Diaper rash (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Very low urgency
Very common-

It is a skin irritation in the area in contact with the diaper.

Factors that favor its appearance are humidity, contact with urine, frequent defecation, diaper friction and/or reactions to soaps or perfumes.

Symptoms include reddened areas, rashes, pimples, blisters, sores and/or areas of peeling skin on the diaper area.

Diagnosis is reached by examination of the affected skin.

Treatment includes: 

  • Proper hygiene
  • Daily bathing with neutral soap and water
  • Frequent diaper changes
  • Keeping the diaper area dry and open to the air for as long as possible
  • Avoid over-tightening the diaper
  • Apply water-based paste (zinc oxide) to protect the area and do not use talcum powder or scented wipes.

Depending on the degree of irritation, corticosteroid ointments, specific ointments or antifungals can be applied if it is caused by a candida fungus infection.

It generally responds well to treatment, otherwise you should consult your pediatrician without delay.

Bibliographic references
  1. MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Dermatitis del pañal; [citado el 12 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000964.htm
  2. I. Vitoria. Trastornos cutáneos más frecuentes del recién nacido y del lactante. Dermatitis del pañal. Pediatr Integral 2012;16(3):195-208
  3. A.C. Barreda, G. Botija, C. Labrandero, R. de Lucas. Manual de Diagnóstico y Terapéutica en Pediatría. Dermatitis atópica, seborreica y del área del pañal. Corticoides tópicos. Publimed. Quinta edición. 497-499.
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Diaper dermatitis; [citado el 12 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/diaper-dermatitis?source=search_result&search=dermatitis+del+pa%C3%B1al&selectedTitle=1~36
Author
Dr. Maria Trabazo
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Reddening / rash in the diaper area


    Reddened vulva


    Red skin on buttocks


    Fuss or cry when the area of the nappy is touched


    Genital discomfort

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment
Bleeding
Foul-smelling discharge
Pain when passing urine
Pain when passing stools

Self-care

Change diapers regularly to keep the skin clean and minimize contact with urine and feces.
At each diaper change, wash the baby's buttocks with lukewarm water.
Apply cream, ointment or salve regularly.
Leaving the baby without diaper and ointment for short periods of time, increasing the skin's exposure to air.