Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Treatments?

Most diaper rashes respond well to home treatments and require no medical care. If your baby's rash fails to improve after three or four days, see a pediatrician. The rash should be diagnosed to rule out the presence of a more serious infection.

For an ordinary rash, the doctor may recommend an over-the-counter ointment containing zinc oxide to protect the skin. If your child has developed a bacterial infection, a topical or oral antibiotic may be prescribed. For thrush, your pediatrician will prescribe an antifungal cream for the rash and possibly an oral antifungal liquid to clear up patches of thrush in your baby's mouth.

For diaper rashes involving seborrheic dermatitis or eczema, doctors sometimes prescribe hydrocortisone cream. Over-the-counter antifungal and hydrocortisone creams are also available. However, you should check with your child's pediatrician before using them instead of prescription creams.

How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash?

You can't prevent diaper rash, but you can limit its duration or severity by keeping your baby dry and clean and by changing the baby's diaper as soon as it becomes soiled. Wash cloth diapers in hot water, use bleach or vinegar in the rinse water, and add extra rinse cycles to help kill bacteria and remove traces of soap. If the entire diaper area is red and irritated, the child may be allergic to your detergent. Try another brand to see if the rash clears. The best preventive measure is to let your baby go without diapers as much as possible.