Diaper Rash Turned to Yeast Infection

Hello J.,

Although my daughter has never had a yeast infection, she's had terrible diaper rashes before. My cousin recommended Dr. Smith's diaper rash cream. She used it with her daughter (she had a diaper rash so bad that it was almost like an open sore- oozing and a little bleeding). Anyway, she told me to really put ALOT of it on (she compared it to putting it on as thick as icing on a cake). Within just a few days the diaper rash was gone...I couldn't believe it!

Also, using soft, baby wash cloths might be a little more gentle. Not sure what soap you are using, but I would make sure it is fragrance free (or maybe skip using the soap for now and just use several clean wash cloths and water during each diaper change). In addition, letting things "air out" also helps. I used to lay my daughter on the floor under a few towels and let her "air out" with no diaper on for at least 10 minutes after each diaper change.

Hope this info helps!

J.,

I have a granddaughter that had an awful time with yeast infections. She is 4 now, and had the Nystatin a few times. Each time she had to use it, it seemed to hurt for the first few days, but eventually it did clear up. A couple things we found helpful - use washrags and you may need to change the brand of diaper. When my girls were little I had one that could only be in cloth diapers. Also Desitin did not help her diaper rash but A&D ointment always did.

Good luck!

N.

My son had a horrible rash (diaper only) for months and we got nystatin then nystatin with steriods in it. Nothing seemed to work. I only use water when i wash him (always have, never used wipes) I buy the cosmetic cotton pads and use those with water and i bought some cheap wash cloths (12 @ walmart for like 3 or 4 bucks) and wipe him to make sure he's dry everytime. Then the rash came. It finally had to be cleared up with oral meds for a yeast infection and that was almost a year ago and it has been clear every since. Good luck, but no I did not notice any reactions to the cream being put on, it could just be that he's hurting and reacting to that in itself. You could inquire about the nystatin with steriods, but may need the oral just to get it over with.

Sounds like you found the answer to your dilemma, but I wanted to respond to the question about Nystatin in case there are other moms wondering about it. I am a nurse, and I use it on patients all the time. It treats fungal infections/yeast. It sometimes comes in the form of a powder (usually that's used in the groin area or under breasts). It can also come in the form of a mouth swish and swallow for yeast that may develop on the tongue. It is very effective, and I've never seen it cause more of a problem.

I have 2 daughters with immune issues and they get yeast often in their mouth and in the diaper area. My doctor told me to use lotrimin (antifungal cream used for athletes foot). I know it sounds odd but in works in the diaper area. I have also used diflucan to get rid of the yeast with the girls as well which is an oral medication. I did use the lotrimin with my boys as well when they had yeast in the diaper area as well.

good luck!!

My 2nd son has trouble with yeast infections in the diaper area. He will be 3 in Oct., and he's been getting them on and off since he was an infant. I know it's hard to deal with, because it hurts them so badly, and that's hard for a mom to see and not know how to stop it. Our routine became this: I use baby wipes, but rinse them out well first with warm water. It's softer than paper towels, but gets off the stuff that burns. Let him air out, then put the nystatin cream on, then cover the whole area with corn starch. When I do a diaper change, and it's not time for the nystatin, I use A&D. It doesn't make the rash go away, but it protects the skin from the acid next time he has a bm, and clean up is much more painless. Just to keep him good and dry, I'd always apply the corn starch before bed when these problems flare up. Once he was 2, he'd tell me "need stach!" It seems odd the cream isn't working by day 5, but I'd guess you need to air him out more.
HTH- B.