Need Help with Diaper Rash

Updated on April 10, 2008
K.B. asks from Baltimore, MD
25 answers

My 8 month old son has terrible diaper rash! I have tried Desitin, Aveeno, and Aquaphor, but it just won't go away. I change his diaper very frequently, and so does the nanny. I use Pampers diapers and CVS brand wipes, the unscented ones. I also make sure I dry him before putting a new diaper on. He is very red and sometimes raw, it's so sad. Does anyone have any advise on how to conquer the diaper rash???

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So What Happened?

Well, lots of advise, that I am definately going to try, thank you. My son actually did have a yeast infection about 2 months ago, but it cleared up after I used the cream the doc prescribed. Although it could be another yeast infection, it doesn't look the same. This rash looks like patches of dry skin, it's red and in the diaper area. OH, it's also on his cheeks (of his face lol), but I thought that may be from the cold he just had, but now that I think about it, I use wipes to wipe his face after he eats. I bet the wipes are the culprit! I have some of the Butt Paste that I used when he was really little, but switched when I discovered Aquaphor, so I will start using the past again. I will tell our nanny to let him air dry after each time, and I will do the same. And I'm definately not going to use wipes anymore for wiping him off, I'll use papertowels.

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J.B.

answers from Scranton on

I would try washcloths with plain water for cleaning, lanolin cream, and cloth diapers. He may be allergic to the chemicals in disposable diapers. You can get started fairly cheaply on www.diaperpin.com

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A.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi there, you already got some real good advice from all the ladies here, how wonderful. I want to add that my daughter had, what I thought was a diaper rash too. No matter what I tried I did not clear up. A trip to the pred uncovered a yeast infection and the meds we got that day cleared it up. So if this rash won't go away I suggest you visit the doc and see what you are dealing with.

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K.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

OK listen to this. It might not be a diaper rash. It maybe a yeast infection. I knw hes a boy boys dont get them but My son has a diaper rash that wouldnt go away with anything. Aqauphor is the best and wouldnt clear it up. We took him to the doctors who said it wasnt a diaper rash it was a yeast infection She said that boys can still get yeast infections. She told us to get oh whats it called. the Jock itch cream. I was like are you sure and she assured me it would work. We put that on there and it cleared right up. You should have seen me in teh pharmacy i asked the pharamist what i was looking for and even when he gave it me to I questioned it. If especially Aquaphor doesnt clear it up I would make an appoinment with the Pedictrican or call them and see what they say.Mention about a yeast infection and they may tell u the same thing but they will probably want to see him. Good Luck! If you have any questions you can email me at ____@____.com.

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T.B.

answers from Lancaster on

My son had diarreha for about two weeks and had horrible diaper rash, just from going to the bathroom so much. We actually got the doctor to prescrip an ointment, called ketoconazole. It also helped to try to leave his diaper off, even for just a few minutes when you change him to let the air get in there... just watch out for that surprise "fountain". :) We used pampers also. Good luck and try to remember that it looks worse then it usually is to them!

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M.

answers from Harrisburg on

My daughter had the same problem i used butter with her and it really worked. Try it and let me know.

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J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I think you should definately try Triple Paste you can get it in the drug store it will clear it right up!

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J.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Is he eating any tablefoods yet? We found out from our doctor that acidic foods (like tomato sauce) can cause bad diaper rash. Our doctor told us to use calmoseptine cream. It is a diaper rash cream that you have to ask the pharmacist to order. They do not keep it in stock and is about $7. Worked great on my little girl. Also, you might want to check and make sure it is not a yeast infection. My daughter had a rash that wouldn't clear up and turned out she needed a nystatin cream instead.

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J.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

its probably a yeast infection. the pediatrician will give you some antifungal cream for it

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K.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi K., my daughter had a bad diaper rash-couldnt figure why. Same here, nothing worked. I left the diaper off for long periods of time. That seemed to help(just make sure your son is sitting on a map-I learned the hard wayLOL) There is something my sister in law swears by. It is called Budreaxs but paste_spelling is probably off. It is in the baby section at cvs-rite aid. It helped my daughter.
Take care,
K.

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K.C.

answers from Allentown on

I'm a RN and a mother of two. This is what has worked for us. When changing a baby with a rash, do NOT use store bought wipes. They all contain alcohol which inflames already reddened or broken down skin. Use washcloths and J&J baby wash, dry thoroughly or let air dry, then use a combo of two alternating creams. 1st change do as described above then apply Lotrimin AF. This is an over the counter antifungal which helps break down yeast. Next change use Cortaid or another hydrocortisone cream to soothe irritated skin. Alternate creams for 24 hours and diaper rash improves 100%. Also, use a diaper cream as barrier protection preventively. Any emollient will work. I like Triple Paste. Usually available at pharmacies. You may have to ask the pharmacist for it because it is a bit expensive and sometimes is held behind the counter. I have used Shoprite brand diaper cream as well and found it to be a good product and much cheaper and more accessible. Hope this helps.

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N.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Let him soak in a bath with a little baking soda. It helps dry out the rash. I also use A&D and it seems to work really well. Good luck

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K.M.

answers from Allentown on

Hi K.
My son had very sensitive skin as a baby too. We stopped using diaper wipes and switched to Viva papertowels (very soft) and water. He never had red raw skin again. I have heard that Boudreauxs Butt Paste is the best too. Try the plain paper towels and water first, no sense in putting more things on his poor behind !! Try to keep any kind of scented products, including diapers, away.
Good luck!

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H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

You said Aquaphor doesn't work - that was the magic cure for my sensitive little guy. The other thing that really helped which others mentioned was giving him open air time with no diaper. Even a short time anytime it's reasonable can really make a difference. Have you tried different brands of diapers and wipes?? Diapers are actually full of some pretty nasty chemicals which can have reactions with the urine. We once had a diaper appear to have red in it (and my son has bladder issues) so I immediately called the ped - they had me check again and turns out it was a result of the urine reacting with the bleach and other chemicals in the diaper. Changing brands of diapers might help. Huggies Supreme have always worked well for us. I think there are some environmentally happier/natural brands that mention using fewer chemicals which may be better for him.

My son's rash wasn't constant - it would appear immediately after he would go - but not every time. It seemed to disappear nearly as quickly too even when it was horribly raw and sore. Very strange... When it was sore and some other times, I'd use baby wash cloths with luke warm water to wipe him instead of wipies - they all contain alcohol which would sting the sore skin and make things worse. Drying afterwards is important like you said - and if you can ngive open air time for a bit, it's even better.

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K.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Here is a recipe for Magic Butt Paste

1 tube A & D
1 small tube neosporin
1 large tube of Zinc-oxide
2 Tbsps Mylanta

Mix together and put in an air tight container

Another thing you could try is equal parts Lotrimin AF- fungal or yeast infection
Neosporin - for bacteria infection
Hydrocortiscone creme - for relief of skin irritation

Plus another thing if it is not going away with anything that you have been trying, could be that it's not diaper rash but a yeast infection.

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A.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

Triple paste works wonders... I'd try that.

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A.

answers from Washington DC on

When my guys would get really bad diaper rash, I would let them sit around with nothing on but a shirt. The best thing for diaper rash is air, lots and lots of air. Just make sure you put towels under him!!! When we had to go out, I used Butt Paste and LOVED it. Also, what soap are you using? My guys breakout with most baby soaps. I only use Aveno on them.
Good Luck!!

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N.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I'd consult the doc about a possible yeast infection. My son would go thru phases when he had diareha (spell?) and his little bum would be on FIRE. He'd cry and I'd cry.
I swear by desitin but if you have been on top of it, I'd go for a professional opinion.

Let him go "natural" too just to let the air get to his bum.

(hugs)

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A.B.

answers from Washington DC on

K.,

I posted this on another thread, but I've been using a creamy diaper ointment called Boudreaux's Butt Paste on my 5 month old. I know the name sounds funny, but I swear by it! I wish I'd heard of it when I had my first child! It has cleared up all of Hannah's rashes within 24 hours (and usually faster than that!). It also helped my older child through a recent bout of diarrhea. You can find it at Target or Babies R Us. Best of luck to you! Hope your son feels better soon!

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B.B.

answers from Johnstown on

My son, who is almost a year old, had terrible diaper/heat rash last summer and his pediatrician gave us a prescription for cream which is actually equal amounts of hydrocortisone cream, Athlete's Foot cream & Bactroban Cream (all can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy). At every diaper change, clean the area with a baby wipe, allow to dry & apply an even amount of all 3 creams to the affected area. *hint* pre mix the creams (about a pea size amount) in the palm of your hand first. Also, let your son soak in a baking soda luke warm bath for a while. The baking soda softens the water and relieves some of the pain of the rash. I know how much my little boy suffered last summer so I'm already stocking up on all the creams & baking soda for this summer. Good luck!

As far as the rash on his face, try baby exema cream... works great!

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L.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I have a six year old and a two year old and I have always used balmex. However you can also let him play in the bath for a little while longer than usual and then let him air dry. Leaving the diaper off for a little bit of time also helps a lot.

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B.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Triple Paste is expensive but worth every penny you spend on it. I always bought the biggest container they had because I knew it worked. I have three children and I used it on all three of them.

When I had my first, our ped suggested that I not wipe her unless she had a BM when she had a rash. She suggested just reapplying the Triple Paste. When you wipe, you are irritating the rash even more. Also, don't use wipes. Soft paper towels or wash clothes won't burn as much.

Lastly, have you tried letting him soak in a warm tub for a while. Maybe even putting him in twice a day when he has the rash.

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D.B.

answers from Dover on

I know he's not potty trained yet, but if you know he just went, maybe you can let him crawl around in just a warm shirt and socks--no diaper, diaper cream or pants for a bit so the air can get right in there and work some magic. Let him do that for about 10 minutes after each diaper change and see if that helps it.

D.

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S.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Budreaux's Butt Paste!!!! Works like no other, I swear by it.

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D.M.

answers from Scranton on

You should take him to the doctor. When I worked in daycare years ago we had a baby boy who would get such severe diaper rash that his skin would practically bleed. His doctor told the mother that it was a yeast infection, not a diaper rash, and told her to use an over the counter yeast infection cream. It worked wonders! Within a couple of days it cleared up well. They also have prescription diaper rash ointment, but I don't think that would help if it's a yeast infection. Good Luck!
D.

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S.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello K., I have had the same problem with both my kids. First of all, stop using the wipes for the time being. They contain alcohol and it dries the skin out more. Use his baby wash and a wash cloth for a few days and try the desitin creamy...i received a sample from my pediatrician called Calmoseptine. They have a website. It is an over the counter med like desitin but it worked better for my son's diaper rash. You can order it from your pharmacist. It is more expensive than desitin but it works great. The website is www.calmoseptineointment.com. Also you may want to switch diaper brands and try Huggies.

Good luck and happy diapering.

S.

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