Need Help in Resolving Diaper Rash/redness

Updated on October 09, 2007
A.S. asks from Houston, TX
40 answers

My 10 month old daughter has been having frequent stools (sometimes just a teeny bit drop) since about a week now and there is a large area of redness now and she howls each time I need to change her diaper, which is like every 30 minutes. I cannot leave her diaperless (because of the constant stools) and I have been using balmex and baby powder, it does not seem to be improving. I am afraid if I don't get it nipped in the bud by tomorrow, Sunday, it will only get worse at daycare on Monday.

Any suggestion as to what will heal diaper rash/redness fast? Also, what will make these incessant stools stop. I am still nursing her and she eats Gerber infant cereal too. I think she's teething plus she developed an ear infection and started taking antibiotic on Wednesday. My little girl is in a lot of pain because of this situation, please help !!!

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So What Happened?

I want to thank all you wonderful guys out there, I am so amazed and shocked at all the responses and suggestions I got. Mums rock !!!

I sent my husband to get all the suggested diaper creams (boudreaux butt paste, desiting original, desitin creamy, Dr Smith, and also a big jar of vaseline). We got these early sunday morning and it was my full time job on sunday to wash her bum under running water, I even let her sit in her tub (which she loved) for a while. That seemed to soothe her. I stopped using the scented wipes and used wet towels instead. Then with each diaper change, I applied a coat of boudreaux and vaseline, interchanging with a coat of desitin with vaseline, etc. Sure enough, by the night of Sunday, the redness was almost all gone, just a little area remained and it was not even red.

I then took a lot of diapers with me to her daycare on Monday morning and pleaded with her caretaker to please change her frequently and not to worry about wasting a lot of diapers, my baby's comfort is what is at stake. I also told her not to give her any juice drinks but give water instead, also she should only eat rice cereal, not the mixed grain or oatmeal. Also, she should be given lots of water to drink, to keep her hydrated. I also took desitin creamy and vaseline with me for her use at daycare with each diaper change.

I was afraid of how she will turn out when i returned from work but to my delight, she was much healed and all the rashes are almost gone.

Once again, i thank you all wonderful and supportive mums out there. Long live Mamasource.

Featured Answers

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E.W.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.!

Have you tried cloth diapers? They can greatly reduce the incidence of diaper rash. Email if you have questions...E.

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S.P.

answers from Houston on

Try Sween cream you can buy it at pharamcies my grandmother told me about for my son when he had horrible diaper rash and nothing worked and it works like a charm, most of the time if helps him in one appilaaction.

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R.S.

answers from Houston on

My mom gave me a home remedy and it really works. Take a vegetable or olive oil, about 2 tbsp and mix with the same amount of water. Just mix it with a fork. Use warm or tap water that's not cold. Once it's pretty mixed, just let the droplets fall all over the affected area. It coats the skin and doesn't sting because there are no chemicals. My boys would bleed from diaper rashes and as soon as I started doing this, they would heal quickly, must faster than with other lotions or powders.

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P.D.

answers from Houston on

Yes, I am a mother of a 24 yr old,21,19,and 8 yr old. Pure cornstarch will get rid of the diaper rash and lot,s of water. Your daughter sounds like she is constipated and backed up. Put sugar in her water everytime she drinks it, until she starts getting regular bowl movements. Also, there may be to much acids in her juices.. Remember lot's of water or you could just call the doctor and tell them what's going on. Anytime you need my help.. Thanks for letting me be of help to you..... Also you can try light kayro syrup it's a natural laxative.

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M.L.

answers from Houston on

this is a fool proof remedy to the horrible issue. mix together in the diaper 2/3 yeast infection cream and 1/3 diaper rash cream, apply to area. you don't need to wipe off and reapply every diaper change. also, you need to cut down your child's intake of juices and/or fruit because this could be the reason for his diarrhea.

i wish you the best of luck.

M.

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M.R.

answers from Houston on

I'm sorry to be responding so late. I have 4 boys and through much trial and error, I have found that Desitin Overnight cream is the best at relieving the pain of diaper rash and curing the rash. I had something similar with my 3rd boy, Andrew, and the Desitin really helped a lot. I'm not sure if your child is walking yet, but since the weather is still sunny, I highly suggest keeping her diaperless as much as possible. I get this done by spending time with the kids outside and letting Andrew be diaperless to help dry the rash up. If she poops, it'll go into the grass and not on your carpet. I hope this helps.

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M.P.

answers from Houston on

DR. SMITH is the best one, it has worked for my son and also all my friends use it on their kids.

Good luck, is terrible to see your baby in such pain.

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S.L.

answers from Houston on

we use Boudreaux Butt Paste and it had been very effective

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L.R.

answers from Houston on

Hello, A. s. I'm sorry you're all going through this. I hope these things can help you. For the diaper rash white corn starch: the powdery form used for starching clothing - white only. For her tummy to feel better; some chamomile tea - lite not strong. And if she's eating fresh fruits/puree. A granny smith apple is very good for diarrea or constipation; even a red apple is good. Also, the liquid from cooked rice ca help her tummy feel better. Also, lay her on your lap while rocking her and in a very gentle massaging touch raise the skin on her backbone and continue the massaging. This has always helped my babies feel better. My babies are 31yrs, 28yrs, and 26yrs. And all were breast-fed. Good luck and may god give you all the strenght you need through this. L.

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M.D.

answers from Houston on

Based on my experience, my daughter has had bad reactions (similar to your little one's) to 2 different types of antibiotics. My doctor changed the prescriptions for me & things did get better.

I also used Dr Smith's - apply it on thick at night - it helps. And, also place your little one in the bath as often as possible & completely dry after the bath.

I hope she gets better soon...I've seen how bad it was for my little one & it makes me sad for yours!

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M.

answers from Houston on

The excessive stools is probably from the antibiotics. Try Dr. Smith's ointment (sold at Randalls, Walgreens). Its very good. Also use Aquaphor...its an ointment. You will find it near the lotion section in the store (Target keeps it right next to the lotions). Using both together should help. If not, check with your pediatrician. You may need another type of antibiotic.

Good Luck!

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B.L.

answers from Houston on

I've had the same problem and the only thing that works for my little one is Desitin. But make sure you get the "creamy" Desitin because you are changing her so often. (the original Desitin is so thick- it will hurt her to clean it off). Get the "creamy Desitin" and use a LOT EVERY TIME. I will go through a half a bottle for a rash. My 12 month old has come home w/blisters- w/such a bad rash and I will have it gone by the morning. Good Luck - - USE A LOT!!!! It will really make your little girl feel better once you get it on her.

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L.E.

answers from Houston on

Hi! Sorry she is in such a horrible situation. The antibiotics probably isn't helping any either. Most of the times along with antibiotics come rashes. My son would get rashes so much and I would treat them with either petroleum jelly or Dr. Smith's diaper rash cream. To coat the rash after each diaper change you can use the petroleum jelly and see if that helps. You can get Dr. Smiths at walgreens or CVS or walmart. That stuff worked wonders for my boys. I hope this is helpful and I hope your baby feels better soon!

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A.A.

answers from New Orleans on

My newborn had that problem. First, we started with "Boudreaux's Buttpaste" (you can find it at Wal-Mart) to clear up the rash (I don't like using baby powder, myself). Then we switched diapers until we found one that didn't aggravate his sensitive skin. Believe it or not, the diaper that has been working for us is the Walgreens brand, cloth-like diaper (he's saving me money already!). And last, but not least, we change him very often. He hasn't had any recurrence of the episode since we changed diapers. Oh! I use the Huggie's Sensitive skin baby wipes. When you find something that works - DON'T CHANGE IT. Hope this helps you some. Good luck.

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M.W.

answers from Houston on

Dr. Smith's diaper rash cream has always been the best cream, it helps instantaneously. Also, antibiotics aren't helping the 'stool' situation.
You should try Dr Smith's. It really does work great on diaper rashes, you can get it at Walgreens, CVS...any place like that.
Good luck!

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S.O.

answers from Houston on

If you have tried all the diaper rash creams and the rash still doesn't seem to be getting better it might be a yeast diaper rash. My son had one whenhe was about the same age and it looked like his but was on fire. I searched the internet and found a suggestion to use a mild vinegar solution and his rash was much better by the next day. I think they suggested 1 tsp/cup of water but I made it a little stronger. Just dip a clean washcloth in the solution and pat the rash arae with it. Allow it to air dry before diapering and repeat with every diaper change. I hope this helps.

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W.P.

answers from Houston on

Dear A.:
It's probably from the antibiotics.

Against the stools you can try chocolate or banana, if a 10-month-old can have that (not sure). They constipate a little. Or ask in the pharmacy whether they have something for little kids.

As for the rash, you can use zinc oxide, a white, oily cream.

Be sure to tell the day care about the antibiotics and ask them to change diapers frequently.

Good luck,
W.

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

Because of her age, you really need to take her to the pedi. They dehydrate quickly at this age. Too, you want to make sure it isn't a virus before you take her to daycare. She could be having a reaction to the antibiotics, as well...Just my thoughts...I am thinking she is too young for imodium or anything like that.

I use vaseline when this happens because it acts like a barrier to keep the area proctected and it helps moisturize too so the poop doesn't stick and you don't have to wipe as hard. Use wet paper towels, or soft wet washrag instead of wipes. The additives on the wipes does burn their bottoms when they are sore.

If you have a certain area she will sit and play, try putting several towels down and giver her some 'air' time. I know yuo don't want a mess, but even if you just let her play in the tub had give her several short baths over the day will probably help.

Hope she feels better soon!

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A.V.

answers from Houston on

I am soo sorry to hear that your little one is in such pain. The rash may be a result of the antibiotic..may be too strong, or a combo of the teeth also. My husband is a pediatrician and I can tell you that little ones are too young to be given anything for bowl issues. I would "strongly" urge you to call ur dr and have a chat. Let them know what is going on with the medication. It may be nothing but may be a virus..who knows. You may want to give your little one binding foods...cereal, rice, sweet potatoes, bannanas,applesauce,yogurt etc.. BAsically, stick with the BRAT diet!! If she is on omnicef...yogurt is great! I am sure she prob is still on formula...I would probably lay off for a bit (this may not be helping the situation). Also, please make sure you keep her very hydrated..gatorade is GREAT..just make sure you dilute it half and half. As for the cream..I think Dr. Smiths is the best for rashes and highly recommended. However, It concerns me how much she is screaming! Is it REALLY bad...if so, please bring her in and your dr. can prescribe a medicated ointment..this may be what she needs.

Best of luck...and please call your doctor!! Speaking from a wife of a ped..that is what the answering service is for after hours :)

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J.W.

answers from Houston on

She may be allergic to her antibiotic. We went through a similar situation with our son, he ended up being allergic to amoxicillin.... we took him to the Dr. because of a severe diaper rash and come to find out it was a yeast infection due to the antibiotic.

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R.G.

answers from Houston on

I've used A&D on my son since he was born. He has problems straining too hard sometimes and A&D helps when it's too much for him. And it has helped prevent redness and rash. Hope this helps!

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M.L.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.. I don't know what to recommend for the frequent stools but to help heal the skin around the diaper rash area, try A&D Original Ointment instead of the Balmex. It is in the baby care area next to the other diaper rash treatments but instead of just coating the area like the other diaper rash creams, it helps heal the skin similar to Neosporin (sp?). I use it on my son and it works great. I hope this helps and your daughter gets some relief soon.

Good luck!

-M.

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K.C.

answers from Houston on

My son had the same problem when he was a baby - his rash got so bad that he actually had an open wound on his bottom. Finally, after many tears on my part (and tons of screaming from him) I had a nurse tell me to give him a Hershey's Kiss when I gave him the antibiotic and that would keep him from getting diarrhea (which gave him the raw bottom) - she told me that the pharmaceutical rep's tell all of them that but for some reason doctor's don't want to tell us parents! It sounds crazy but it works! To this day, when my kids take antibiotics, I give them a little piece of chocolate with it and they've never had a problem again. My advice for the rash itself would have been Dr. Smith's - which many people have already advised you on. Good luck!

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K.G.

answers from Houston on

Yes, I have too had this problem as I'm sure many moms have. First you should try to put her into the bath after each stool instead of wiping. The water then a toatl dry bottom before a diaper feels good and heals good. Then the best medicine is Dr. Smiths diaper rash medicine thickly caked on after each time she's been wet. You can buy this at walgreens, etc. Then after that a thin layer of vasoline, because vasoline is an oil is will not let water penetrate it so it's a great wetness protector. Although most Dr's don't recommend it I have always used once a day a thin coat of hydrocortosone like 1% on the bottom to help speed the diaper rash recovery. If things don't improve in a few days after the recommendations take to the pedi, some infections are yeast infections and cause severe pain but can not be treated without a precription. Good Luck

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M.S.

answers from Houston on

Hi,
I have two suggestions. First if this is a "normal" diaper rash from the stools and constant moist/wiping you can try Boudreaux Butt Paste (strange name but it works!)If her rash has little bumps (they look like little pin headed bumps)it is probably a yeast diaper rash from the antibiotic. The only way I was ever able to get rid of those was a prescription ointment from the Dr.
Hope this helps and she feels better soon!

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M.B.

answers from Houston on

I have a 10 month old boy who has the same problem occasionally. The only thing I have found that works wonders is Boudreaux's Butt Paste. It doesn't smell all that great, but it is very soothing. I went through the same situation with my son. It is the only thing I could put on him that didn't make him scream in pain. I also changed from standard baby powder to the pure cornstarch powder (Johnson&Johnson makes it). I had read somewhere that it worked better at keeping things drier. I feel like a walking advertisement for Boudreaux's Butt Paste because it works so well. As far as using it, it does not adhere to the baby's bottom like regular diaper creme, so you need to put a fair amount on it. I like to sprinkle the cornstarch powder over it so it doesn't all come off when I put the diaper on. It works well this way. I also found that when my son's bottom was red, that the bath tub helped. Sometimes I just let him soak and play for a while, that way, he gets a little relief. I hope this helps!

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T.S.

answers from Houston on

I am with all the people who recommended the boudreaux's butt paste, it is a wonderful product and the only thing that worked when my son would get antibiotic diarrhea. Stop the Balmex, it always hurt my son more than it helped, and I've talked to other moms who've said the same thing. Also, try her on Yo Baby yogurt, you can get it at Wal Mart I know and I think HEB sometimes and maybe Kroger. It has the live cultures in it that help to fight yeast and it is organic so it's not putting a bunch of extras in her at this time of tummy upset. Good luck, I hope she feels better soon. Also, be sure to let the doctor know about this reaction, this antibiotic may be too strong for her and he/she may want to change it.

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L.J.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.-
The antibiotic is most likely causing her to have frequent bowel movements, as there is not enough "good" bacteria to break down the food properly. Every time my daughter has a rash from frequent poo poos, I don't use the Balmex or any stuff with zinc in it - I think it stings her terribly. A & D ointment is the way to go, according to my Dr. Also, try patting her clean, gently with the wipes. You might also have success with the sensitive wipes, instead of the thicker, regular ones.
I know when they are on antibiotics, they are supposed to be on a "brat" diet, which means very bland food. Given her food intake sounds pretty bland, you might try doing the same with your diet for the milk.
Alternatively, you can't assume that it is just the antibiotic that is causing her problem. You might just have to take her to the doctor to make sure she's not allergic to something that she might be consuming through you....or the cereal.
Oh, and washing her bottom and letting her air dry all day today would be good, even if it's just for five minutes while she plays while strapped onto the changing table. Some people also have better luck with putting corn starch in her diaper for the absorption.
I just hate hearing that a baby is in pain! Hopefully, this clears up for her and you.
Good luck-
L.

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J.E.

answers from Houston on

The BEST Thing for diaper rash that we used was Dr. Smith's Diaper rash ointment. Can be found at Walmart, CVS, Targets, Walgreens...sometimes it will be behind the counter. Just ask for it, it does not require a presription. It is a small two ounce jar and works wonders. Apply liberally and should start going away within a day. Hope that helps

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S.A.

answers from Houston on

Ok my dr gave me this ..
1st only use wipe with NO alochaol " alot of them say they are and they arn't"Home madewipes papper towels soap and water..I also used laonian wipes like for your brest it fells really good and prepackaged.
2nd spray or put Malocks on there bumb let it drie a little " I put in a spray bottle so it is fast.
3rd put on vasleine with babylotion No fragriance
4th put whatever zink based cream.
Sounds long but It works fast..
This what they use in nicku's
If it is yeast base use Lotriam if this work call Dr for rx of cliprox.. It will work hang in there..

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R.G.

answers from Houston on

A+D ointment or Boudreaux's Butt paste seem to work the best. I can use either of them once and the rednees is gone. I have an 11 month old son, and a nine year old son. The pediatrician told me not to use powder and it seems to work better without it. I hope this was helpful.

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J.C.

answers from Houston on

My 14 month old daughter just had the same problem. I use Dr. Smith's which does not sting if her bottom is really chapped. Try it, it works miracles. Good luck mom!

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M.B.

answers from Houston on

Beaudreaux's Butt Paste...funny name, but it is the BEST!!! The frequent stools is more than likely the teething combined with antibiotics, mostly the teething though. Bathe her frequently, that seems to help the hiney area as well. Any drug store, Wal-Mart, everyone has this product. It's GREAT!!! I am not sure I spelled it correctly, but close enough for you to find it!! It has even been on Oprah!

Good luck!

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M.M.

answers from Houston on

For the diaper rash the very best is Dr Smiths. You can usually find it at CVS or Walgreeens the easiest. The next best is Boudreauxs Butt Paste, it is sold everywhere. Also, get the sensitive wipes and if possible just wipe her bottom with a soft towel wet with water. The alcohol in the wipes makes the pain worse.

For the teething use Hylands Teething Tablets. They are these little white tablets that melt under their tounge and can be used in conjunction with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. These worked miracles with my 2nd son (they weren't around for the first)

Since you are nursing, take a hard look at what you are eating. The stools may very well be teething related, but they could also be a reaction or allergy to what you are injesting. So are you eating spicy? Drinking more juice? Are you giving HER juice? If she is having juice in a bottle, switch to water. Juice is a diuretic and loosens stools, it is also acidic so it can burn her bottom.

Good luck, hope this helps!

M.

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R.J.

answers from Houston on

The homemade wipes suggestion is a good one, but if she's in that much pain, I wouldn't try wiping her at all. I would just hold her under the stream from a faucet and gently rinse the poop away. Also, the last time my baby had this problem, my doctor told me that the allergy medicine that he was already taking would harden his stools. I don't know if you want to try that. I take no responsibility. Also, watch for the signs of dehydration, babies can die from excessive, long-term diarrhea. We had to go to the hospital with mine and it turned out he had rotovirus. The signs are a lack of wet diaper, listless behavior, no tears when she's crying. If she starts refusing liquids I would get her to the ER.

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P.L.

answers from Houston on

I've been told that diaper rash and yeast infections are very similar to each other - caused by wetness remaining on the area. It's no big deal really, but can be quite painful. I've always used Desinex creamy, and worked pretty well. If that doesn't work, try Boudreaux's butt paste. You may also try giving her a warm bath with cornstarch to sooth her and then wash the area with an antibacterial soap - it can be a bacteria, also. These are all treatments I used on my son that worked. Good luck!!

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T.G.

answers from Houston on

I've found that the original Desitin (not the creamy version) works best on stubborn diaper rash. It's the thickest available. My daughter had persistent redness on her bottom and I tried every single diaper ointment made and the only one that worked was Desitin!

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T.B.

answers from Houston on

I used to have this problem a lot. Both my girls had several ear infections, which with the antibiotics caused yeast infections. First, use a wet washcloth, not a baby wipe to clean her, or rinse her bottom in the sink. The baby wipes are probably stinging her. All the doc and tell her that you suspect a yeast infection. Yeast infections at this age are completely different than the ones we can get.
I've heard you can put plain yogurt on the area, but I've never tried it.
I hope this helps--Good luck.

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J.F.

answers from Houston on

My son loves oranges and when he eats them he gets a really bad rash. I have been using Boudreaux's Butt Paste and it doesn't burn when I put it on him like the balmex did. Good luck.

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A.K.

answers from Houston on

If you haven't done so already, try Aquafor for the rash. I have found that to help fast. You can find it at Walgreen's in the baby section and most grocery stores. Do the stools coincide with beginning the antibiotic treatment? That could be the issue. I hope I was helpful and didn't just tell you stuff you already knew. Goood luck. That sounds very frustrating!

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