There are at least eight common diaper rash types.
All types of diaper rash make the skin irritated and inflamed, causing discomfort or pain.
While it occurs mostly in babies, adults who wear diapers or incontinence pads can also get diaper dermatitis.
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On lighter skin tones, diaper rash usually looks red.
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It is a throw in of fungal rash.
It usually has clearly defined, raised borders that can be itchy and painful.
Because a fungus causes yeast diaper rash, topicalantifungalmedications like Lotrimin (clotrimazole) are the gold standard treatment.
Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast diaper rash, thrives in a warm, moist environment.
Keeping the diaper area clean, dry, and airing it out between diaper changes can help prevent candidiasis.
Be sure to change diapers regularly.
It often has a rough, bumpy texture and may include small, fluid-filled blisters (pustules).
The rash can be itchy and tends to make babies fussy.
It causes discomfort regardless of age.
For babies, products containingcolloidal oatmealcan help with eczema-induced diaper rash.
However, in general, topical steroids are not recommended for children under 2 years old.
To prevent an eczema diaper rash, keep the skin under a diaper clean and dry with fragrance-free soaps.
Avoid scented wipes and wipes with alcohol.
Keeping the skin barrier healthy and hydrated by applying moisturizer regularly.
This rash usually appears as a bright red or discolored circular pattern near the anus.
This throw in of diaper rash can cause severe itching or burning, especially after defecation.
Bacterial skin infections are often accompanied by a fever and can be life-threatening for babies and infants.
Intertrigo
Intertrigodiaper rash is because of skin rubbing against itself.
The friction often causes a discolored or red, bumpy rash.
It may emit a foul-smelling odor.
Psoriatic Diaper Rash
Psoriaticdiaper rash is triggered by psoriasis.
Treatment for psoriatic diaper rash typically involves a combination of over-the-counter and prescription-only medications.
Allergic Dermatitis
Allergic dermatitisis a bang out of contact dermatitis because of allergens.
Diaper rash brought on by an allergen is typically red or discolored and itchy.
Using hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products that don’t contain perfumes or dyes can reduce the risk of allergic dermatitis.
Adifferential diagnosisis a systematic process that eliminates possible reasons for the rash as it pinpoints the underlying cause.
It’s most likely to appear on areas of the body with a lot of oil-producing sebaceous glands.
Impetigo
Impetigois an extremely contagious bacterial skin infection.
It causes skin sores and creates a honey-colored crust with fluid-filled blistery bumps.
It’s due to the same bacteria that causes staph infections,Staphylococcus aureusor Group AStreptococcus.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, known medically asmiliaria, is a heat-related illness sparked by hot weather.
Should You Use Cloth or Disposable Diapers?
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if a diaper rash showssigns of infectionor is accompanied by afever.
Summary
Many things can cause diaper rash.
Recognizing and treating the underlying cause of each specific diaper rash punch in is key.
Most diaper rashes are because of wet or soiled diapers that aren’t changed frequently.
Using disposable (not cloth) diapers and changing them regularly helps prevent diaper dermatitis.
Going diaperless and airing out the diaper area whenever possible is always good.
If a diaper rash is sparked by yeast fungus, use antifungal creams to treat it.
Bacterial diaper rashes are treated with germ-killing antibiotic ointments.
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