What causes diaper rash?
Diaper rash is irritated skin in the diaper area, caused by moisture, pee and poop sitting against the skin. It’s very common, especially when babies have diarrhea, start solid foods or are taking antibiotics.
Sometimes yeast (Candida) takes hold, causing a bright red rash with small red spots around the edges that gets into the skin folds. That kind needs an antifungal cream.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Dermatitis (diaper).
Common symptoms
- Red, sore-looking skin in the diaper area
- Fussiness during diaper changes
- With yeast: bright red patches in the skin folds, with small spots around the edges
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Bring your baby in and your pharmacist will look at the rash and ask how long it’s been there and what you’ve tried.
They’ll recommend the right barrier cream and, if it looks like yeast or the skin is very inflamed, may prescribe an antifungal or mild medicated cream. We’ll go over the routine that helps most: frequent changes, diaper-free time, gentle cleaning, and a thick layer of barrier cream at every change.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Clotrimazole (Canesten), miconazole or nystatin creamantifungal creams for yeast diaper rash
- Hydrocortisone 0.5% or 1% cream, or desonidea mild corticosteroid for a few days when the skin is very inflamed
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Prescription creams for babies and kids are covered by many drug plans, and by OHIP+ if your child doesn’t have a private plan.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- Your baby has a fever, or seems unwell or isn’t feeding well
- There are blisters, pus-filled bumps, open sores or yellow crusts
- The rash spreads beyond the diaper area
- Your baby is a newborn
- It isn’t improving after 3 days of treatment
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.