Is This Diaper Rash? or Something Else?

Updated on October 08, 2008
J.M. asks from Haverhill, MA
41 answers

Hello mommies,

My 15 month old daughter only seems gets diaper rash when she's teething. For the last week or so, she's had this diaper rash that just won't go away. (We've been putting on tons of Desitin and corn starch, and keeping up with it.) Sure enough, my husband and I checked and she's popped out a molar! The diaper rash has definitely calmed down since the tooth has broken through, but now she has these little red dots.

Has anyone else seen this? Someone suggested to me that it may be a "Yeast rash"? Any suggestions would be most helpful :) I'm thinking she may need something stronger than desitin or corn starch.

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So What Happened?

I would like to thank everyone once again for all of your responses! You mommies are wonderful and make me love this website even more. I'm so glad I can count on you all.

Shortly after posting my question on diaper rash, the "diaper rash" ended up being a form of a yeast infection. My daughter's pediatrician recommended Lotrimin (the same stuff you use for athlete's foot). Who would have thought? It cleared it up within 2 days. Great stuff! Thanks again for all of your help!!

Featured Answers

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R.S.

answers from New London on

Hi, I think Balmex is thicker than Desitin...I used to hate trying to wash it off because it was so thick but now that is what I use for serious rashes.

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R.C.

answers from Boston on

My pedi gives us a script for Nystatin and Hydrocortisone, use on alternate diaper changes. The Nystatin is what will clear up the rash. The hydrocortisone will help with redness and itching.

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M.L.

answers from Boston on

Try Triple Paste and also sunlight..or just let her air it out as often as possible. Plus go up in a size in diapers so allow more airflow. I always go up at nighttime. Good luck!

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K.T.

answers from Boston on

Do her stools seem looser when she gets this rash? I'm surprised she has a molar, she seems young. But anyway, I would go to the DR, it just may be a yeast rash if it hasnt gone away, they can give you a pres cream. When it is cleared up I would always keep vaseline on her bottom at every diaper change, it creates a barrier on the skin so the poop doesnt give her a rash.
Best of Luck let us know how you make out.

1 mom found this helpful

D.B.

answers from Boston on

I'll bet you it's yeast! Happens all the time, and especially when teething. The excess saliva screws up the balance of good bacteria and yeast in the colon. I'd stop the Desitin and the corn starch. Just use a wet, soft cloth for wiping during diaper changes and let the bum air-dry if you can. You can try a yogurt with probiotics in it to restore the balance in the colon. Reliv International makes a great kids' nutritional product which gives them everything they need IN THE RIGHT BALANCE (and that is the key - it's why it's different than everything else out there, why it's patented, etc.) to stop this from occurring again as well as to help strengthen the immune system overall - imagine no more colds, asthma, allergies, strep, etc.! It's more than possible!

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B.Z.

answers from Boston on

I would definitely show the doctor. My daughter had a horrible rash that I couldn't get rid of when she was very little, and I was actually afraid to bring her in to the drs. because I thought they would think I had neglected her. They took one look at her and said it was a yeast infection. I was so relieved and it cleared up right away with the right treatment.

B. in MA

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D.E.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.. My daughter recently had the same thing, though her rash was not related to teething. She had a horrible diaper rash which dissipated but left red dots. We were at the MD's office for her 9-month appointment and he said that they were the result of bacteria. He recommended putting a layer of Bacitracin on her bum three times a day (under the layer of diaper cream) until it clears up. We've done that for several days and they are definitely disappearing. Hope this helps. Diaper rashes are so annoying!

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R.K.

answers from Springfield on

If you think it might be a yeast infection you need to go to the dr and get a cream prescribed for her. My son has a tendency to get them. I use only water to wipe him when he's wet and I use a mild soap like dove to clean his pooppy diapers so that his skin doesn't get further irritated while he has one and it generally clears up quickly. ask your dr to prescribe the cream in the form of an ointment so that you can put something like a&d or desitin the ointment not the cream. You can layer ointments.

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W.D.

answers from Boston on

it's normal.. lots of kids get rashes while teething.. try Boudreaux's Butt Balm (any supermarket or pharmacy).. works wonders!!

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P.E.

answers from Boston on

When my daughter got a yeast infection my Dr. recommended a mixture of equal parts antifugal cream and 1% hydrocortisone. Everysince then i have used it for diaper rashes and it usually clears them up quick. I did use it when she was teething not sure if her rash was from teething or not and it worked. Good luck.

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A.W.

answers from Boston on

You might want to get a perscription for "Nystatin" .. I am not writing it correctly. But it's an "antifungal" salve that works like a charm. Some babies are just prone to this and others are not. My kids all had the same kind of issue and when it got to that point this stuff really helped.

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M.C.

answers from Providence on

Check inside her mouth on the back of her throat for the same red spots she might have Hand Foot Mouth. My son had it and the first I noticed of it was little red spots all over his bum.

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S.H.

answers from Boston on

Probiotics will help with yeast rashes. Put some loose powdered probiotics into her bottle every day.

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R.L.

answers from New London on

Hi Jen,
My son was the same way when he was little. He only broke out in a rash when he was teething. The ointment I swear by is called Balmex,it might be a little more expencive,but I think it's worth it. My son is now 10.

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A.S.

answers from Providence on

red dots does sound like yeast, and if it is yeast rash, i would definitely stop with the corn starch, as it can "feed" the yeast.

you can buy an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream like monistat, which should clear it up. but really the best thing for yeast is lots of open-air-naked-bum time

also to second the poster who recommended probiotics in the form of yogurt, kefir, or kombucha, or capsules.

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B.M.

answers from Boston on

It sounds like it could be a yeast infection, easily treated with an anti-fungal ointment, like athletes foot is. But-- be sure to have your doctor check her out first to be sure.

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L.M.

answers from Boston on

J.,

My daughter had the little red dots when she got diaper rash. The way my doctor described it was it's like sun burn. It clear it up we stopped using wipes and used cotton balls with baby oil to clean her. Once she was clean we used a square cotton pad, put that over the top of a Maalox, shake and dab onto the babies bottom. Once that is dry put on the diaper cream. Now my doctor recommended anything but A&D - we used Balmex and it worked great for us. This cleared my daughter but since it's basically a burn it takes a while to heal. I mean a couple of weeks but it does go away.
The first doctor (not my daughter's doctor) said the dots were yeast and prescribed cream for her but the dots didn't go away - it wasn't yeast. Just a really bad diaper rash.

Good luck,
L. M

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J.D.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,

My daughter used to get the same type of horrible rash and would scream in pain. I thought for sure it must be a yeast infection, but when I mentioned it to my doctor she asked if we had switched our usual brand of wipes or diapers. I realized that I had in fact bought a diff. type of diaper (same brand even). Months later, same thing happened when I ran out of diapers and used another type! Since sticking with one type (Pampers Baby Dry) she has been fine!

Also, with teething there is a lot of extra saliva that makes for pretty liquidy poops. That can cause a rash too.

Good luck!

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B.L.

answers from Boston on

We just went through the exact same thing with our 11 month old. He did cut a molar and it was a yeast rash/infection. We had to get a prescription cream from his Doctor. We were able to just call the office and explain it to them and they called the prescription in, we didn't even have to go for an office visit.

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R.B.

answers from Boston on

It could very well be a yeast rash. Your pediatrician can prescribe a Nystatin cream. Believe it or not, you can also use a product that is used for athelete's feet called Micadin sold over the counter. A yeast rash occurs in warm, wet places. I was told to use the creme three times a day.

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J.D.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.

I always used Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment. It works great. The rashes always cleared up right away. It might be worth a shot.

Jen

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L.C.

answers from Springfield on

Definatly sounds like a yeast infection. Very common-- not to worry. You want to start with Nystatin, if that dosent work ask your pedi for Vusion. Vusion is amazing at clearing this although it is often not covered by Ins. and will cost a wopping $260.00!!! I just went through this so believe me, I know that is a crazy amount. I have excellent ins. so I called the company, they can authorize a 1 time sale but if you will need it refilled, your pedi will have to call the ins. co. .. good luck. it's worth it to get the tube of vusion in your house. L. C.

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H.T.

answers from Boston on

When one of my children was little, an antibiotic caused a yeast rash. The doctor told me to get some monistat 7 and apply. It looked better almost immediately.

I would recommend taking your baby to the doctor for the initial diagnosis. After that you'll know what it is and can medicate accordingly. But you need to find out exactly what it is first.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

It does sound like a yeast infection. The doc can prescribe something or you can use athlete's foot cream, same stuff. Watch out for the creams with steriods in them...

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H.M.

answers from Lewiston on

Lots of little ones get a rash with teething- I have no idea why! But the little red dots sounds like yeast, and corn starch will only feed it according to my pedi. If it is yeast, and your doc would need to confirm that for you, Monistat can clear it up as yeast is a fungus. Also, limit sugars, as this can also add to a yeast issue.
Blessings!

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L.L.

answers from Buffalo on

Hi J.- Our daughter got really bad diaper rash this past summer after eating strawberries. She was about 13 mo at the time. Anyway, it went on for a good week- it would get a little better and then worse again- she actually had red bumps and what almost looked liked little sores and didn't want us to wipe her b/c it hurt. We ended up taking her to the Dr. and it was indeed a yeast infection- they gave us a prescription lotion that cleared it up within 2 days...Our nurses have also said that the wipes can leave a bacterial film sometimes and that that can lead to such an infection...I think b/c we were changing her so much, and her diapers were so runny, it was just prime circumstance for an infection-

if it's been a week or almost a week I'd take her to the Docs.

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D.H.

answers from Lewiston on

My daughter always gets a rash when she is teething. Sounds normal unless she's in a lot of pain or the rash is swollen and smells. Desitin never worked for me (the rash stayed or didn't improve) and I hated the white creamy residue. My #1 cream is A&D clear gel ointment. I've been using it for a year now and it's great. It can even be used on burns and cuts, etc. Once I see a bit of a rash, it clears it up within 24 hrs. I wouldn't worry, but call your ped. if you are worried at any time.

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C.M.

answers from Boston on

I definately have experienced the same thing. My now 3 1/2 year old daughter has VERY sensitive skin on her bottom and would get a diaper rash very easily. When she was teething it was the worst to keep up with. The reason is that when they teeth they drool excessively and their are a lot of acids in saliva, so it transfers to their urine and feces, therefor causing diaper rash. You will probably notice other this may cause increased risk of rash, like apple juice, ect. My daughter has a problem with apple juice/apple cider now....it causes loose stool for her ad then she has a hard time making it to the potty in time.

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K.K.

answers from Hartford on

Try Lotrimin. It's for athlete's foot, really, but when my son had a diaper rash that wouldn't go away with normal means, a girlfriend of mine (who is an EMT and mother of 3) said to try it. Worked like a charm!

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A.O.

answers from Boston on

Use A&D ointment for the diaper rash. My son had very sensitive skin when he was first born and had horrible diaper rash. We used Desitin and Butt Paste and they didn't help at all. Finally I took him to the dr. and they recommended the A&D. It cleared it up instantly. If it is a yeast infection, which is very common, you need to take her to the dr. to know for sure. I'm sure they would then prescribe the right medication to clear it up. Good luck.

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L.B.

answers from Boston on

My daughter is 15 months too! She only gets a rash when she's teething as well. I've tried everything from Butt Paste to Aquafor and nothing seems to work fast, until my neighbor (a nurse) told me to try Gold Bond Medicated powder, the acidic content in the powder neutralizes the burn and her rashes that used to last a week or so before are gone almost overnight now! I won't use anything but Gold Bond from now on.

Good luck!

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J.C.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,

We are going through this right now in fact. The discomfort my son feels makes it hard to pin him down for a diaper change! The Pedi's offcie said to use lotrimin 3x/day and bacitracin at every change. They recommended that I don't use wipes, just a washcloth wrung out in water with a little baking soda. I've also been putting a little baking soda in his bath. They also said not to use any "white" diaper creams, because it is so difficult to remove it all and the residue can harbor yeast/bacteria. They said to only use vaseline as a barrier cream. three days later, the rash is almost gone.

Good luck!

J.

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B.W.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.!! I have a little girl about the same age (god bless you with another on the way -congrats!) and she always gets some kind of rash with teething, tomatoes, you name it. My dr. told me any thing can start the rash, but it is the conditions in the diaper that make it worse/hang around. I was given a recipe for a cream that will knock out any kind in just a few days.

Mix together:
1/4 cup A&D ointment (store brand is ok)
1/4 cup maalox (reg. flavor if you can get it, cherry if not)
1/4 cup antibiotic ointment (bacitracin, neosporin, eg.)
2 Tablespoons lotrimin (store brand ok)

It will make kind of a thick soup that will spread easily on all affected areas. It is awesome! The maalox lowers the pH of the urine/poop so it is not as irritating, the ointment kills any bacteria, and the lotrimin kills any fungus. It is safe enough to use whenever. I usually make a double batch to always have some on hand/in diaper bag/at home. Just wanted to pass it along - it is my secret weapon = ) good luck hon!

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A.M.

answers from Boston on

I would get her to the doctor. She probably has a yeast infection and will need some medicine to get rid of it. My daughter had these often, especially when she was on antibiotics. We used Nystatin(?). You put it on like diper rash cream and it goes away. Good Luck!

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S.P.

answers from Portland on

J.,
I can't say exactly what type of rash your daughter might have but I've noticed something similar in my 14 month old daughter. When nothing else worked, I bought "canus" diaper cream. First of all, it is 40% zinc oxide where desitin and balmex are only around 10% or so. Secondly, it's made with goats milk which softens skin. It's the only thing that I've noticed worked. My son used balmex without a problem.

The other thing you can try is Aveeno oatmeal bath. It helps with rashes and leaves a protective barrier on your baby's skin. Good luck.

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R.N.

answers from Providence on

We just experienced something similar w/ our 1 yr old. Used all the Desitin in the world to no avail. At his checkup last week our doc gave us a prescrip called Vusion....it worked like a charm!! It is for yeast like bum infections. She gave us enough samples so we didn't need to fill a scrip. Ask your doc....I think you definitely need something else!! Good luck and let me know you make out.
Becky

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R.B.

answers from Boston on

It's most likely a yeast or fungal rash that needs something more. Believe it or not, the doctor always recommended an antifungal cream (it's actually for "athlete's foot") - and it always worked when the rash wouldn't respond to anything else. Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Bangor on

Please start using Arbonne's Diaper Rash cream! You don't want those chemicals and dyes penetrating her little bottom (26 seconds is all it takes for something to go on your skin and be absorbed into your major organs). My boys were different, one got a sort of heat rash when teething the other one didn't I used the natural teething tablets and it took the pain away almost instantly.
My boys will still use the Arbonne Diaper Rash Cream when they are in Boy Scout camp for chafing! It is safe for all to use. Check it out at www.seethedifference.myarbonne.com and ask for a free sample to try if you want to try before you buy. It takes so little to get the job done mine lasted for over a year, just that one cream (I believe using these products kept my boys skin clear and rash free while they were in diapers/training pants). Good luck, L.
p.s. it also works as an anti bacterial cream, I use it on cuts, scrapes etc. It is amazing what plants can do if we remember their healing properties. No matter what you use stay away from Mineral Oil and other petroleum based products. If you google these two things you will understand why.

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L.L.

answers from Portland on

It really sounds more like a yeast infection to me and is not at all uncommon in infants.
Be aware that little boys , as well as little girls, can have yeast infections.
Teething, colds, infections, and illnesses can set them off if the child is prone to contract them.
Infections can weaken the immune system enough to allow the yeastie beasties to proliferate.
The simplest way to treat it is to get a natural yogurt, one with live cultures, such as Stoneybrook Farm, and rather than desitin,(which will not help with yeast infection) rub a bit of the yogurt on the rash.
Also, feed her yogurt. At 15 months she is well old enough.
Yogurt will replenish the natural bacterias in her body that normally keep yeast infections quiet.
But again, use the natural yogurts that have live cultures.
If this is not enough relieve the child then there are ointments her ped could prescribe.
One other thing that is most helpful is if you can take off her diaper several times a day and let her "air dry" If she could be in the sun without the diaper that is even better.
Any rash on the genitals thrives in a dark, moist enviornment. The sun is a marvelous healer of such rashes.
Also, try to avoid giving her any acidy foods.
This is a much more common occurance than you may imagine. Quite uncomfortable for the child just as it is in an adult.
It does need to be tended as it can run rampant throughout the body. Systemic yeast infections are miserable. Dont think they often happen with infants and babies tho.
Wishing you the best
God bless
Grandmother Lowell

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K.S.

answers from Boston on

I also agree that this is yeast diaper rash. My son had this too and his doc prescribed nystatin. He only needed a tiny bit and it cleared up within a few days.

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T.N.

answers from New London on

Hi J.,
My daughter who just turned two had a similar experience. And I as well was treating it with desitin and it would not go away. I was confused and thought maybe it could be her excema, but just wasn't convinced so I did end up taking her in. At that point it had been several weeks that I had treated it with desitin so the dr. was really unable to diagnose whether it was excema, yeast, or what identifiably it was so he perscribed a hydrocortisone cream with a steroid in it...something that would heal both possible cases and it worked after two applications. It never hurts to have your dr. take a look. I wish I had done so sooner! Good luck:)

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