Diaper Rash Health Channel

Definition

Irritant-induced diaper dermatitis is a diaper rash caused by chemical irritants instead of bacterial or yeast (candida) infection.

Alternative Names

Irritant-induced diaper dermatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Substances that cause diaper rash include ammonia (produced when bacteria break down the urea in urine), acids in the stool (seen more often when the child has diarrhea), as well as soaps and other laundry products used to wash cloth diapers.

Symptoms

Red, irritated rash in the diaper area. The rash does not go past the edge of the diaper.

Treatment

Keeping the diaper area clean and dry is the best treatment for irritant dermatitis. The more time the baby can be kept out of diapers, the better. Your doctor may suggest a barrier cream, such as a zinc oxide based product.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if the rash worsens or there are sores on the skin.