How To Tell The Difference Between A Diaper Rash and A Yeast Infection

Most of the time when your baby’s little bottom is sore and red you can safely assume that what you are dealing with is a simple diaper rash. Usually, when this is the case all you need to do is apply a bit of zinc containing diaper rash cream whenever you change the diaper to heal it naturally at home. It is important that parents know that a normal diaper rash usually can be cleared up within a few days. For this reason, if you have diligently been applying a high quality diaper rash cream like Baby Butz and the irritation has not cleared up or has gotten worse then it is very likely that you have something else on your hands. Occasionally, when babies’ bums are exposed to moisture they can develop a yeast infection. Don’t panic, a yeast infection is quite treatable once it is identified.

Below, we’ve included some tips for parents to help them tell the difference between a yeast infection and a regular diaper rash:

Telling The Difference, Diaper Rashes and Yeast Infections

– Diaper rashes and yeast infections both cause the bum to be sore and irritated but a yeast infection is usually more so in comparison. What may look like a severe diaper rash may actually be a serious yeast infection.

– Diaper rashes so not normally spread up the back or down the leg. If the rashy area moves or expands it is probably a yeast infection.

– Yeast infections, may also have raised lesions or bumps surrounding the rash, these will also be red and sore looking.

– The biggest tell is usually whether or not the rash responds to the regular application of diaper rash cream. If you apply cream after every diaper change and the rash continues to get worse, then it is most likely a yeast infection that needs to be treated by a doctor.

Dealing With A Yeast Infection

Once you have identified the skin irritation as a yeast infection and not a diaper rash the best thing that you can do is make an appointment with you pediatrician or family doctor to have it looked at. In the mean time in order to help soothe your babies’ skin, it does not hurt if you continue to apply the diaper rash cream. Although, Baby Butz, DOES NOT work to heal a yeast infection it will help to absorb the infection causing moisture as well as relieve the itch. Yeast infections, if you have never had one your self, can be quite unpleasant and uncomfortable; so bare with your little one if they seem a bit out of sorts. Try to comfort them the best you can and keep the infected area dry by frequently changing their diaper.

Brandie Peters, is a full-time blogger and stay at home mom who resides in Medicine Hat Alberta, Canada. Her son Jackson is 17 months old.