How to handle diaper rashes on girl infant that come and go?

Updated on November 16, 2008
D.B. asks from Greenville, TX
48 answers

My 17 month old girl has some sort of a rash in her diaper area. It goes all the way from the front all the way up to the top of her crack in the back. I've been putting desitin on it and making sure I change her diaper when she needs it, but it's not going away. By now, a normal diaper rash would have gone away (on her) She had it about a month ago, and it went mostly away, except a little patch at the top of her crack in the back. Neither of my children have been prone to bad or frequent diaper rashes before, so I'm wondering if there is something else it could be and if I should be concerned enough to take her to her pediatrician, or if there is something I can do here at home to clear it up better. The rash seems to be raised somewhat and doesn't appear the way most of the diaper rashes I'm used to have been.

Thanks in advance.

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Summary

Most moms uses Densitin, and if it didn't work, take your child to the pediatrician as it could be yeast infection.

So What Happened?

Thanks for all the responses. I've been giving her yogurt (with the acidophilus cultures) and it seems to be helping. I think it's probably a yeast infection. And if she's not better by Monday we'll be taking her to the pediatrician to see where to go from there.

Featured Answers

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I would take her to the pediatrician.
If it is diaper rash, there is something called Triple Paste which I found at Walgreens for about $10 that works REALLY well.
If you are using disposables you might try cloth diapers.

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S.E.

answers from Dallas on

It could be from juices, such as apple juice or orange juice. My youngest one did that and come to find out it was all the apple juice I was giving him. Try less jucice or watering it down if she is drinking it

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A.D.

answers from Dallas on

Dr.Smiths has worked wonderful the 2 times my 15 month old has had a rash...gone the next day. And once she had a yeast infection and the Lotrimin worked great as well!

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A.W.

answers from Dallas on

My sons both had sever diaper rash and one still gets it. if it's not really really bad I put Vaseline on it and try to keep the area dry. If it's bad I use Arbonne Baby diaper rash stuff. It's the only thing I've found that can clear it up in 1 day and it doesn't hurt the area. Best of luck. I know it's tough.

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J.P.

answers from Dallas on

It could be a yeast infection- try a little of the Monistat cream in that area, and if it gets better, then you know- A doctor will prescribe Nystatin, and that always takes care of it for my daughter! Hope this helps

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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

here's what i'd do:
1) remove sugary foods from my baby's diet
2) be sure to wash your hands well after each change
3) apply fresh egg white to the clean & dry rash and put on a clean diaper; try this for a day & see if it resolves; if not...
4) use Burt's Bees diaper cream -- it seems every mom has a favorite, and this one is our go-to-cream-that-works-every-time (unless you're dealing w/ yeast...)
5) if after a day or so you see no improvement, i second the jock itch cream/cortisone combo (equal parts of each; after each change the first day or so, then at least 3x day for a few more days; use a disposable applicator (i.e. q-tips or tissue); (this is what a ped told me when i took in my firstborn for a stubborn rash a couple of years ago)
4) if it still has not resolved after several days, see a ped. for a prescription or other diagnosis

HTH!!

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E.R.

answers from Dallas on

It could be egzema, we just had that with our 15 mo son. I thought it was a diaper rash but since desitin wasnt helping after 2 weeks I just took him in. You can try not wiping her, just use a little spray bottle with water and dry her off with a towel and then put hydrocortizone (Im sure i didnt spell that right) on the rash and if it is egzema it should go away after a couple of days. Hope this helps! Good luck!

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

You've received tons of advice but thought I would add mine anyway. I always use Desitin in the purple box and it works like a charm. When it didn't take care of my daughters rash, the Dr. told me she had a yeast rash. She told me to use any vaginal yeast cream. I used the generic monestat. I was told to put a thin layer on it and then diaper cream on top. It was gone within a day or two.

One other thing. My son was VERY allergic to Pampers and when I switched to Huggies we didn't have any problems. We also used the Members Mark diapers from Sams and they worked great, too.

Good luck. I know how tough it is to see your baby in pain.

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N.S.

answers from Abilene on

This could be a form of yeast infection. My daughter used to get it and I would have to get a cream for it from the doctor. Now there are over the counter meds for yeast infections that you could try.

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F.C.

answers from Tyler on

My son developed allergies to the diaper itself, so I was treating what I thought was diaper rash and it never got any better. I ended up switching brands of diapers until it went away - a little pricey for experimentation, but it worked. Maybe this is the issue with your little girl.

Frances

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A.M.

answers from Wichita Falls on

She might be allergic to the diapers. My first child was severely allergic to pampers.

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

It could be a yeast infection. Have her Dr check it out to be sure. There is a perscription strength topical cream if it is yeast.

If she's been eating or drinking a lot of juices, sugary fruits, etc it can make it worse as this is what feeds the yeast (candida). If she drinks juices, try switching her to water and limit fruits in favor of vegetables. Probiotics for children may help too.

K.

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K.J.

answers from Dallas on

Could they be allergic to the diapers? Both of my kids ending up being allergic to Huggies and it manifested itself as a "rash" that went all the way around the waist.

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M.R.

answers from Dallas on

Try a jock itch or vagina yeast cream. Mix neosporin with cortisone and jock itch cream equal parts and use that instead of desitine. It should work in two days if not see Dr.

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E.B.

answers from Dallas on

The last time my daughter had a really bad diaper rash, desitin didnt help and I think it was irritating it worse. I decided to use what they had given me in the hospital after she was born to help heal. It's called Dermoplast and it is an aerosol spay. I went to the pharmacist and asked him what he thought of using it on diaper rash for a 20 month old and he said it would work well and it has lidocaine in it and it would take the pain away quickly. So, I would give it a try if I were you, it worked really well. I hope your sweet baby is feeling better soon.

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

try boudreaux's butt paste found at wal-mart in the vaseline area. could be she's allergic to her diapers... or soap you are using to bath her...

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T.D.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter gets really bad rashes that blister, there is something in her poop that causes this to happen every once in a while. I use Burt's Bees diaper rash cream and it goes away within a day most of the time. I've also used the Dr. Smith diaper rash cream and it works really well too.
A friend of mine told me to try putting liquid maalox or an antacid in her diaper because it has something to do with acid. I haven't tried that yet because it kind of sounded weird but she swore by it.
If you're real concerned though you may just call the pediatrician and let them know what is going on. They would know best what to do.

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S.J.

answers from Dallas on

Dr. Smith's ointment (Walgreens) + sensitive wipes = no more rash EVER. trust me! it works overnight anytime i see the slightest redness coming on.

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L.P.

answers from Amarillo on

Balmex Creamy do not get the clear and cut out any juice, fruit or food the is acidic. Look on internet you will be surprised which ones are that you may not think have high acid. After it is cleared up re introduce any foods you used to give regularly one at a time and at least 4 days apart. If any redness at all shows up with one cut it out completely. My 3 year old can not have citrus at all or it breaks his bottom out terriable but other acidic foods do not bother him. It is the way his body processes it makes the natural acid stronger and when he goes to the bathroom it is instant burn like you left a diaper on for 2 days. Balmex creamy is the only thing that would get rid of it. We use it any any rash and bug bites and they heal overnight. Good lUck

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E.M.

answers from Dallas on

More than likely it's a yeast infection. It won't go away without medication. Try changing her diaper too. My kids went through Luvs, Pampers,Huggies then the one that ended up working was the Walmart brand. After I switched them to those diapers they stopped having yeast infections all together. If it's bright red with little bumps all in it and hasn't gone away its more than likely a yeast infection.

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D.A.

answers from Dallas on

Have you checked to see if it's a yeast infection? Our daughters had that and it looked like a diaper rash.

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S.A.

answers from Dallas on

Sounds like a yeast infection our doctor said to try lotrimin with petroleum jelly over it,to keep the diaper from rubbing it off. When that didn't work they said to try cortizone cream and baths with baking soda in it.It worked! Good luck!

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi D.!

It may be a yeast infection or an allergy to her diapers. It may be as simple as changing brands of diapers. A way to tell them apart is that with yeast infections the rash is typically bright red and is often caused by dampness. If it is a yeast infection, by giving her probiotics orally or applying acidophilus or plain yogurt to that area it will help it go away. If you want to have her tested easily, I use Applied Kinesiology in my office to determine what is causing the condition. Once we know what it is for sure, I prescribe the correct nutrition and use a cold level laser to help heal it more quickly. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to email me or call me at ###-###-####. I have locations in Plano and Mesquite. Thank you! Dr. Sandra S.

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L.G.

answers from Dallas on

My girl had staph plus diaper rash. My doctor did a test for it. Oh yeah, My daughter was extremely allergic to Huggies. The gel in the diaper created instant rash.

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S.R.

answers from Dallas on

Hi D.:

My daughter had a very angry rash that was brought on by the acidity in tomatoes/tomato sause. Her system wasn't used to it yet. The BEST thing I have ever used is called Bag Balm...it's originally to be used to protect milking cow's udders in harsh conditions...someone tried it on diaper rash years ago and a star was born. It's incredible, her rash was gone in two days, the angry redness gone the next morning! I've used this on both my kids and I hear other people talking about this as well. It's great for a number of skin conditions, but it's really great on diaper rash. You hear about this from other Moms passing the idea around...they really should market this because it works so well.

You can get it at Wal-mart...or farm stores or maybe pet supply...don't be put off because it's in the pet department, in a square green can...it's an ointment type product and it's thick and stays on the baby bottom...just slather it on, and it works like a charm!

Good luck,
S.

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R.S.

answers from Abilene on

Have you maybe thought about changing the brand of diaper you are using? I had to do that with my second one... Good luck!

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

Take her to the Dr. Girls are more prone to yeast infections which if untreated could turn to staff. If she has been on an antibiotic recently it is most likely a yeast infection. I recommend going to Whole foods and getting baby acedolpholis (sp) to add to yougert for any time she is on antibiotics. Same for all women who take them. Good luck.

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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

I would also recommend Triple Paste. My brother-in-law, who is a pediatric nurse, suggested it to me when my little boy had a bad diaper rash. He said it is the ointment they use on babies at the hospital where he works. It has done a great job for my little boy every time! Just be sure the area is dry before you apply it...

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,

Sounds like a yeast rash. My Dr. told me to use Lotriman (over the counter - found in the foot cream area - as it can also be used for athletes foot). I would put the Lotrimen on my daughter. Let it dry for a few minutes and then put regular Diaper Rash ointment over that. It should clear it up in a few days.

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A.C.

answers from Dallas on

Just call the nurse in the doc's office. Mine just called something in for my daughter when something similar happened to us. It was a yeast infection- the cream she called in worked wonders and my daughter was healed quickly. Babies yeast infection IS NOT the same kind that we women get- DO NOT use over the counter meds for adult women unless your child's doctor tells you too. I know my daughter's doctor had something completly different and by prescription only for her.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

My son has the same rash. It will stay for weeks. I use Butt Paste. It is awesome. My babysitter also told me to use corn starch. Once he starts to come down with a diaper rash I put a little less than a teaspoon and it clears it right up. I hope this helps

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K.H.

answers from Dallas on

Hi D.,
Try cortizone cream it's great for diaper rash & sunburns
If that doesn't help try bathing her is sea salt water.
Just put a tbls. or so in her bath of course don't get it in her eyes but it will make her skin so soft and help any rash. My grandson has eczema really bad but with the sea salt it rarely ever flares up. Hope this helps.
God Bless you & your family.

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K.J.

answers from Dallas on

D., When I was a baby I had diaper rashes ALL the time and the dr said that it was because I had to acid of urine. Have you considered giving your daughter cranberry juice it helps to break down the acid and also if you use budros buttpaste since it's almost full strenght zinc to protect her skin. Good luck and if she doesn't like the bitterness of full cranberry try it as a mixure with any other juice.

K.

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

It sounds like your daughter has a yeast infection on the skin. You can use vaginal cream on the area instead of desitin. BUT DO NOT put anything in her vagina. Use it topically only. The generic one at walmart labeled Ticonozole is an ointment and the best one for yeast that I have found or used that isn't prescription. You can also use lotrimin. You can also use miconozole foot powder to dust her little tushy and it won't hurt anything down there and may keep her drier. I would also check her mouth and gums for white patches or really reddened areas. If she has those she will need something for yeast of the mouth or thrush. You can use Gentian violet found at drugstores like walgreens. It can be used both places, tushy and mouth. But it stains everything horribley and you can't get it out. BUt it is non-prescription and an old time remedy. For thrush you will likely have to take her to the doctor for nystatin RX for her mouth.
FYI, I am an RN for the last 15 years. May not know everything but feel confident that these recommendations will help her rash. If not then a visit to the doctor is in order.
Good luck,
L.

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

Check with your doctor before you put hydrocortisone in the diaper area. It thins the skin and may not be a good idea at this age.

Just a thought, my 21 month old gets a bright red rash every time she drinks apple juice. It's weird because it doesn't happen with any other juice. She drinks orange and white grape all the time. She can eat apples and applesauce with no problem. It's just apple juice, and I always dilute it. Is she eating or drinking anything new?

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

It could be a yeast infection but if you are wanting an ointment that works great get Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I know the name is very different but it works. Two of my sister in law are the ones that told me about it cause it was the only think that worked on her daughters diaper rash (And they where BAD!!!) So I tired it with my son and it works wonders. It's even good for more stuff than just rashes.

Good luck! I know it's hard when you little one is hurting!

M.A.

answers from Dallas on

D.,

I know you've got a lot of responses but I figured I'd add mine anyways.

I have a skin care, health and wellness company.

We have an excellent baby line that is botanically based, hypoallergenic, dermatologist and peditrician tested, does not contain mineral oil, contains no dyes or fragrances, no animal products or by-products, never tested on animals and also is great for eczema and severely dry skin.

In that line we have a diaper rash cream. This cream is good for not only diaper rash but also bug bites, hives, anything that itches.

I've used these products on my daughter and also the wash and lotion on myself. I absolutely love them.

Please let me know if you'd like further information.

Take care and God bless!

M.

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

Sounds like a yeast infection. Call your pediatrician.

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L.K.

answers from Dallas on

I would go with Nurse Laura's advice...but I will throw out one other remote option that actually happened to me when my daughter was 3 months old. I was getting ready to go back to work and checking out some day-care options. I left her for 2 afternoons at one place, only to receive a call that Friday saying she had been exposed to scabies! The child who had it, had what they thought was diaper rash, but upon closer investigation when all the remedies did not work, they discovered it was these tiny burrowing bugs. Because they had changed my daughter's diaper on the same changing table, I truly freaked! However, scabies is transmitted by close, skin-to-skin contact, most often in the creases and folds of the skin and luckily she never did get them. But it left me on pins and needles for 6 weeks, as it can take that long to truly manifest. Yuck! I share this with you only because it was so weird and random and is one of those crazy things that you remember forever. I'm sure your daughter just has yeast :-)

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C.L.

answers from Dallas on

I had great success with Aquaphor.

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Desitin contains a lot of chemicals, as do other diaper creams. I suggest you keep her diaperless as much as possible to get air. Next, apply coconut oil (can be purchased in the cooking oils section at grocery stores like Market Street, Central Market, or Whole Foods). It is all-natural and has amazing properties like being anti-bacterial and works as an antiseptic!

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

Try Butt Paste. You can get it at Target. There are some healing properties that aren't in other diaper rash medicines.

It sounds like she might be having an allergic reaction to something and its showing up when she poops or pees its out. A trip to the doctor can never hurt.

Good luck!

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T.B.

answers from Dallas on

I use Dr. Smith's ointment. I dont use anything else. It works for my son's diaper rash. Good luck.

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A.T.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter is almost 2 and I also have 2 older kids that were never prone to rashes like this. After several breakouts (to the point it looked blistered and would blead) the doctor told me it was a yeast infection and gave me a prescription. That helped a lot!! I tried the desitin and all the name brand stuff and none of it worked.....I thought I'd try the Kroger brand just to see and it is the best thing I did!! It helps keep the rashes to a minimum.
Good luck and let me know what you find out!!!
Have a great day!!!

A.

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L.J.

answers from Dallas on

When my daughter has a bad diaper rash I us Dr. Smiths ointment. It clears it up fast. You can get it at Walgreens and sometimes Walmart might have it. It works really good. I used to use Desitin, but it doesn't work very well anymore.

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L.H.

answers from Dallas on

D.,
Try using Aquphor or Dr. Smith's. It also might be a yeast infection.
L.

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C.H.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter has the same problem. I have been using triple paste and I put it heavy on her each diaper change, and it helped big time. I also had switched diaper brands and had to go back to the old brand that I was using and that also seemed to have helped. I now use luvs all of the time and she rarely has any problems. I was using target's brand and I think it was contributing to the rash. Good Luck! Triple paste is awesome.

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A.P.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried using an antifungal creme? It may be a yeast infection. If it is the antifungal creme 2x a day will make it go away within a day but you have to keep using it for a week or so.

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