Yeast Diaper Rash

Candida albicans is a fungus that stays in different parts of the body like the mouth, skin, bowels and other moist areas of the body. These areas remain dark and moist for most times of the day. Physiologically, the organism is harmless, but due to certain factors if its population goes unchecked, it could cause an infection. Now if a diaper rash is left unchecked, it results in a yeast infection thus, known as yeast diaper rash. Babies between 4 and 15 months old, are known to be more vulnerable to develop this infection.

What Triggers Yeast Diaper Rash?

Factors which have been identified being responsible for triggering this infection include:

• Babies who are put on antibiotics, stay at high risk to develop such an infection. These drugs tend to destroy the friendly bacteria in the body thus, making way for the Candida albicans to take over and cause an infection. Breastfeeding mothers who are on antibiotics also risk their babies in the same way.
• Babies who are not kept clean and dry, or those who have frequent bowel movements, also become vulnerable to get affected by this condition.
• Even diarrhea may be one of the triggering factors for yeast infection diaper rash.
• Wearing diapers that are too tight or tend to rub the skin, may easily cause the infection.
• The rash may be a result of detergents or soaps used to wash the baby's diapers.

Symptoms

The symptoms are prominent and can be easily detected. The rash may appear as red dots in the diaper area of the baby. This rash may get bigger with time, and may be accompanied by red and scaly areas on the genitals; the scrotum and penis of the boys, and the areas of the labia and vagina in case of girls. The rash could also occur in the form of blisters, ulcers, and sores (which may be filled with pus).

The above are the common symptoms of a diaper rash. Now, when this further develops into yeast infection, these symptoms may be accompanied by blister-like bumps which occur on the skin covered by the diaper. The rash may be prominent in the skin fold that lie in the area between thighs and the genitals. There might also occur raised-red bumps, which are similar to the chickenpox rash.

Treatment

The first line of treatment is the use of antifungals; usually topical preparations. Completing the full course of the medication is necessary for complete recovery and to prevent any recurrence. Equally important is to get the diaper changed as soon as it gets wet. Most mothers do this every two hours.

Keeping the diaper area clean also helps treat yeast diaper rash. It is advisable to use a soft wash cloth dipped in warm water, to wipe the child's bottom. Instead of using soap, which is not recommended, a cotton ball dipped in mineral oil can be used to remove dried stool. And once done, pat the skin dry, with a clean towel.

Before putting in a new diaper, let the area dry completely. Parents can also make use of a hair dryer on a cool setting, to make the area moisture free. One home remedy for yeast diaper rash is using a mix of chamomile essential oil and lavender oil. First, you would have to wash the area my mixing vinegar and warm water. After patting the skin dry, massage the oil, and let it get absorbed by the skin.

Yeast diaper rash is a source of a tremendous amount of pain and irritation for the little ones. As the name suggests, it is a worsened condition of diaper rash. However, it is easily preventable. All parents need to do is to treat the diaper rash once the symptoms occur, and take recommended steps to prevent it from getting infected.