Diaper Rash Vs. Yeast Infection in Babies

Babies often have some unique qualities that might be more concerning when present in an older child, such as crossed eyes, drooling and rashes. Second only to a sweet smile, diaper rashes and skin irritations are some of the most common characteristics of a baby. But what constitutes a diaper rash, and when is it something more serious, like a yeast infection? Here are some tips on how to identify each one and how to treat both.

Diaper Rash
A diaper rash is easily identified. It shows itself as a bright red and raised area where the diaper touches the baby's skin. It may be inflamed or raw, and cause discomfort when the baby is wet or soiled, or when you clean the area. There are many causes of diaper rash that are out of your control, such as sickness (the acid in diarrhea will break down the baby's skin), antibiotics (destroying bad as well as good bacteria) and a change in the baby's diet (or your own, if you're breastfeeding). Diaper rash can also be due to a baby's sensitivity to products you are using to clothe or clean him or her, such as diapers, wipes, lotion, soaps and laundry detergent. Many times, these products contain dyes, chemicals and fragrance that cause an allergic reaction on your baby.

Diaper rash is most often easy to take care of at home. Most importantly, change your baby's diaper as soon as you can after it has been soiled. This keeps moisture and acid away from the baby's skin, allowing it to heal more quickly. Let your baby's skin breathe without a diaper as often as possible to allow air to get to the area. Use a diaper rash treatment on the area. These creams and ointments, found over-the-counter, contain oils or other substances that provide a protective barrier against moisture. Don't put lotion on the rash, as this may further irritate or burn the area. If the rash is due to sensitivity, consider changing the products you use to those made especially for sensitive skin. Use diapers, wipes, soap and laundry detergent that is fragrance-free and all-natural.

Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are also quite common in babies. Everyone has a certain amount of yeast in their body, and it thrives in moist areas (in babies, this means the diaper area). Many times, a rash that begins as a diaper rash can quickly become infected with yeast. It's important to know the difference, since the method of treatment for each is different.

If your baby has a rash that doesn't go away--or spreads--despite your best efforts to treat it, it may be caused by a yeast infection. A yeast infection is well-defined, is beefy red in color and may show up as lesions away from the main diaper rash. The skin folds of the groin area are especially susceptible to yeast, since this is where a lot of moisture gets trapped.

Most of the time, you don't need to see your pediatrician for a yeast infection. Use over-the-counter creams made especially for yeast infections, topical anti-yeast or anti-fungal creams. You should be able to notice improvement within a couple of days. If not, or if the sores seem infected or your baby develops a fever, contact your pediatrician, since this might mean a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics.