What is the recommended treatment for diaper rash?

Diaper Rash Treatment

The recommended treatment for diaper rash is to apply zinc oxide barrier cream liberally with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged, after thoroughly cleaning and drying the affected area. 1

Prevention and Initial Management

• Change wet and soiled diapers promptly to reduce skin exposure to moisture and irritants 2, 3
• Clean the diaper area with emollients instead of water or commercial wipes containing alcohol or fragrances that can irritate the skin 2
• Thoroughly dry the skin before applying any treatment to maintain skin dryness and prevent further irritation 2
• Apply zinc oxide powder after bathing to help dry the skin, which has been associated with reduced rates of skin irritation 2

Treatment Approach

• Apply zinc oxide barrier cream liberally with each diaper change to help treat and prevent diaper rash while protecting chafed skin from wetness 1
• Use barrier creams to protect the infant's skin from moisture and irritants 2, 4
• For more severe cases, consider using a combination product containing zinc oxide and panthenol/glycerin, which has shown significant improvement in clinical trials 4
• Use a nappy/diaper liner covered in emollient to reduce movement of diaper on skin and decrease friction 2

Special Considerations

• For blistered skin in the diaper area, use a hydrogel dressing as recommended by dermatology guidelines 2
• Trim off the inner elastic of disposable diapers to reduce friction, and line diaper with a soft cloth liner coated with emollient or paraffin-impregnated gauze 2
• Superabsorbent disposable diapers are known to reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis 3

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Look for signs of bacterial infection (crusting or weeping) or fungal infection, which may require specific antimicrobial treatment 2
• Seek medical evaluation if the rash worsens despite proper home care or if there are signs of infection 2, 3

Treatment Algorithm

1. For mild diaper rash:

   • Frequent diaper changes
   • Gentle cleansing with emollients
   • Application of zinc oxide barrier cream with each change 1

2. For moderate diaper rash:

   • All steps for mild rash
   • Increase frequency of barrier cream application
   • Consider using combination products with zinc oxide, panthenol, and glycerin 4, 5
   • Air exposure to the affected area when possible 6

3. For severe diaper rash or signs of infection:

   • Seek medical evaluation for appropriate antimicrobial treatment 2
   • Continue barrier protection between medicated treatments 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using commercial wipes containing alcohol or fragrances that can further irritate sensitive skin 2
• Insufficient drying of the skin before applying barrier products 2
• Neglecting frequent diaper changes, which is essential for both treatment and prevention 3, 6
• Failing to recognize signs of infection that require medical intervention 2