Irritant diaper dermatitis

A patchwork of inflamed skin on a baby's bottom that's known as diaper rash.

Description

A patchwork of inflamed skin on a baby's bottom that's known as diaper rash.

Overview

Irritant diaper dermatitis is linked to wet diapers or diapers that are not changed often enough. Other causes may be diarrhea, new foods, and antibiotics.

Symptoms

Symptoms include inflamed, itchy and tender skin the diaper area.

Treatments

Most such rashes start to improve after a few days of at-home care with diaper ointment and more-frequent diaper changes. If not, or if other symptoms such as fever and widespread rash occur, take your baby to a doctor or other health care professional.