Download the entire Caring for Children document in PDF format here.
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Diaper Rash
A diaper rash, or irritation in the diaper area, is usually caused by a combination of sensitive skin, irritation from wet or soiled diapers, and overheating. A yeast infection is another cause of diaper rash, especially in infants with thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) or following a course of antibiotics.
Home treatment for diaper rash:
- Keep the area as dry as possible. Change diapers frequently. Leave the diaper area exposed to the air as much as possible. Good times to do this are during naps and after bowel movements.
- Wash with plain water; soap or wipes can be irritating.
- A diaper cream such as Desitin can be applied with each diaper change. This can be especially helpful if the child is having diarrhea, which can be very irritating to skin. Be sure to clean areas with diaper cream well after bowel movements.
- Call the office if the rash is not better in two to three days, if blisters form, or if the rash is bright red or beet red.
