Yeast Infection Diaper Rash

A lot of babies suffer from diaper rashes. So if you have a baby you need to know some facts about this condition.

Yeast diaper rash defined

A diaper rash mostly occurs when your baby’s skin integrity is impaired due to the diaper’s material rather than any particular infection-causing microorganism. But there are times that a skin infection is causing the diaper rash. And the usual microorganism responsible is the yeast known as Candida albicans.

Such condition is called yeast diaper rash. This infection can start when the tissue surrounding and inside the anal area becomes softened due to exposure to dampness.
Then the rash starts to be clearly defined around its edges. You can see the infected area as inflamed and swollen and fluid may be seen underneath your baby’s skin.

Identifying a yeast diaper rash

The distinguishing feature of a yeast diaper rash is the presence of elevated inflamed areas called satellite pustules which emerge on nearby skin. If you notice these pustules in your baby’s skin then you can assume that the diaper rash is due to a yeast infection, as a non-infectious diaper rash doesn’t have these pustules.

Yeast diaper rash can emerge on the baby’s thighs, abdominal area, genitals, as well as on the skin folds around the genital area. Distinct satellite pustules may yield positive culture results for the fungus Candida albicans.

This yeast infection may originate from the lower or upper gastrointestinal tract, or transmitted by a caregiver carrying the fungus. This infectious diaper rash may also be associated with a mouth Candida infection which is commonly known as oral thrush.

Treatment of yeast diaper rash

A yeast diaper rash is generally treated with topical antifungal ointment and keeping the diaper area clean and dry. This topical medication includes nystatin (Mycostatin) econazole (Spectazole), miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm), clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral cream). There is no definite treatment period. Generally application of a topical ointment or cream is done every time you change your baby’s diaper until the rash is completely healed.

Due to the fact that Candida albicans may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, your doctor may also prescribe an oral antimycotic drug on top of the topical medication. The benefit of using oral medication however, has not been supported by any definitive research yet.

Prevention of diaper rash

After bathing your baby, apply blocking creams such as zinc oxide (Desitin, A&D ointment, Diaparene) or petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc.) to the diaper area. These products help to minimize dampness in your baby’s diaper area. It also helps to clean the area gently to reduce skin eruption.
Susan Driscal is dedicated to helping people find solutions for all health related problems. To learn more about her solutions for yeast infections, thrush and candida visit::
Remedy For A Yeast Infection