Natick Pediatrics, PC

Dear Dr. Lindeman,
My daughter has a nasty red rash on her bum. How should I treat it? How can I avoid it in the future?

First, let me assure you that diaper rashes are extremely common and occur in most children. They are caused by prolonged skin contact with moisture, bacteria, and ammonia (in urine).

Yeast infections appear bright red, raw, and are surrounded by red dots. These infections need to be treated with special creams (see below)

Treated properly, most diaper rashes disappear within 3 days. If not, a yeast infection may be the cause.

Home Treatment

Change diapers often: Moisture is the enemy. Frequent changes keep the skin dry and minimize time exposed to irritants.
Air dry: Yeast hates exposure to the light of day. To the extent that you can accept the risk of soiling your home, you should air dry your child's bottom at least three times per day.
Creams: Waterproofing is key. It is often helpful to use one layer of a soothing ointment such as A&D covered by one of the "white" ointments such as Balmex or Desitin. If the doctor suggests an anti-yeast (anti-fungal) cream, this should be the layer closest to the skin.
Avoid talcum powder: There is a small, but measurable risk of a baby inhaling the powder and developing pneumonia.
Yeast infections: If the rash appears "yeasty" (see above), the bottom layer of cream should be an anti-yeast (anti-fungal) cream such as Lotrimin, Micatin, or Tinactin. These are available over the counter. You should apply them at least three times per day. Alternatively, the doctor may suggest a prescription-strength medicine. Most of the time, however, the prescription cream is no more effective than the over-the-counter cream.

Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if

Your child develops large blisters or open sores in the diaper region
Your child's face becomes bright red and painful to touch
Your child begins acting very sick

Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if

The rash hasn't improved in 3 days
The rash develops any of the following: pimples, blisters, sores, crusts, hard areas, or if it bleeds.
You have other concerns or questions.

Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Updated: 10/17/02

Dear Dr. Lindeman,
My daughter has a nasty red rash on her bum. How should I treat it? How can I avoid it in the future?

First, let me assure you that diaper rashes are extremely common and occur in most children. They are caused by prolonged skin contact with moisture, bacteria, and ammonia (in urine).

Yeast infections appear bright red, raw, and are surrounded by red dots. These infections need to be treated with special creams (see below)

Treated properly, most diaper rashes disappear within 3 days. If not, a yeast infection may be the cause.

Home Treatment

Change diapers often: Moisture is the enemy. Frequent changes keep the skin dry and minimize time exposed to irritants.
Air dry: Yeast hates exposure to the light of day. To the extent that you can accept the risk of soiling your home, you should air dry your child's bottom at least three times per day.
Creams: Waterproofing is key. It is often helpful to use one layer of a soothing ointment such as A&D covered by one of the "white" ointments such as Balmex or Desitin. If the doctor suggests an anti-yeast (anti-fungal) cream, this should be the layer closest to the skin.
Avoid talcum powder: There is a small, but measurable risk of a baby inhaling the powder and developing pneumonia.
Yeast infections: If the rash appears "yeasty" (see above), the bottom layer of cream should be an anti-yeast (anti-fungal) cream such as Lotrimin, Micatin, or Tinactin. These are available over the counter. You should apply them at least three times per day. Alternatively, the doctor may suggest a prescription-strength medicine. Most of the time, however, the prescription cream is no more effective than the over-the-counter cream.

Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if

Your child develops large blisters or open sores in the diaper region
Your child's face becomes bright red and painful to touch
Your child begins acting very sick

Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if

The rash hasn't improved in 3 days
The rash develops any of the following: pimples, blisters, sores, crusts, hard areas, or if it bleeds.
You have other concerns or questions.

Natick Pediatrics, PC
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Updated: 10/17/02