandma now and still find ammen's powder to be the best for any kind of diaper rash. I can remember when my nephew had a rash so bad he had blisters. within three days of using the ammen's powder exclusively the rash was gone. i'd also stop using the wipes and just pat her with a warm washcloth

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M.B.

answers from Boston on

Use Penaten Creme, It is the best and very thick so it protects the skin.
It is pricey but well worth every penny. You can get it at the sausage kitchen on Rt 1 or you can order it online.
http://www.dusson.com/penaten/bc121.html

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A.B.

answers from Portland on

I am not sure if this will help but when my son was a baby I used cornstarch for diaper rash. It really did the trick. I just put a little in a container and pinched in on then lightly spead it on his skin.

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C.S.

answers from Boston on

I don't often say "you need to" but you need to take your daughter to the dr. Often what starts out as a regular diaper rash turn to infection because the area is damp and dark, a breeding ground for bacteria. My daughter also get bad rashes and almost always they turn and we need a prescription to clear them up.
Stop the suffering and go to the doctor!

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H.A.

answers from New London on

,here's a thought....Take her to the doctors. If shes had it for weeks and its not getting better, the next best thing is the doctors.

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C.G.

answers from Portland on

My son went through something similar to this. My pediatrician recommend getting rid of the desitin. He said to clean him thoroughly after he went to the bathroom and then gently pat his bum dry. If he needed something to sooth him, he told us to use a small amount of vaseline. My son suffered from diaper rash for three months before the vaseline made it go away in a week! What we found was that the vaseline applied when his skin was dry locked out the moisture so that it could heal. I was really surprised at how quick it work and how much better it was than desitin.

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L.O.

answers from Boston on

You need to take her to the pediatrician to make sure she doesn't have vaginal strep. Like the throat strep - only vaginal. My daughters have had it - makes them VERY red.
Good luck!

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K.Q.

answers from Boston on

I agree with Leanne M. I got Balmex because the zinc concentration is higher than A&D and Desitin.

If you use wipes, RINSE THEM OUT. I take the whole box, run in under warm water and squish and rinse all the liquid out of them. Or just rinse a handful as you need them. There is alcohol in baby wipes and that an irritate already tender skin. Or use cotton pads, balls, etc, although wipes are easier if you are on-the-go.

Maalox is a miracle. When my babies got the runs, their butts would burst into flames. The Maalox cuts the acid so that it doesn't burn. You can let the Maalox air dry or sprinkle with powder (pasty).

Also, air time is necessary. My pedi reco's baking soda in a warm bath and let her sit for a while. NO BUBBLE BATH or suds for a while.

You may want to talk to your doc about food allergies, too. Diaper rash can be a sign of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. It's also good to rule out yeast. Or perhaps even change your brand of diaper? I heard that some babies have a problem with the fragrance in pampers.

Good luck to you!

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S.R.

answers from Burlington on

I also reccommend the Boudreaux's Butt Paste. It is the best product I have found out their. My daughter had some really painful rash issues at times, and the Butt Paste clears it up immediately. I would give it a try, and if you still aren't having any luck clearing it up, check with her ped.

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R.B.

answers from Boston on

More of the same. Make a Pedi appt. I let my little guy struggle for a week while trying to clear his up w OTC and when it started to look like little whiteheads I took him in, got a script, and in 2 days all gone. You'll both feel better when it's gone. (and maybe she won't want to go back to wearing diapers and you can move forward with potty training. One can only hope......)

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S.F.

answers from Boston on

Definitely take her to the MD.

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W.D.

answers from Boston on

Go straight to Boudreaux's butt paste!! it's amazing stuff! my son 's butt was bleeding and I used it and it was pink the next day!!! any usual drug store will carry it or you can get a prescription from your dr for it too - it's actually the paste with some added stuff by prescript and it's called - get it - Dr Doody's butt balm! Honestly.. but the over the counter stuff works just as good..

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L.D.

answers from Boston on

sounds like thrush (a yeast overgrowth) your best bet is getting an ointment from the pediatrician. Also limit her intake of white flour and sugary foods, this feeds the Candida yeast and it could return.

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C.K.

answers from Boston on

First off it is not uncommon for a 2 year old to refuse potty training! Experts actually recommend waiting until the child is 2 1/2 to start unless they seem like they are ready before then. Don't rush her or punish her for not trying or wanting to or you will make it worse.
I would call the doctor & tell him/her what the rash looks like & what you have done for it so far. They may need to call in a stronger RX to the pharmacy or want to see her first. It maybe a yeast rash but some over the counter stuff won't be strong enough. Call the DOCTOR! This is coming from experience.

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S.M.

answers from Boston on

Call your doctor and ask for Nystatin. It was the only thing that worked for my daughter

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A.M.

answers from Boston on

You should bring her to the doctors!

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L.M.

answers from Boston on

J.,

I would first take her to your ped. and have them see if it is yeast and get a prescription if it is.

This is the regime my doctor suggested when my daughter had really bad diaper rash with red dots.

First NO WIPES!!!

Use cotton balls and oil - vegeatable oil, baby oil, any oil- to wipe and clean the poop and pee away. We used baby oil and put it in a small bowl and dabbed the cotton balls into it. Pat off any excess oil with a dry cotton ball. The oil cleans the baby without drying the skin and adds a layer of protection.

Maalox - I used a square cotton pad - put it over the top of the bottle of Maalox put my fingers over the cotton pad and shook the bottle - be careful it can get everywhere. The amount of Maalox on the pad is generally enough. Dab the babies bottom with the cotton pad - repeat with more Maalox if needed. This must dry before the last step. I would blow on my daughter and wave my hands around to acomplish this.

Last the cream and lots of it. I used Balmex. I was told no A&D but any other brand. I found the Balmex worked with out the smell of Desitin and the high prices of the others. Put loads of cream on the babies bottom and do up the diaper. It still took a week of this regime to get rid of the diaper rash. As my doctor described it, it's a very bad sun burn and it takes time to heal.

Airing out the babies bottom is also a good thing. I used to lay an old blanket on the floor, next put down a plastic bag and an old towel over that. I would lay my daughter on the towel to play. Of course you can't leave the baby on this but you will probably need to be right there wiping up the pee and poop they seem to love to do when they don't have any pants on.

Good luck,
L. M

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C.H.

answers from Providence on

you need to go to her pedi. She could have a yeast infections, thrush or a yeast overgrowth within her body! Probiotics work but first please go see her pedi before trying any more things at home.

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A.P.

answers from Portland on

Sounds like you might also be fighting a yeast infection. Has she been eating a lot of sugar lately? It was just Halloween after all....

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J.B.

answers from Lewiston on

Take her to the pediatrician, and then maybe a dermatologist. 6 weeks is way too long to not know what it is. They can swab to find out if it fungal, yeast, or maybe just allergy.

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

Ummm J....take her to the doctor. Six weeks is a long time to carry an infection of any sort. And it's painful to her when she's wiped. That can't be any fun for her. I get the idea of trying home remedies first --I do the same. But after a week or two and no results, it's time for a professional opinion and solution. I work at a hospital. Trust me, you don't want to allow what starts off as a very simple and easily treated infection, to turn into a more more serious problem because you let it fester.

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S.B.

answers from Hartford on

hello! my son also had an awful diaper rash that wouldn't go away for weeks no matter what we did. i brought him to the pediatrician who prescribed cream for yeast, but that just made it worse. as a last resort i decided to change diaper brands to see if that would work. turns out he was allergic to pampers! i switched to huggies and haven't had a problem since. everyone told me to try different diapers but i didn't believe them until i saw the results. i've noticed that pampers have some type of perfume in them, and huggies don't.

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J.Z.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,
Definitely sounds like yeast, but maybe the pedi would know better. My son had yeast before and they gave him Nystatin for it and it worked wonders! Maybe the OTC one just didn't work for her.
Also you could look into some kind of a food allergy or reaction (any kind of berries). I am guessing that if it is vaginal it would have to be yeast, especially the way that you describe it. Good luck.

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C.C.

answers from Providence on

HI

I noticed a rash bumpy on my neices butt - turned out to be a staph infection and she needed to go on antibiotics.

Call today!!

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C.S.

answers from Hartford on

I had a similar experience, but the rash was also all over her bottom. We tried every cream, soaking her in Aveeno and soaking her with nothing. We took her to an allergist and a dermatologist and tried cloth diapers. We found that she would get it if a virus was looming and also, that she had a sensitivity to regular wipes. We started using Seventh Generation wipes and went back to regular diapers. What my doctor recommended when it would flare up was to coat the area in vaseline and only wipe off what needed to be wiped off due to diaper changes. It formed a barrier. And we skipped her bath for a few days. Some other mothers I spoke to with similar experiences found that it was due to a food sensitivity. I got so much conflicting advice but the wipes and the vaseline barrier seemed to help. She has (I should not even jinx myself) not had a flare up in almost a year!

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C.H.

answers from Boston on

Hello J. S,

From what I've been reading, a rash on any part of the body is how the body pushes out toxin. Letting your daughter run diaper free is a good start to letting the body do its job. Where this rash is on her vulva and only seems to bother her when you wipe her bottom perhaps you could change your wipes. It may be something in the wipes that the skin is absorbing ans then trying to get kick out. Also, I should note, that creams that create a barrier blocking moisture from the baby's bottom also lock in the toxins. I would start by using wash clothes with just water on them and let the the rash do it's thing. If a moisturizing agent is needed try using aloe. It's natural and cooling. Once the rash has gone you can try a new brand of diaper wipes. If the rash reoccurs repeat and try yet another brand of wipes. you may have to try several times before you find a brand your daughters skin tolerates. A baking soda bath, (1/4 cup in a tub of water) may help speed the release of toxins.

Another thing to consider is the rash has gone on for several weeks, heading into months if using just water to clean and tub soaks and aloe do not help in about a week you may want to talk to your pedi. It may not be related to the diaper wipes and to something in the diet. To check for allergies to food you may want to do and elimination diet. Milk and wheat are among the top offenders and need special consideration when changing the diet.

The water, soak and aloe tactic has helped with my 3 year old daughter who not only has no interest in toileting but refuses the alert us that she has soiled her diaper because that would take time away from play. I hope this helps your daughter and it's nothing more than a reaction to the diaper wipes. Good Luck!

C.

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B.G.

answers from Barnstable on

After 6 weeks you might want to speak with her doctor.
My daughter has gone through some severe rashes and we used desitin, anti fungal cream and cornstarch all at once. Usually cleared it up after a week or so.

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E.M.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,
you have gotten lots of good advice, so I will just throw two things in:
if it does turn out to be yeast, in addition to cutting out the sugar and sugary things in your daughter's diet, you can give her probiotics (the good bacteria that are in yogurt).
You can purchase some at your local health food store, or at Whole Foods Market. You can open up a capsule and dissolve it in water or mix it in applesauce, it will help to get rid of the yeast in her system.

The other idea (after seeing your Dr. ASAP!) - when my daughter had diaper rash, I was told to use A & D ointment to promote healing of the skin, and over that to use some Balmex (to create a barrier - I think it has more zinc than Desitin). I generally use only the A & D on my daughter (who is also 2 1/2 and not potty trained), but if she starts to develop a little rash, we use both the A & D and the Balmex and the rash goes away pretty quickly. When she was a baby and had diaper rash, I only used cotton balls dipped in warm water to wipe her, the wipes gave her a problem.

Good Luck!
Warmly,
E.

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C.H.

answers from Boston on

she def sounds like she has a yeast infection, my 2 yr had it a few time, call your doc and ask him for some nystatin (pretty sure thats the name) it will be cleared up in no time!

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