When Do I Call the Pediatrician About a Diaper Rash?
3 min read
Most diaper rash clears up at home in two to three days. Call your pediatrician when it does not, or when it shows any of the warning signs below. Here is the clear list, so you are not guessing at 2am.
Call if the rash will not improve
If you have been doing steady home care, frequent changes, gentle cleaning, air time, and a zinc oxide barrier cream, for two to three days and it is not better, or it is getting worse, call. Not improving often means it is yeast, which needs a different cream.
Call for these warning signs
- Blisters, pus, open sores, or bleeding
- Yellow crusting, oozing, or weeping skin, which can mean a bacterial infection
- Bright red skin right around the anus
- A rash that spreads beyond the diaper area, to the belly, arms, face, or scalp
- A fever along with the rash
- Big blisters or sores, especially larger than about an inch
- Your baby is in real pain, or seems unusually fussy or unwell
Call if you suspect an infection or allergy
If the rash showed up right after a new diaper, wipe, or cream, it may be an allergy, and switching products plus a call helps. If it looks infected by yeast or bacteria, your pediatrician can confirm it and give you the right treatment, an antifungal or an antibiotic.
One thing not to do while you wait
Do not put an over-the-counter triple-antibiotic ointment on a diaper rash. The AAP says it can make the irritation worse. Keep it simple: clean, dry, air, barrier cream, and call.
Trust your gut. You know your baby. A quick call is never an overreaction when it comes to skin that is not healing.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Diaper-Rash.aspx
Mayo Clinic, Diaper Rash: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diaper-rash/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371641
Cleveland Clinic, Diaper Rash: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11037-diaper-rash-diaper-dermatitis
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