How to Treat a Yeast Diaper Rash

Chances are, you’ve changed a lot of diapers since baby arrived. But just when you think you’ve seen everything—impressive amounts of pee, all shades of poop and occasional pink rashes—you spot something that gives you pause and forces you take a closer look: a yeast diaper rash. But don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Yeast diaper rash is quite common—and we’ll walk you through how to treat it and prevent it from surfacing again in the future.

In this article:
What is a yeast diaper rash?
Diaper rash vs. yeast infection
Yeast diaper rash treatment
How to prevent yeast diaper rash

What Is a Yeast Diaper Rash?

You might think of yeast diaper rash as a kind of extreme diaper rash. According to Danelle Fisher, MD, vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, it’s usually caused by candida, a fungus that naturally lives on human skin, typically without incident. Candida loves wet, moist environments, so when given the right circumstances (such as a wet diaper), the fungus can grow out of control and infect the skin, causing problems. When this happens in the mouth or throat, it’s called thrush; when it occurs in the diaper area, it’s a yeast diaper rash.

What causes yeast diaper rash?

Yeast diaper rash is common because the factors that cause it are common: for instance, when baby is in a wet diaper for too long; or when they switch to solid foods (because this can change baby’s stools and exacerbate diaper rash). Yeast diaper rash is also more likely to happen when baby has a reaction to a new diaper or diaper wipes. Antibiotics—which decrease the growth of bacteria and increase the growth of fungus—can also promote yeast diaper rash.

Diaper Rash Vs. Yeast Infection

The difference between regular diaper rash and a yeast diaper rash is the underlying cause. Your run-of-the-mill diaper rash is essentially a skin irritation, or what dermatologists call dermatitis. It occurs because baby’s skin is sensitive, and the wetness from urine and poop, plus friction from the diaper, can cause your little one’s skin to get inflamed and feel as if it’s burning.

A yeast diaper rash is caused by an infection with candida. In irritated skin, such as diaper rash, the skin barrier weakens, allowing candida to penetrate and grow beneath it. While both rashes can be painful, a yeast rash can also be intensely itchy, says Fisher.

What does yeast diaper rash look like?

Diaper rash involves a reddening of the skin. “But there are varying degrees,” Fisher says. With a regular diaper rash, you’ll see splotchy, pink or rosy areas of skin in baby’s diaper area. The condition is limited to the skin surface and the surface remains smooth.

But a yeast diaper rash looks much redder and angrier. It could also come with red spots, says Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Fisher also adds that it could be a rash with unusual borders. “The edges might have tiny red dots, called satellite lesions,” she says. You might also see peeling at the edges. Yeast diaper rash tends to erupt in baby’s folds of skin, like in the upper legs, genitals and bum.

Yeast Diaper Rash Treatment

You may be well stocked with creams and ointments to fight a run-of-the-mill diaper rash, but the proper yeast diaper rash treatment calls for something more. Because you need to knock out the fungus growth, regular diaper rash creams won’t clear a yeast diaper rash. If baby’s rash looks especially intense and/or your typical diaper rash creams aren’t working, call your pediatrician. They’ll want you to bring baby in so they can assess the skin and confirm the condition.

If the pediatrician finds that baby has yeast diaper rash, they’ll likely recommend an antifungal cream, such as nystatin or clotrimazole, Posner says. Nystatin is available by prescription only, and clotrimazole is available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

To help these treatments along, keep the skin as dry as possible, which means more frequent diaper changes and as much time without a diaper as possible, Fisher says. Look for super-absorbent disposable diapers, and don’t secure them too tightly.

Yeast diaper rash can take up to two weeks to resolve, “but it usually resolves much faster than that,” Posner says.

How to Prevent Yeast Diaper Rash

The best way to prevent yeast diaper rash is by keeping baby’s skin healthy and dry. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Reduce skin contact with pee and poop. Ideally, change baby’s diaper as soon as it gets soiled. That could be about as frequently as every two hours. Opt for diapers that have super-absorbent gelling material, which helps wick away moisture, and protect skin with a petrolatum product (such as Aquafor), which acts as a barrier between the skin and any urine or fecal matter.

• Let the skin breathe. Do this by making sure diapers fit properly and aren’t attached too tightly. Using breathable disposable diapers will help. (We list some of them in this guide. So can letting baby go diaper-free during the day whenever you can.

• Treat regular diaper rash as soon as possible. “If redness occurs, treat it early with a diaper cream with zinc oxide in it,” Fisher says. (Need some product suggestions? These are our favorite creams with zinc oxide.)

Expert bios:

Danelle Fisher, MD, is an LA-based pediatrician and the vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

Gina Posner, MD, is a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. She earned her medical degree from New York Medical College and for over 10 years has volunteered with various organizations in the US and Dominican Republic mentoring and educating children and parents on different health topics.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Treat and Prevent Diaper Rash

13 Diaper Rash Creams That Work Wonders

Your Ultimate Guide to Baby Rashes

Yeast infection diaper rash: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

A type of yeast called candida most commonly causes a yeast diaper rash. The moist environment of a dirty diaper can easily cause a yeast infection – especially if there’s already an untreated diaper rash. If you think your baby’s rash may be a yeast infection, check in with their provider for treatment suggestions, and let them know if the rash doesn’t improve within three days of starting treatment.

Chafing, sensitivity, and wetness are common causes of a typical diaper rash, but if usual treatment efforts (like keeping your child’s bottom dry and using a diaper rash cream or ointment) don’t seem to be working, your baby may have a yeast diaper rash.

Yeast diaper rash causes

A type of yeast called candida most commonly causes a yeast diaper rash. Everyone has harmless amounts of candida in and on their body. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, like the mouth, bowels, skin, vagina, and groin area. The moist environment of a dirty diaper can easily cause a yeast infection – especially if there’s already an untreated diaper rash.

Babies taking antibiotics and breastfed babies whose mothers are on antibiotics are also more susceptible to yeast infections. That’s because antibiotics kill the good bacteria in the body that keep yeast in check. Without these bacteria around, yeast can grow more abundantly.

If your child recently had thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth), they may end up with a yeast infection in their diaper area, too. Yeast passes through your child’s digestive system when they eat and ends up in their poop, which eventually lands in their diaper right next to their warm, damp skin.

Yeast diaper rash symptoms

You may not be able to detect yeast in a mild diaper rash, but you can usually identify a full-blown yeast infection if the rash:

• Lasts longer than two days and doesn’t respond to typical treatments for diaper rash
• Is well defined and reddish or bright red
• Has slightly raised borders
• Shows up in the folds of skin in the groin area
• Has “satellite” lesions or additional irritation near the main skin rash
• Is scaly

© Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

Yeast diaper rash treatment

Regular diaper barrier creams or ointments won’t help, so your baby’s doctor may recommend using a topical antifungal cream (such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole), possibly with a mild corticosteroid cream as well.

Some of these medications are available over the counter, but a yeast diaper rash often requires nystatin, a prescription ointment. You may need to have your baby examined by their doctor before starting treatment. 

Applying the cream two to three times a day is usually enough, but when you’re using an antifungal cream, it’s important to rub it into the skin, not just apply it on top (the way you would with a regular barrier cream for diaper rash). The rash should clear up after a few days.

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Sometimes doctors also recommend applying a barrier cream or ointment over the medication to keep the rash from getting worse.

Don’t use powders like talcum or cornstarch, which can get into a baby’s lungs if inhaled. (Also, some experts believe that using cornstarch might make diaper rash worse by spreading yeast and bacteria.)

Let your baby’s doctor know if the rash doesn’t improve within three days of starting treatment. Also, make an appointment to see the doctor if your child develops a fever, or if the rash develops open sores or oozing yellowish patches. These could mean your child has a bacterial infection and needs an antibiotic.

• Change your baby’s diaper frequently.
• Give your child some bare-butt time. Let them play diaperless (perhaps on a waterproof cloth with a towel on top of it) to let their bottom get some air.
• Gently clean the affected area with a soft washcloth or a cotton ball and water. Don’t use wipes, and be careful not to rub too hard.
• Use a squirt bottle filled with water to clean the area if it looks very irritated or sensitive.
• Choose a mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Pat the area dry or let it air-dry, then apply the ointment or cream.

Can a yeast diaper rash be prevented?

That depends. If your child is taking an antibiotic (or if you’re breastfeeding and taking antibiotics), or if your child has recently recovered from a bout of thrush, you may not be able to prevent a yeast infection.

But you can take steps to prevent the kind of environment where yeast thrives – a dark, moist place.

Try these diapering tips, which also can help prevent regular diaper rash:

• Check your baby’s diaper often, and change wet and soiled diapers right away.
• Clean your child’s bottom thoroughly after they have a bowel movement, and give the area a chance to dry completely before putting on another diaper.
• Don’t put diapers on so tightly that air can’t circulate around your child’s skin.
• If your child is prone to diaper rashes, give them extra bare-butt time whenever it’s convenient, such as during weekend diaper changes at home.

Do cloth diapers help prevent a yeast diaper rash?

There’s no evidence that one type of diaper is better at preventing diaper rash than another. Whether you use cloth or disposable, what’s most important is changing dirty diapers as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to avoid using tight-fitting disposable diapers or non-breathable covers over cloth diapers because these prevent air from passing through.

If you use cloth diapers:

• Wash them with a mild detergent and bleach.
• Rinse them thoroughly.
• Don’t use fabric softeners or dryer sheets. (These might irritate the rash and make it worse.)

If your baby already has a yeast diaper rash, consider using disposable diapers temporarily until the rash goes away because they’re highly absorbent and designed to keep moisture away from the skin.

Learn more: 

Visual guide to children’s rashes and skin conditions

Best diapers for sensitive skin

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symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Contents of the article

1. Symptoms and signs of candidiasis
2. Causes of vaginal candidiasis
3. Routes of transmission of thrush
4. Risk factors for disease
5. Complications after thrush
6. When to see a doctor
7. Preparing for a doctor’s appointment
8. Diagnosis of thrush in women and men
9. Treatment and features
10. Home remedies, myths and misconceptions
11. Prophylaxis
12. How to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist

Thrush refers to urogenital diseases of a fungal nature. The second name is candidiasis. The causative agent is a fungus of the genus Candida. They affect the genitourinary system, but do not belong to sexually transmitted infections. Most often diagnosed in women, but men also have cases of infection with these opportunistic pathogens. Their habitat is the vagina, human intestines and skin. Under certain conditions, the fungal microflora begins to multiply and exceed the allowable amount, which leads to a diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with thrush are treated on an outpatient basis.

Symptoms and signs of candidiasis

Not everyone knows what thrush looks like in women at the onset of the disease. It is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms:

• severe itching in the intimate area;
• swelling of the vaginal mucosa;
• burning sensation during intercourse;
• Sour smell of white or yellowish cheesy discharge.

Signs of fungal candidiasis in men

Appeared thrush in men shows symptoms in the form of painful urination, swelling of the glans penis, redness and white plaque under the foreskin. Unpleasant sensations can intensify after intercourse, which should alert. In a state of calm, thrush in men is less pronounced.

Causes of vaginal candidiasis

The causes of thrush are associated with a decrease in immunity. The list of provoking factors also includes:

• taking oral contraceptives;
• taking antibiotics;
• pregnancy;
• violation of the microflora in the body;
• hygiene products with unsuitable Ph.

Ways of infection with thrush

Thrush during pregnancy appears due to changes in the hormonal background and the composition of the microflora. In other cases, in women, the risk of infection depends on the state of health. Thrush can also appear in men if there was unprotected intercourse with a Candida carrier. The fungal microflora is transmitted if hygiene is not observed (foreign towels, shared bedding). Pools and beaches are often places of infection. There may be signs of thrush after a kiss. Oral contact is a common route of infection because Candida can be found on any mucous membrane of the body.

Risk factors for disease

Risk factors depend on external exposure and health status. The chances of getting a diagnosis increase with frequent stress, hypothermia, the use of condoms, due to recent infectious diseases. Thrush often appears during pregnancy in women, which become a risk factor for men as well.

The list also includes the following items:

• diabetes mellitus;
• HIV infection;
• chemotherapy;
• beriberi;
• dysbacteriosis.

Complications after thrush

At first, thrush symptoms are less pronounced. Especially during menstruation, when the alkaline environment in the vagina changes. Then the thrush eliminates these causes and the regression of recovery begins. Without treatment, the disease will progress, provoking the development of complications:

• extensive reddening of the mucosa in the intimate area;
• sores and fissures;
• frequent relapses of candidiasis;
• infection of internal organs;
• outbreaks of inflammatory processes;
• weakening of the immune system;
• risk of infertility in women and sexual dysfunction in men.

When to see a doctor

If the occurrence of thrush in women or men is recorded, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. Over-the-counter medications may not work as expected. In addition, before making a diagnosis, you need to take smears for laboratory analysis. According to the clinical picture, it is not always possible to determine the nature of mycosis: bacterial vaginosis, thrush or colpitis. These diseases are diagnosed and treated by gynecologists of JSC “Medicina” (clinic of academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow. If you haven’t been exposed to Candida before, don’t self-medicate. Especially in the case of illness in children under the age of 12, with regular relapses and with an allergic reaction to ointments, suppositories. Any drugs for thrush are selected according to individual criteria.

Preparing for a doctor’s visit

Thrush in women causes and symptoms are almost the same, so you need to follow the general rules for preparing for the visit. It is recommended to come in the first days after the end of menstruation. Before visiting a gynecologist:

• don’t douche, just take a shower;
• refrain from sexual intercourse 2-3 days before taking;
• Do not take medication 2 weeks before your appointment.

Diagnosis of thrush in women and men

During the diagnosis, the clinical picture is taken into account. This is the patient’s well-being, discharge with thrush and the presence of a number of symptoms. At the appointment at JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) near the Mayakovskaya metro station, a gynecologist conducts an examination and takes tests to study the microflora. Thrush has different causes. Truth can only be found by inspection. And for this, men need to contact a urologist. The clinic has the necessary doctors, its own laboratory and equipment that allow you to quickly get the result and make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and its features

Thrush in women is treated depending on the tests and the severity of the symptoms. If they are not very pronounced, topical medications will be prescribed: antifungal creams, vaginal suppositories, ointments. After that, preparations are used to restore microflora and probiotics. But chronic thrush requires a more systematic approach and antibiotic therapy. You also need to follow a diet. Sweets, store-bought juices, fatty foods, smoked meats, starchy foods, sweet fruits, pickles, and alcohol should be excluded from nutrition. It is worth knowing about the diet, how to treat thrush in women and maintain the microflora to stop relapses.

Home remedies, myths and misconceptions

Traditional medicine knows how to cure thrush at home. Douching, baths and tampons are used. The traditional way: dilute 1 tsp. soda in 1 liter of water. You need to douche 2 times a day. Decoctions of herbs are also suitable for this method: St. John’s wort, yarrow, chamomile, oak bark, knotweed, sage, juniper. A common myth is that there is no need to buy a cure for thrush. You can quickly and cheaply get by with folk remedies. No, that’s not possible. Treatment with herbs and lotions takes about 2-3 weeks. And not the fact that they will help. Thrush requires treatment without fail. It doesn’t go away on its own.

Prevention

Often, thrush in women appears due to the use of daily sanitary pads and wearing tight synthetic underwear. In order to prevent, it is worth abandoning these habits. Cotton underwear is the best choice. Avoid hypothermia at any time of the year, dress warmly. Do not use scented hygiene products, select the appropriate composition and Ph level. With symptoms of the disease, do not self-medicate, any candles and tablets for thrush should be prescribed by a doctor. Avoid stress and overwork, and do not abuse alcohol and sweets.

How to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist

You can make an appointment with the specialist you need online. To select an appointment date, you can also call the 24-hour available phone number +7 (495) 775-73-60. Thrush, although a common disease, requires competent treatment. The clinic operates in the Central District at the address: Moscow, 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy lane, building 10, Mayakovskaya metro station. There are also metro stations nearby: Belorusskaya, Tverskaya, Novoslobodskaya and Chekhovskaya. Convenient location allows you to come to the clinic at any time and visit the consultation. For each person, thrush has individual symptoms and treatment, so make an appointment and diagnosis with experienced specialists at Medicine JSC (clinic of academician Roitberg).

drug for the treatment and prevention of fungal infections

FLUCOSTAT® is a systemic antifungal drug for the treatment of “thrush”.

Benefits of the brand

• long history of use, backed by positive experience of use and trust of millions of women in Russia
• proven and confirmed equivalence to the original Western drug GMP ²
• affordability to a wide range of consumers ³

Advantages of the molecule 174 Candida

, especially Candia albicans – the main causative agents of genital candidiasis (” thrush”)

• oral bioavailability comparable to intravenous administration;
• high degree of distribution in tissues and body media (including the ability to create and maintain high therapeutic concentrations in vaginal tissues and vaginal secretions) ⁴ ;
• prolonged therapeutic effect and long-term protective effect.

• achievement of maximum concentrations in the vaginal mucosa and vaginal secretion within 2 hours after taking ⁷ *
• the onset of a decrease in clinical symptoms within an average of 24 hours after taking one capsule at a dosage of 150 mg ⁸
• Mean time to symptom regression 2 days ⁸
• Just one 150mg capsule is sufficient to eliminate thrush symptoms in most women with uncomplicated acute vulvovaginal candidiasis
• single dose oral administration of a 150 mg capsule is comparable to ⁹ **

Advantages of formulation (capsules for oral administration)

Systemic distribution in most tissues, organs and biological fluids of the body creates high concentrations in them, which contributes to:

convenience and comfort during treatment:

• the possibility of starting treatment on any day of the menstrual cycle, including “monthly”
• the possibility of taking the capsule at any time of the day – day or night

9000 5 the possibility of taking the drug outside depending on the diet – on an empty stomach, during or after a meal (simultaneous food intake and increased acidity do not significantly affect the absorption and therapeutic effect of the drug)

• the possibility of taking the drug regardless of the method of contraception used – fluconazole does not violate the integrity of latex contraceptives when it comes to using a condom or diaphragm, and also does not reduce the level of estradiol, which is the main component of oral contraceptives

• simplicity and ease the process of taking the drug – all that is required is to take the capsule out of the blister and swallow it with the necessary amount of water
• in most cases, just 1 capsule per course is enough

Indications for use

• treatment of acute vaginal candidiasis when topical therapy is not applicable.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to fluconazole and other components of the drug
• Children under 3 years0006

For more details, see the instructions for medical use of the drug.

1. Problem laboratory for the development, study, implementation, production and marketing of medicines of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Director of the PL LS RAMS, Academician of the RAMS, Professor Kukes V.G., DECISION of the FAS RF in case No. РЦ.08.10.13 dated 08.30.10 against Pfizer International LLC (USA). Published on the website of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation – solutions.fas.gov.ru/documents/4115
2. GMP certificate No. ZVA/LV/2012/006H dated 10.02.2012.
3. Compared to the original fluconazole, the retail price for the release form 150 mg No. 1 is 2 times more affordable (according to Iquivia Solutions LLC for 2018)
4. Fluconazole. An update of its antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in vaginal candidiasis. – Fluconazole. (New aspects of antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic potential and therapeutic application in vulvovaginal candidiasis).
5. World Health Organization, “GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS”, 2003, p.58-59. World Health Organization, “Guidelines for the management of patients with sexually transmitted infections”, 2003, pp.58-59.
6. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, June 5, 2015, p. 76.
   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA. Recommendations for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, 2015, June 5, 2015, p. 76.
7. Pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in human tissues. Brammer C.W., Farow P.R., Faulkner Jay. K. Overview of Infectious Diseases. 19March 90 – April 12. Pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of fluconazole in humans. Brammer KW, Farrow PR, Faulkner JK. Rev Infect Dis. 1990 Mar-Apr; 12 Suppl 3: S318-26.
8. Treatment of vaginal candidiasis with a single dose of fluconazole 150 mg.