What Causes Bacterial Diaper Rash?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Bacteria (staph and strep) and yeast/fungal (Candida)

are common causes of . Generally, both of these types of infections tend to result from a disruption of skin integrity and overwhelming the natural defense mechanisms of skin in this diaper region.

How do you know if diaper rash is bacterial?

  1. blisters on the diaper area.
  2. fever.
  3. redness.
  4. swelling of the area.
  5. pus or discharge that drains from the diaper area.
  6. rash will not go away after treatment or starts to worsen.

How do you treat bacterial diaper rash?

  1. A mild hydrocortisone (steroid) cream.
  2. An antifungal cream, if your baby has a fungal infection.
  3. Topical or oral antibiotics, if your baby has a bacterial infection.

How do I know if my diaper rash is fungal or bacterial?

There are no significant differences in the signs and symptoms of yeast infections and diaper rash; however, diaper rash caused by yeast is reddish and macerated skin that is

painful

when touched or rubbed against the diaper, and may extend past the diaper and include the genitals.

What causes staph diaper rash?

It tends to begin with a

single staphylococcal skin infection

, often in a baby's diaper area, in which bacteria produce a toxin that reddens and damages the skin.

Are baths good for diaper rash?

Some babies may have discomfort from simply being in

bath water

when skin is very irritated or broken down. An oatmeal powder, made for or skin irritation, in the bath water can help soothe the irritation and make bath time more enjoyable.

What is the best ointment for severe diaper rash?

  • Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment. …
  • Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment. …
  • Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash. …
  • Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama. …
  • Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream. …
  • Boudreaux's Butt Paste. …
  • Desitin Daily Defense Baby Diaper Rash Cream.

What cures diaper rash fast?

Try a squirt bottle to wash the area well, without rubbing sore skin. Let your baby go diaper-free as much as you can.

Airing out the diaper zone

helps their skin heal faster. To avoid a mess, do it right after a bowel movement.

What does a yeast infection diaper rash look like?

The rash may look red and inflamed, and it may include

white, fluid filled blisters or swollen spots with a white, scaly outer layer

. Sometimes, a child gets a yeast infection following severe diaper rash that cracks open and bleeds. Applying a diaper rash cream can help treat some yeast infection rashes.

What does fungal nappy rash look like?

Fungal nappy rash symptoms


Severe, bright red elevated patches with fine peripheral scale in the nappy region

, especially in the skin folds around the groin and tops of the thighs. Vesicles (small, raised cysts or fluid-filled blisters) and pustules around the rash.

How long does it take for yeast diaper rash to clear up?

How long will it take to recover? Most diaper rashes should improve after

two to three days

of treatment. However, yeast infections can take several weeks to heal since the yeast is a living organism that needs to be killed. You'll know your baby has recovered once the rash has disappeared and the skin is healed.

How long do diaper rashes last?

Diaper rash usually goes away within

2 to 3 days

with home care, although it can last longer.

What are the signs of a yeast infection in toddlers?

Toddler (1 to 3 years*) yeast infection

In infants, Candida can cause what is commonly called a “diaper rash,” which results in a

red and itchy rash in the area covered by a diaper

. This infection can also create a rash in the armpit, mouth and neck .

Can diaper rash turn into staph?

Two types of infections may occur independently or be a complication of a contact diaper rash. Staph and strep bacterial skin infections may be associated with pustules or tiny blisters. A Candida yeast infection may also develop in the diaper region and around the anal area.

What does the beginning of a staph infection look like?

The infection often begins with a little cut, which gets infected with bacteria. This can look like

honey-yellow crusting on the skin

. These staph infections range from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections to flesh-eating infections.

When should I be concerned about diaper rash?

Diaper Rash: When to Call the Doctor

If your

child has open sores

, raised red bumps, or blisters in the diaper area. If the skin is oozing or bleeding. If the rash spreads beyond the diaper area to the arms or face. If your baby develops a fever, which can indicate an infection.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.