But, in most cases, parents are advised to change diapers frequently, allow for ventilation and use a barrier ointment that contains zinc oxide. In both boys and girls, the diaper area is also a good breeding ground for candida, otherwise known as a yeast infection. This rash is pink, red or bright red in color with satellite lesions that are often dotted at the periphery. Candida tends to settle in a baby s body folds. The location of this rash often helps physicians determine whether a rash is candida or irritant dermatitis, since they can look similar.
Physicians usually prescribe an anti-fungal cream for yeast infections.
Seborrheic dermatitis, another type of diaper rash, is a salmon-colored rash with a greasy scale. To determine this type of diaper rash, a physician will usually examine an infant s skin to see if there are similar rashes on other parts of the body, such as behind the ears or in body folds. Typically, diaper rashes last only a few days. To take care of the rash, it is recommended that parents keep the area dry and clean, change the diaper frequently and expose the baby s bottom to air as much as possible. Frequent application of barrier cream helps.