Yeast Diaper Rash And Normal Nappy Rash

Infant diaper rash (nappy rash) is a very common problem that can cause baby to become very cranky. Arm yourself with the knowledge on how to treat diaper rash…

Read more on yeast diaper rash and diaper rash remedies below…

What is diaper rash?

- Diaper rash is any skin irritation on the diaper area. An average of 35% of all babies suffer from diaper rashes from time to time.

- Most of the time baby diaper rash is just normal dermatitis, which is the irritation of the skin. This type of nappy rash is easily taken care of by just changing baby’s diapers more often and applying any good diaper rash creams.

- Types of diaper rash ~ Nappy rash can be classified as one of a few things namely normal skin irritation, skin infection (yeast diaper rash or fungal diaper rash) or allergy.

Yeast diaper rash infection ( Candida diaper rash )

A yeast infection diaper rash is caused by a type of fungus called Candid albicans. This rash is usually seen as red small dots that start in the creases of the skin. It is also seen most commonly on the anus area.

A diaper rash yeast infection is usually the result of giving a breastfeeding mom and baby antibiotics, which end up killing off the good bacteria that prevents the bad yeast from growing. It is also sometimes caused through having a bad diaper rash for longer periods of time.

Everybody carries a certain amount of yeast in their bodies, if you give the yeast a warm damp place to thrive like the groin, vagina or diaper area, it will. If you leave a diaper rash for too long, yeast will start to thrive causing a candidal diaper rash.

If your baby has oral thrush it is easily transferred to the diaper area because the yeast actually travels from the mouth through the intestines.

Yeast diaper rash treatment

A yeast nappy rash is usually a little more difficult to get rid of, you should see your doctor if the problem persists. Your baby will need a anti-yeast or antifungal cream to cure the yeast infection.

Other than this, you can use all the preventative and treatment measures mentioned below.

- Red, puffy tender looking skin that could be on the groin, thigh buttocks or genitals. Not all diaper rashes look the same.

- Baby cries when you change his diaper or when you wipe or clean the area.

Causes of diaper rash

- Infant rashes are common because babies have a sensitive skin to start off with.

- Frequent and/or runny bowel movements.

- Leaving a soiled (dirty) diaper on baby’s bum for too long.

- Baby may be allergic to a certain type of soap or baby wipes that you are using on his skin.

- Some types of diapers do not allow for enough air flow which creates a damp environment that can cause rashes.

- Using plastic pants over diapers can also cause rash due to no air flow.

- Certain types of foods can cause baby’s poop to become too acidic which might burn his skin. This is usually seen with foods that are acidic like tomato and citrus fruits. (this can affect baby through his diet or moms diet if she is breastfeeding)

- Babies are more likely to have diaper rash when they start eating solids. Try introducing new foods one at a time.

- Diaper rash and teething ~ Babies are more likely to develop a rash while they are teething because those who teethe usually suffer from diarrhea…this is often called a teething rash.

- Thrush diaper rash ~ Sometimes when a baby has oral thrush it can cause a yeast diaper rash.

- Rare causes of this type of infant rash include: nutritional deficiency, rare infections, child abuse, immunodeficiency and malignancies

Prevent diaper rash & diaper rash treatments

Including natural cures for diaper rash…

- The best diaper rash treatment is to breastfeed as much as you can and for as long as possible. Breastfeeding will boost your baby’s resistance against yeast infections and will also minimize the need for antibiotics which cause yeast infections.

- Change baby’s diaper as soon as it gets wet. This will keep baby’s skin dry and clean. In newborns this should be done at least every two hours.

- Rinse baby’s bottom as often as possible between diaper changes.

- Let baby’s bum dry before putting on another diaper.

- Pat baby’s bum to dry instead of rubbing, which could cause some irritation to the skin.

- Don’t put the diaper on too tight, this could cause chafing.

- If you are using material diapers you will need to rinse them a few times to remove any detergents used that might irritate baby’s skin. Avoid using fabric softeners.

- A great diaper rash remedy is to give baby a few “free hours” a day. Let him crawl around naked on a clean surface to give his skin a breather.

- Smear on a thick layer of the best diaper rash cream you can find like Zinc oxide or petroleum with every diaper change. “Soothe and heal” is a diaper rash ointment by Lansinoh and is a great lanolin ointment that can treat diaper rash too.

- If the rash does not disappear after three days you can get your doctor to prescribe some special diaper rash ointments like antibiotic cream, antifungal cream, steroid cream or a combination of some of these.

- Cleaning baby’s bottom with water and/or a soft cloth is usually less irritating to the skin than using disposable wipes.

- Some home remedies for diaper rash claim that you should use baking soda or boric acid to cure diaper rash. Do not bath baby in baking soda or boric acid. If baby’s skin is broken it could cause the toxins to be absorbed into baby’s body.

- Try using different brands of disposable nappies and wipes. The brand that you are using could be what is causing an allergic reaction. Also stay away from wipes that are scented.

- Talcum powder is not recommended anymore as many babies have been found to inhale it and this could hurt their lungs.

- Make sure your baby’s caretaker during the day is taking the same preventative measures.

Diaper rash home remedies

Give your baby an oatmeal/chamomile bath.

- Add two chamomile tea bags to warm water.

- Fill a piece of cheese cloth with rolled oats, tie the cloth up to make a little bag.

- Add both the chamomile tea bags and rolled oats to the bath water, giving each of them a squeeze every now and then to release their goodness.

- The oatmeal will start to release a whitish milky substance which is great for applying onto the skin…you can rub it all over baby’s skin.

- Allow baby to soak for a few minutes.

This natural diaper rash remedy will have baby’s bum feeling and looking better in no time.

Homemade diaper rash cream

For curing diaper rash fast and saving money you can add equal parts of petroleum jelly, Zinc oxide and Boudreaux's Butt Paste.

Should I contact my doctor?

You can contact your doctor if…

- It seems like baby might need severe diaper rash treatment.

- The rash does not improve within three days of using the above mentioned methods of prevention and treatment for nappy rash.

- A blister diaper rash or boils on your baby’s diaper area.

- There is a pus discharge or a bleeding diaper rash.

- The rash is extending passed the diaper area

- Your baby has a fever

Do you have your own home remedy for diaper rash? Share your “home remedy diaper rash treatment” with other moms below…

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with yeast diaper rash

- Oral thrush and breastfeeding

- Why is my baby crying? 

Want to share your own diaper rash home remedy or other cure for diaper rash?

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