Irritant diaper rash is the most common type of diaper rash. When there is no yeast infection involved, it often only affects the surfaces of the skin (not the skin folds) and is usually caused by diapers being left on too long or by using harsh detergents to clean the skin. If your baby’s diaper rash lasts more than a few days despite regular diaper changes, a yeast infection may be the cause. Yeast infections are a complication of irritant diaper rash and do affect the folds of the skin. Bright red patches with borders and wrinkly-looking skin in the diaper area are common with yeast infections.

If your baby has a diaper rash, you should see your Rexall Pharmacist. Your Rexall Pharmacist will assess your baby’s condition to ensure that the child does not have any signs and symptoms that would be better treated by a doctor or other health professional. In addition to suggesting treatment for your baby’s diaper rash, your Rexall Pharmacist will give you tips on how to manage the condition. These may include suggestions such as changing your baby’s diaper often and as soon as possible after soiling, as well as cleaning the area with a soft cloth and hypoallergenic wipes. Allowing the skin to air dry between diaper changes and applying a barrier product such as zinc oxide to the area are also important steps for controlling the symptoms of diaper rash.

Diaper rash can be treated with creams or ointments that are applied to the affected skin areas. These creams or ointments may contain medicine to treat yeast (if there is a yeast infection) and/or hydrocortisone (to reduce inflammation). Your Rexall Pharmacist may prescribe the cream or ointment that best suits your baby’s symptoms. Zinc oxide is an ointment that protects the diaper area and should be applied about 2-3 minutes after other creams or ointments have been applied, and after every diaper change. Your Rexall Pharmacist will give you instructions on how and when to apply any prescribed or recommended creams or ointments.