When Should I Be Concerned About Diaper Rash?

If your baby's bottom is covered in patches of bright red skin

, chances are it's diaper rash. Usually, diaper rash is mild and you can treat at home. But when it's something more serious – such as a bacterial or yeast infection – you should talk to your baby's doctor.

When should you go to the doctor for a 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.

How do I know if my baby's rash is serious?

Many rashes are harmless, but a rash on your baby's skin might indicate a serious condition that

requires medical treatment

. You should take your child to the doctor if they have a rash and persistent high temperature, cold or cough symptoms, or swollen neck glands.

How do you treat severe diaper rash?

1. Applying ointment, paste, cream or lotion. Various diaper rash medications are available without a prescription. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific recommendations. …
2. Bathing daily. Until the rash clears up, give your baby a bath each day.

Why is my diaper rash getting worse?

Your baby's skin could

be irritated due to perfumes, soaps, or dyes in diapers

. Baby might also be allergic to clothing, baby wipes, or baby washes. If you've recently switched brands or tried a new product and notice your baby's skin is irritated, your baby may be experiencing an allergic reaction.

Are baths good for diaper rash?

Bathing daily.

Until the rash clears up, give your baby a bath each day. Use

warm water with mild, fragrance-free soap

.

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 does an allergic rash look like on a baby?

So what does an allergy rash look like on a baby? A baby allergy rash can manifest in different ways, but the two most common signs are

hives and eczema

. As mentioned above, hives usually show up as pink blotchy welts, while eczema appears as red, dry, flaky patches. Both rashes are itchy.

How can you tell if a rash is serious?

1. The rash is all over your body. …
2. You have a fever with the rash. …
3. The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly. …
4. The rash begins to blister. …
5. The rash is painful. …
6. The rash is infected.

What does the start of a meningitis rash look like?

In babies and adults, a meningitis rash may look like the following:

tiny red, pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks (petechiae) on the skin

.

purple bruise-like marks

.

blotchy-appearing areas of skin

.

Is Vaseline good for diaper rash?

Vaseline Jelly Baby helps to treat and prevent dry, chafed skin

from diaper rash by locking in moisture. Vaseline for baby also creates a protective barrier to help prevent friction between diapers and your baby's skin, which can help solve the problem of diaper rash before it occurs.

What gets rid of a rash overnight?

1. Cold compress. One of the fastest and easiest ways to stop the pain and itch of a rash is to apply cold. …
2. Oatmeal bath. …
3. Aloe vera (fresh) …
4. Coconut oil. …
5. Tea tree oil. …
6. Baking soda. …
7. Indigo naturalis. …
8. Apple cider vinegar.

How do you treat an open sore on a baby's bottom?

Soak your baby's bottom in a combination of warm water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda 3 times a day. Apply an

over-the-counter antifungal ointment

like Lotrimin (with your pediatrician's OK) to the rash if it's yeast related.

How long is too long for diaper rash?

If a diaper rash symptoms persist for longer than

4 to 7 days

despite home diaper rash treatment, you should consult with a doctor to treat diaper rash. Most types of diaper rashes will clear before 3 days or should look like they are improving. Persistent or quickly worsening rashes might require medical intervention.

Why won't my babies yeast infection go away?

Infection

.

Diaper rashes

that won't go away are often the result of a yeast infection. Your baby's diaper is a warm, moist area that naturally attracts yeast that can lead to infection. The fungus Candida albicans (the medical term for yeast) is a common culprit for causing diaper rash.

What foods can cause severe diaper rash?

• Citruses. Acidic foods can be a major culprit if your baby is suffering from diaper rash. …
• Tomatoes. While they don't have the same acidic taste of citruses, tomatoes are acidic as well—avoid these and tomato-based sauces.
• Strawberries. …
• Prunes and plums. …
• Dairy products. …
• Proteins.