Bad Diaper Rash That Will Not Go Away

Hi S. it's been a while since we've had diapers in the house but I sware by corn starch, I always used a wash cloth without soap , then let it air dry then corn starch. I know he's only 11 mths but the more air the better.
from a full time working mom of 2 (2 and 5 year girls)

Mix equal parts Lotrimin, 1% hydrocortisone and a really thick diaper rash creme like Desitin - I think there's something out there that's thicker than that. It comes in a "can" instead of a tube.

Anyway, mix these all equally (like 1 teaspoon of each, 1 tablespoon of each, whatever) and put this on the poor little guy. My daughter has diaper rash so bad from antibiotics once; my doctor prescribed me something that didnt' work at all. I asked my coworker moms, and they all swore by this recipe, and now I do too! The lotrimin is an anti-fungal and the hydrocortisone is anti-itch, so it should be very soothing. If you get a chance, please let me know how it went. my email is ____@____.com luck!

I am a single mother of one, he had a diaper rash really bad when he was a baby and I tried everything. The one thing that I did find that worked was Crisco (the white paste, not the liquid lol). It worked great...better than anything the doctor could have given me, which is why he recommended the Crisco.

Hope that helps

What kind of cream did the doctor give you? I would stop it and go get some MONOSTAT yeast infection cream. Works wonders.
S.

My two oldest would always get really bad rashes. I used to use regular corn starch on them. It seemed to help keep their bottoms drier than using baby powder or creams. I can remember putting it on them at bedtime and by morning they looked at least 50% better.

I first have to say, I am surprised your doc said to start him on cows milk so soon. We were always warned never prior to 1 year old, because it can cause dairy allergies. I wonder if it has something to do with that? I don't know! But for the rash, I mentioned on here for someone else asking for advice about a diaper rash..look for this ointment called Calendula. My fist daughter never got diaper rashes, until she got sick at almost 2, and had nonstop diarrhea, and developed an aweful rash that left her screaming and crying. Nothing worked. Someone else advised me to try Calendula, which I found in the health/organic section of the grocery store, it is made from a plant. I was SO amazed when I tried it. I put it on her before bed, and the rash was gone by morning. That thing worked miracles! But, my second daughter seemed to always get rashes, and I tried it on her and did nothing. But I think I figured out she has some reactions to the baby wipes. Once I stopped using the brand we had, it eased up a lot. And for some reason, baby powder is the only thing that will help her when she gets a rash. Hope some of this helps...I know how aweful it is to see your baby so uncomfortable. Oh yeah, and my mom had the same issues with me when I was a baby...yeast infections that would not go away, and she discovered that it was my eating yogurt that caused it. Along with motherhood...we must be detectives!
K.

Hi there, I'm K.. I'm so sorry to hear about little Nicholas. My son is now 2.5 and pretty much potty trained so thank goodness we're not having the diaper rash issues anymore, but we sure did for a long time. If the doc says that it is a yeast infection, ask for Nystatin. There is a new ointment out there called Vusion that has never worked for my son nor for my 9 mo old niece, but the doctors seem to be pushing that one now, especially because you can get free samples. Also, with any rash like that that will not go away, ask your doctor to swab his bottom and send out the culture to see what else may be going on. It is possible that he may have a strep or a staff infection which would need to be treated with antibiotics, like you're now trying. My son had a pencillian resistant strain of strep and was treated with Keflex, which cured him very quickly. It sounds like you're doing everything right and everything that you can by changing his diaper as often as possible. I've also heard to try and leave the diaper off as much as you can to try and let his bottom get some air. There are also things you can add to his bath water to help...maybe vinegar was one, but I don't remember enough about that to recommend it without you consulting your pediatrician. Best of luck and I hope your little one gets to feeling better soon.

How's the rash? What daycare does he go to? I had the same problem with one of my children. some are just more suseptible to things. I noticed also a mouth rash and Dr. said it was a yeast infection (bad one); which could be an allergic reaction to milk, and/or a diaper rash from the table at the daycare. ?? I put her on the lactose free milk and it went away. Try a different formula or milk free product. Try a little yogurt to help as well (Dannon for babies). Good luck!

Ask your doctor for a prescription ointment for diaper rash. My son had a diaper rash so bad that it was almost bleeding (from diarhea). I asked the doctor for it and it worked great. He couldn't use the diper rash cream at the same time, but boy did the medicine help it heal. It was called mycostatin. Good Luck!!

This is just a hunch, try switching to a soy-formula. The yeast infection could be your son's way of reacting to the cow's milk. Similac has a good soy formula that I currently use for my 3 mth-old.

When my kids got bad diaper rashes, and my daughter still does sometimes, I use corn starch like the previous poster said. Sometimes I would use A & D diaper ointment and cornstarch at night and also for some baths i would put corn starch in the water. Oh and try to keep the diapers loose the best you can, try not to use onesies. Best of luck to you and your baby. Happy holidays.

My son had a real bad diaper rash because of antibotics. It took forever to go away the way the doctors and nurses advice. what i did was slather his but white with desitin and the stuff teh doctors gave. I used a lot on every diaper. he was healed in two days. My son rash was so bad he had puss pockets. When I took the daiper off I didn't wipe him unless he did #2 i just squirted and slathered a lot of it. I went through a couple of tubes then at night i would bath in cool water let him go naked to dry his bottom out and do it again. IT has happen twice now and it works. BE EXCESSIVE WITH THE DESITIN TRUST ME> i have three kids never had diaper rash until my son had a bad infection and he had to have 5 days round the clock antibotics which caused really bad diahreah and of course the awful rash....

Hey S.,

My son is now 5 and he used to have the same problem. What I did to help was use cornstartch. After you use the cream sprinkle a generous amount of cornstartch. It really helps remove the moisture which only makes the rash worse. I also changed his diaper every hour when he had the rash.

I swear by the cornstartch. It worked miracles for me and my son. I hope this works for you too. It is a natural and efficient way to reduce the rash.

N.

This will sound kinda crazy, but my kiddos have had pretty bad diaper rash and the one thing that always works is "Domboro Soak". You can get it at Wallgreens but you have to ask the pharmacist. It's for athlete's foot but, basically seals over the raw skin and gives your kiddo's bottom a chance to heal. I know this isn't the best time of year but also letting as much air to dry out the area is also something that helps. Good Luck!

Good Morning,
My children are in their teen years now, but all three of them had severe diaper rashes. I'm talking about the diaper rash that results in skin peeling off and bleeding. This of course alarmed me and I took the first one to the E.R to hear this " Oh this looks good you're doing a good job." They gave me antibiotic cream and told me to "wait it out." It took several weeks for it to heal. So hang in there--continue to use a washcloth instead of wipes and I would suggest that you allow his bottom to air dry before putting the pamper back on. Also when he is sleeping, allow the diaper to be open around the rash area so healing can take place. Good Luck and remember that healing takes time and that skin in that area is more sensitive and will respond slower to healing.

my son used to get yeast infections too i used triple paste. it is the best thing ever. it is made for yeast infections. i used it every day on him especially when he goes number 2!!! it is expensive but sooooo worth it. you can find it at cvs, babies r us. hope that helps

Hi S.! I've been where you are!! I found that using Butt Paste (you can get it at Target or Walmart) along with the antibiotic works well for rashes that won't go away. The Butt Paste is thicker then the other's out there. Also, use some from on Desitin with every diaper even if there is no rash. If it doesn't go away with the meds and Butt Paste I'd call your dr. back!!

Good Luck!!

If it's yeast I've heard yogurt helps.

Hi S.,
We've had that problem too, a number of times. Not from formula, but a sever diaper rash. Our doctor originally gave us yeast cream. That didn't work. Another doctor gave us antibiotic cream and told us to use both as directed. That seemed to work. The other things that help it a little bit are corn starch. During the times that my son wasn't getting either the yeast, the antibiotic or both, we put cornstarch and boudreauxs butt paste on the diaper rash. It makes a horrible mess all mixed together, but it seems to really help dry out the area. As a preventative measure, we use corn starch at every changing and then butt paste at night before bed. Aveeno Oatmeal baths also seem to help sooth it. If it doesn't get better, take him back to the doctor (or at least call). Its possible that he is having an allergic reaction to the formula or that his digestive system is getting used to it. My son's diaper rash usually flares up if he has taken oral antibiotics or if he's eaten something new or a lot of something (particularly fresh fruit) that makes him "go" more often. Good luck. I know how miserable this is for son and mom!

Hi S.,
When my daughter was a baby she had terrible diaper rash. So bad she would bleed. I was always embarrased for anyone to change her for fear of what they would think.
Her Dr. finally recommended 2 things that worked for my daughter. The 1st try an athletes foot creme (ask your dr. if that is ok for your son)2nd was to keep her diaper off as much as possible. I potty trained her VERY EARLY!. I hope you find something that works for your son.

I am a mom of a 3 year old and he used to get horrible diaper rashes in the summer. I used Arco Corn Starch in his diaper and it went away. I used it just like a powder and dumped it in his diaper and all over his bottom. Creams and diaper ointment didn't help, so I hope this helps because little ones with a sore bottom is no fun!!!

There are two things you can try. There is a cream called but paste that really works or you can try an oatmeal bath aveeno makes stuff for that. my best friend has a son about the same age and he did the same thing. It was from teething and had nothing to do with the change. Your story sounds alot like hers. The but paste worked for her. Hope he gets better.

Have you explored the option that your child is allergic to the formula? I think it would be wise to ask your doctor about that. I had a lot of issues with my son and realized when he was two and allergy tested that he had multiple allergies causing all the issues. When you talk to him ask which type of formula you should switch to. There are so many options - soy, lactose free, and hypoallergenic. If he's already on milk, you could try soy milk, or explore if there's anything else you've added to the diet that could be irritating him.
Good luck!

Letting his bottom get as much air as possible can make a big difference. My daughter was walking when she got a really bad diaper rash that would not heal and my doctor told me to let her run around naked. I put some old sheets on the floor and let her run around naked as much as possible. It really helped. Also, be persistent with the dr. If something he has prescribed or advised does not work in a few days, call the office back and let them know. Good luck.

hello. my daughter had a really bad diaper rash and nothing worked. i tried no diaper to let it get some air and her dr gave me a prescribtion for a cream. neither worked. then she suggested liquid colice. it is a laxative but me told me to put it on a cotton ball and dab it on. surprising it work great, it took about a day to see any results but it was wonderful. i hope this helps you.

R.

My daughter just got over an awful rash too. It broke my heart to hear her scream when I changed her diaper. I found some things that really helped.
1.) Put some baking soda in the bath water and let his bum just soak for a little bit.
2.) Make sure his bum is completely dry before putting on cream or ointments. You can use an extra diaper and fan him. Or I ended up using a hairdryer on low with the cool air function to speed up the process and reduce accidents. Even let me go diaper free for a little bit if you don't mind the risk of an accident.
3.) Utlimately, you need a really good barrier between the moisture and the rash. The best thing I found is Lanolin ointment for breasts...it worked wonders. Vasaline and Aquaphor are also good choices. Lather him up...lots and lots, especially at night.
3.) I also had a perscription cream for yeast. You can also you Lotrim AF (anti-fungal) which is over the counter for athlete's foot. It has the same medicine component w/out the trip to the doctors. I would alternate between the yeast cream and the Lanolin.
4.) Once the rash is not raw anymore, you can use Mustela's no rinse cleansing solution (in a pump). I use it daily on my daughter when she poops just to clean up any residual left after the wipe. It cuts back on baths after messy diapers.

Clearing up the rash is important, but you might want to talk to your doctor about a possible food allergy to something in your son's formula (milk, lactose, corn-syrup, etc.) The allergy could be causing the reoccurance of the rash. Hope Nicholas feels better soon.

K.

My daughter recently developed a bad diaper rash that turned into a yeast infection, too. What seems to really be working well for us is a combination of the peditrician recommended cream, Lamisil, and this awesome diaper rash cream my Mother in law gave us called Penaten. Unless you live in Chicago, you have to get it on-line, but I have to tell you this stuff is amazing. http://www.smallflower.com/brand/br93?gclid=COfmn7_8sZACF...
Good luck!

As the others, I have also dealt with a fair share of rashes. My doctor suggested putting a small amount of vinegar in bath water to neutralize. I have found that corn starch works great and I stick with my standby of regular, gooy, white Desitin to protect especially if the skin has broken and is bleeding. Also, for everyday usage I loved Boudreaux's Butt Paste that you can buy at both Target and Walmart. Try to let him go without a diaper for as long as possible after the bath. Good luck!!

Hi Sara..

When my son was in diapers, all kinds of fruit juice gave him yeast infections. Yogurt did as well. His pediatrician told me to put monistat on him instead of the diaper ointments Yepper.. the stuff for us gals. Apparently the diaper ointments hold in moisture which may complicate yeast infections. It worked like a charm! That coupled with limited undiluted juices, his skin cleared up in no time. Try the monistat if the yeast infection comes back. Good Luck and Happy New Year!

My daughter just got over a horrible diaper rash so I know how you feel. I washed her with dial soap and water at every diaper change, then let her sit for 5 - 10 minutes (or as long as she would tolerate it) with out a diaper to let the air get to it. I would then use the prescription cream and put cornstarch(my doctor suggested powder, but I was told by other moms that cornstarch is better) Once it seemed to heal slightly i switched to using the diaper rash cream intermittantly with the prescription cream. I think the key though is to try to let air get to it as much as possible (i know its going to be hard with a 11 month old who is probably on the move) Good Luck, I know its heartbreaking when they are in so much discomfort.

I have a 9 mo. old daughter and a friend gave me an herbal diaper rash cream made by Arbonne and it works wonders in as little as 2 or 3 applications - when nothing else would work. It's $ 14 a tube, but well worth it. Go to Arbonne.com to order. It's under The Products, then Baby. Good luck! - A.

Like another mom below, I mix equal parts of Lotramin & hydracortizone but I mix it w/ triple antibiotic plus pain relief. This recipe was given to me by an old nurse when my 19 month old's rash got so severe that it bled. It worked overnight! Also she told me to quit using ANY wipes of ANY kind; cloth washcloths only. You should only use clear baths or Johnson & Johnon's (but not bubble bath of any type).

Hi S.,
My daughter had a bad diaper rash that wouldn't heal despite airing out, desitin, A&D, cornstarch, etc. I had the doctor look at it yesterday and it turns out to be strep. She swabbed it, did the quick strep test, and put her on antibiotics. Just something to keep in mind. Good luck.

S., I realize this is more than a month after your question was asked, but I just joined today. I pray that you have found a solution, but if not , I have a wonderful herbal remedy that works every time. You'll need a small plastic container with a lid(does not have to be air tight). you're going to need something to spread the medicine on with(I used wooden icecream spoons). Purchase from the pharmacy department at you favorite store a tube of zinc oxide(it's inexpensive) and ask the pharmacist for a bottle of "Gentian Violet"(costs 8 - 12 bucks for a small bottle, but is enough to last a lifetime). You have to ask for it only because it is an herb that stains, no prescription required. In the containersqueeze a generous amount of the zinc oxide. Then add 4 or 5 drops of the gentian violet. Mix thouroughly...takes a while because the zinc oxide is a natural water repellant. Mixture should be a light violet in color. Spread over baby's bottom, making sure to cover all sores/rash. Sores/rash will absorb the gentian violet making them purple.... that's good, that's what heals them and gets rid of the yeast infection. Continue until rash is completely gone. Use whenever it appears to happen again... cannot ever be over-used! Bre careful with the gentian violet, it stains things easily. I found that Castrol Super Clean will take it off about anything...watch out though because it really dries the skin out. Do not get any on the baby. Take care and God Bless!