What You Need to Know About Yeast Diaper Rash

Everything you need to know about yeast diaper rash — what causes it, how to identify this common condition, and the best treatments for your baby.
Yeast diaper rash is a common condition caused by extra yeast on your baby’s skin. It leads to a reddish rash that can be itchy and sore for your little one. For new mamas and papas, it’s upsetting to see an angry rash on your baby’s bottom — especially if you’re not sure how to help. But yeast diaper rashes are very common in young babies, even with the most diligent diaper attention. So don’t worry and don’t blame yourself. We’ve got you. Here’s everything you need to know about yeast diaper rash, so you can focus on healing baby’s bottom and stopping future outbreaks.
In this article 📝

• What causes a yeast diaper rash?
• How do I know if my diaper rash is yeast?
• What does a yeast rash look like on a baby?
• What antifungal cream is best for baby yeast infection?
• How do you treat a yeast diaper rash?

What causes a yeast diaper rash?

Yeast infection diaper rash is a specific type of diaper rash caused by, you guessed it, yeast. Known as “candida” (a fungus that normally lives harmlessly on human skin), it becomes an issue when this fungus grows out of control and causes infection. Candida loves warm, moist environments (yep, exactly like wet diapers) — making it a very common form of diaper rash. It might happen if your baby is in a wet diaper for any length of time (especially if they already have dry or sensitive skin), when they switch to solid food (changing your baby’s poo) or if you’re trying out new diapers or wipes. It’s also more likely for breastfeeding moms or little ones on antibiotics, as these medications lessen bacteria and increase the growth of fungi such as Candida.

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How do I know if my diaper rash is yeast?

Yeast diaper rash is tricky to tell apart from regular diaper rashes. But as a general rule, if a diaper rash lasts more than a couple of days and doesn’t respond to treatment, you could have a yeast infection on your hands. A “run-of-the-mill” diaper rash is a skin irritation, caused by wetness and friction from diapers. It can be really sore and inflamed though, making your little one’s skin look red and angry. Yeast diaper rash can stem from a standard diaper rash. With irritation, your baby’s skin barrier weakens and candida can grow beneath it. Whilst both rashes are sore, yeast infection diaper rashes are usually itchy too.

What does a yeast rash look like on a baby?

With regular diaper rash, you’ll see reddening of the skin with inflamed areas around your baby’s diaper area. The rash remains on the skin’s surface though, which remains smooth. A yeast diaper rash looks much angrier and redder. It usually comes with red spots and has a more unusual, patchy border alongside peeling skin. The edges of the rash often have little red dots (called “satellite lesions”), worse around the folds of your baby’s skin. Look out for:

• A severe, bright reddish rash
  
  
• Slightly raised, uneven borders
  
  
• Rash located in skin folds and groin area
  
  
• Small dots or spots around the main rash
  
  
• Lasting over three days, despite treatment

What antifungal cream is best for baby yeast infection?

You may be well-stocked with creams and ointments for regular diaper rash, but unfortunately, these creams won’t help with a yeast infection. If you’ve visited your doctor, they’ll probably prescribe a “topical antifungal cream”. Some common creams are Mycostatin, Lotrimin, Canesten, and Monistat-Derm. But our favorite is Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. And not just for the name! It contains zinc oxide, so it won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin, it’s pediatrician-approved, and beloved by moms everywhere. And, like many yeast diaper rash creams, you can get it without a prescription. Applying these creams two or three times a day is usually enough to clear up any rashes.

How do you treat a yeast diaper rash?

If you think your baby has a yeast diaper rash, check in with your healthcare provider. They’ll confirm the condition, put your mind at ease, prescribe creams, and advise on staving off future outbreaks. It usually clears up after a few days of treatment, and your baby can get back to their usual, happy self. As well as applying appropriate creams, here are a few extra things to help:

• Don’t secure your baby’s diaper too tightly (let air circulate).
  
  
• Use fresh water for cleaning any sensitive or irritated areas.
  
  
• Let them play diaperless if possible, so little bottoms get fresh air.
  
  
• Gently clean the affected area with soft washcloths and water.
  
  
• Let the area air-dry before applying ointments or creams.
  
  
• Keep the skin as dry as possible which often means more diaper changes.

And if baby doesn’t have a yeast diaper rash yet, but they have had one before, using a barrier cream can help prevent them from getting one again. If your baby’s rash worsens in any way (especially with open sores), they develop a fever or it doesn’t get better within 4-6 days, it’s really important to get in touch with your doctor. Yeast diaper rash usually clears up quickly, but as always with little ones — trust your gut, and get them checked out if anything’s worrying you.