Yeast Diaper Rash: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Seeing your baby in distress is heartbreaking. But when you know what is causing them discomfort and how you can help them, it can make the situation better. Such is the case with yeast diaper rash.

Going by the name, any rash caused around the area that a diaper covers is a diaper rash. It can happen on the buttocks, genitals, or in the upper thigh area. The rash caused by candida fungus is popular as yeast diaper rash.

However, there are certain differences between a regular diaper rash, candida fungal rash, and a yeast infection on baby butt.

What is Yeast Diaper Rash?

There are various reasons why a baby might get a diaper rash. However, a yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of candida fungus. This fungus is mostly found in the digestive tract.

Any person, infant, or adult can develop a yeast infection, if they do not treat contact dermatitis immediately. If you treat this early, then there is a lesser risk of developing a baby yeast infection.

Symptoms Of Yeast Diaper Rash

You will notice the symptoms of yeast diaper rash in the folds of your baby’s skin, including the upper thigh, groin, buttocks, and genitals. The symptoms include:

• Purple or dark red patches of skin
• Tiny bumps, or fluid-filled pimples
• The rashes will appear shiny
• Extremely dry or cracked skin
• Discomfort, itchiness along with mild pain

In some severe cases, the rash causes open sores on the skin and might even ooze fluid or blood when the skin breaks because of the friction with the diaper.

Diagnosis of Yeast Diaper Rash

It might be difficult for you to understand whether those are regular diaper rashes or fungal diaper rashes. So, it is better to consult a doctor. They mostly examine the affected area to diagnose which is it.

They might even ask you whether you have noticed some other symptoms, and how long has this been there. Moreover, you need to inform them if you have taken any new medicine, or whether the baby has taken any new medicine which can disturb the yeast balance in the body.

Occasionally they swab the rash to check what kind of yeast has infected the area under a microscope.

Treatment Options

The motive is to heal the infection and get your baby some much-needed relief. Here are some of the home remedies you can try on your baby.

Keep The Area Clean & Dry

Thoroughly clean the whole diaper area whenever you are changing their diaper. It will remove the yeast and reduce the risk of any other infections. Moreover, clean your hands and the place where you are putting them while changing their diaper.

Change their diaper frequently, to avoid them staying a long time in their wet diaper. Yeast grows in warm and damp areas. So, make sure you keep the area dry. Moreover, let their bum air dry when you are changing them.

Also, choose from some of the best non-toxic diapers, to reduce the chances of infections.

Have a Diaper-Free Time

Give your baby some time without putting on a diaper apart from when you are changing diapers and air drying their buttocks. This might turn out to be messy, so, make sure you take proper precautions and, in a place, where it will be easy to clean.

Moreover, you can use a play mat or towel to make it easy for you to clean up. Also, to reduce the risk, you can get them an extended diaper-free time right after you change their diaper.

If they have recently gone to the bathroom, then you have some time on your hands before they have to go again. For younger babies, you can turn their usual tummy time into diaper-free time. And if they are sitting at this stage, keep them engaged with toys.

Avoid Irritants

The infected area is going to be tender. So, ensure you do not use any products which can irritate the skin further, and cause them discomfort, like, giving them a bubble bath, or using soap in that area.

Moreover, do not use wipes when you are changing their diapers. Dip a soft, clean towel in warm water and clean the area.

Apply Antifungal Creams

Some yeast diaper rashes will heal when you take the measures mentioned above. However, some might need further treatment. Consult a doctor and ask them if you can apply yeast or antifungal cream for diaper rash which are available over the counter.

Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to apply the cream, and how often you should apply it.

Preventing Yeast Diaper Rash

Preventing this is a lot like taking home precautions. The steps are similar. Diaper rashes are a common thing as the diaper is often wet and warm. You have to keep your baby dry and clean all the time to prevent this kind of rash. Here are some of the tips that you can try:

• Bathe your baby in warm water and clean the diaper area every time you change their diaper.
• Keep a check on their diapers and change them often. Do not leave them in a wet diaper.
• Dab their buttocks with a soft dry cloth or leave them to air-dry after every change.
• Keep them for some time without any diapers regularly.
• Do not use diapers that will stop the airflow. This will trap moisture.
• You can even use a diaper cream to protect their skin. The cream will act as a barrier from stool and urine which can irritate their soft skin and develop rashes.
• Always use fragrance-free products on their skin.
• Do not give them antibiotics unnecessarily. This tampers with the balance of yeast and healthy bacteria in the body.

Complications When Left Untreated

Some of the possible complications are irritation, bleeding, and scabbing skin. In some extreme cases, there are chances that other body parts also get affected. The infection can spread to their blood and their skin as well.

This is something that you have to take seriously and consult with a doctor. Babies affected with yeast diaper rash also get thrush. And if you are a breastfeeding mother, you can also get yeast rash on your breasts and nipples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions parents ask frequently when their babies are suffering from a yeast diaper infection.

Get Rid of Yeast Diaper Rashes

Diaper rashes are a common thing in babies. It disrupts the yeast balance in their growing body, causing yeast diaper rashes. Even though they are temporary and easily treatable, they cause discomfort.

So, whenever you notice these, consult a healthcare provider and opt for the right treatment options that will be helpful for the baby. And if you are giving them any antifungal medication, make sure you are following the instructions provided by the professional.