A diaper rash is a skin problem that develops in the area beneath an infant's diaper.

Dermatitis - diaper and Candida; Candida-associated diaper dermatitis; Diaper dermatitis

Diaper rashes are common in babies between 4 and 15 months old. They may be noticed more when babies begin to eat solid foods.

Diaper rashes caused by infection with a yeast or fungus called Candida are very common in children. Candida is found everywhere in the environment. It grows best in warm, moist places, such as under a diaper. A yeast-related diaper rash is more likely to occur in babies who:

• Are not kept clean and dry
• Are taking antibiotics, or whose mothers are taking antibiotics while breast feeding
• Have more frequent stools

Other causes of diaper rashes include:

• Acids in the stool (seen more often when the child has diarrhea)
• Ammonia (produced when bacteria break down urine)
• Diapers that are too tight or rub the skin
• Reactions to soaps and other products used to clean cloth diapers
• Too much moisture

Images

Diaper rash

Candida, flourescent stain

Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)