Dealing with diaper rash is an inevitable part of parenthood, especially in the first year of your child’s life. While most diaper rash can be easily treated at home, some cases are more serious and can be indicative of larger skin conditions that are being irritated by your child’s diaper. In these cases, it is important to see a dermatologist to determine the cause of the problem and work towards a solution.
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center of Orlando, we know that skin issues can pose a problem to people of all ages. That is why we offer top quality skin care services to people at all the stages of their life, including infancy.
What is Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash, also referred to as diaper dermatitis, is an irritating skin condition that can occur where diapers are worn. Diaper rash is one of the most common skin conditions that develop in infants, most typically occurring between the ages of 9 and 12 months. Diaper rash can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Wetness
- Irritants
- Allergic reactions
- New foods
- Bacterial or yeast infections
- Antibiotics
These causes fall into four different categories of diaper rash: irritant dermatitis diaper rash, bacterial or yeast related diaper rash, allergic reaction related diaper rash, or non-diaper related irritation. Irritant dermatitis is the most common of these, caused by the prolonged presence of an irritant in your child’s diaper – most typically feces or urine. Luckily, this type of diaper rash is usually the easiest to treat, and should clear up within a few days. All other types of rash will need to be treated with special creams and ointments.
How Can I tell if my Child’s Case is Serious?
Many cases of diaper rash can be treated at home within a few days. At home, measures to clear up diaper rash include giving your child some diaper-free time, cleaning them thoroughly before and after applying new diapers, and being gentle with your child’s skin in its sensitive state.
No matter the type of diaper rash, your child is experiencing, if it persists in spite of at home measures to clear it up, you should take him or her to a dermatologist as soon as possible. If your child runs a fever, has bloody stool, or develops bloody or pus-filled sores, they could have an extreme case of irritant dermatitis. It is also possible that they will need specialized treatment for a bacterial or yeast infection, an allergic reaction, or a non-diaper related skin condition. A dermatologist can determine the exact cause of your child’s diaper rash, and get them started on a treatment.
We would like to help give you peace of mind, and get your child feeling better as soon as possible. Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center’s hardworking medical team can examine your child’s individual case and propose a solution based on their experience and expertise. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!