Small Patch of Rash

Updated on December 13, 2007
K.S. asks from Port Orchard, WA
20 answers

My 2 year old son has a little patch of red, slightly bumpy rash on his skin, in the diaper area. I just thought it was a diaper rash, though it was just a little spot. I have been treating it with diaper rash cream, actually, with UW Diaper Balm, a really amazing cream that usually solves the worst cases of diaper rash.

The rash seemed to start fading about a week ago, so I lightened up on the cream, but now it's back again, and nothing is helping. It's not spreading, it's not really worse, and he's not really complaing about it. But it's awfully red, and a little bumpy. It's about the size of a quarter. Just on his inner thigh, off to the side of his testicles. If it's "just a diaper rash", then it's very stubborn.

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much to everyone for your responses!! It's totally awesome to get so much input and support, you moms are great!!!!!!!

It was yeast, according to the pediatrician.

Even though we already had a prescription for a diaper balm that had some yeast medicine in it, she thought another medicine that focussed specifically on yeast problems would work better. I was lucky, she gave me some samples. It does have miconozale in it.

So, we're supposed to try it for a week. I have been letting him "go naked", as he calls it, more often during the day, too.

I've been thinking about our routine, and what foods we've been eating...I can't think of anything new I've added lately. His pediatrician said it's not all that uncommon with any diapered child....yeast just loves a warm, wet environment. Also, I'm kind of prone to yeast infections myself, so possibly he might be genetically inclined. She didn't seem to think I would be passing it, or making it worse, by breastfeeding.

Anyway, thanks again everyone!!

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J.M.

answers from Portland on

if the yeast infection treatment doesnt work, I thought it might be the diapers if you have switched brands recently. My Daughter had a odd irritation on her thight where the diaper band was snuggest after switching brands, when we switched again it went away.

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T.H.

answers from Seattle on

It could be a yeast infection. Now might be the time to take him to his doctor. One of my daughters had it once as an infant. Hope this helps.

T.

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E.N.

answers from Eugene on

Yep, my little guy (3mos) had a yeast rash, sounds just like it- stubborn, won't quite go away with regular diaper rash cream- got Nystatin cream (Rx) from dr.- took a while, but it has cleared up. Keeping the area really dry (even used a dry cloth during changings to wipe any moisture away, and aired him out) helped a lot also.

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M.P.

answers from Norfolk on

Since it is uncommon to get eczema in that area I would bet that it is a yeast infection. Some over the counter Athlete's foot cream will clear it up in a few days. There is no need for a RX usually but I suggest calling the pediatrician first and asking if they want to see him.

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E.R.

answers from Medford on

Try some tea tree oil - mix a couple drops with jojoba oil or almond oil.

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T.F.

answers from Eugene on

My first instinct is a yeast infection. I agree with the ladies - take him into the pediatricion and get some ointment for it. Maybe yogurt with live cultures may help too. I have heard of either putting the plain on the affected area. But I don't know. Or just simply eating it. I myself would eat it and let the body fight it off. But yeah - I think it is a yeast infection. I hope that this helps.

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J.G.

answers from Anchorage on

you may want to take him to his pediatrician and see if it is not a yeast infection =(yes.. boys can get them too) diaper cream will make a yeast infection worse.

to treat it you can use an over the counter yeast infection cream and apply in to your son's rash - no vaseline as that can make it worse - give him times to air out too.. right after you've changed his diaper let him run around naked for a while.. this helps to air out that area to decrease the chances of the yeast infection returning - or spreading... it is locked in moisture that causes it to grow and worsen. Once he is cleared up... try changing his diaper more often..the minute you notice he is wet.

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M.B.

answers from Bellingham on

Hi Kelli, Sometimes little ones will get a yeast rash in the diaper area. It is a bright red rash that does not want to clear up. I always went to the Dr. for an Rx cream just for this rash & that always did the trick. Until then, keep the diaper area as clean & dry as possible. Use a combo of A&D & a zinc oxide diaper cream. I really found this combo to work well on normal diaper rash. It's been awhile for me & my "baby boy" is 20 but I still remember!! I have 3 grandsons now, WOW! Time Flies! Good luck mommy & enjoy your toddler! M.

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G.S.

answers from Seattle on

Try treating it with some yeast infection cream. Make sure it has the ingredient, miconazole. This happened with my daughter and the doctor told me to do this. It definatley helped. Too much moisture will cause this, let your son air-dry for a few minutes with each diaper change (if you have time:)

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T.K.

answers from Seattle on

Hello K.,
My son who is now 16 months had a rash that sounds similar a few months ago. Although your son's rash sounds more contained to one small area. Anyway, I did take him in to the doctor and it was a yeast infection rash. He prescribed an ointment that I applied every diaper change but it still took a while to go away.

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R.B.

answers from Anchorage on

This happens to our daughter, too, and it's always cleared up when we treat it for yeast. Like another momma mentioned, athlete's foot cream clears it up after a couple days of use! It's what our pediatrician suggested, too. You don't need a lot -- just a dot.

Good luck!

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D.B.

answers from Seattle on

Hey K.,
Sounds like a yeast rash, which regular diaper cream will not clear up. OTC Monistat or whatever generic yeast infection creams that have miconazole works great for this. Put it on 3 or 4 times per day, and try to let him air-dry when you change his diaper--yeast loves those moist areas. A dead give-away in the future is that really red, almost scalded look.

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A.M.

answers from Eugene on

Hi K.,
My 3 year old got a really nasty diaper rash, really red and bumpy. Looked painful and angry! It was around Halloween, so I figured it was the sugar (he usually never gets candy). So we took him off the candy (while not totally eliminating sugar), and it took a couple of weeks. The cream I found really useful was Rescue Remedy cream, available at most health food stores. Maker is Bach. Best of luck...
A.

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K.D.

answers from Eugene on

More than likely it is a reaction to something you are eating (if you are still breastfeeding) or something he is eating. My daughter had this when I was drinking dairy and then stopped, so did the rash. Each time I eat dairy she had a crying fit the next day (she is four months old). Top allergies are wheat, dairy, nuts, soy and citrus.

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J.M.

answers from Portland on

K.,
I would try using external monistat cream (for female yeast infections) if you have some around. My son had the same issue and it was yeast. If that doesn't work, take him to the doctor :)

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M.M.

answers from Spokane on

It could be: Yeast (lotrimin), ringworm (common from playing outside or pets, petting zoos, etc. RX cream), excema (RX)...With eldest being 20 and youngest 9-I've run the gamut. Keep supplies on hand. One son was so sensitive had to use cloth diapers with vinegar rinses and hats caused rashes on forehead, and one gets ringowrm due to playing in dirt and a daughter has excema and a daughter has allergy to metal and esily yeasty (especially with antibiotics). Usually minor-keep a supply of various-you should know within days if it is responding. Also-various delivery agents are irritating to my skin-may need to switch from cream to gel, for instance.
Congrats-we did infertility for years and got our four!

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J.W.

answers from Seattle on

My son has had a similar rash, and our pediatrician told me that it was eczema. He suggested using hydrocortisone cream 1%.

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D.H.

answers from Richland on

his he alergic to anything

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K.S.

answers from Seattle on

Hi K.,

It is possible that it is being caused by candida overgrowth. I think the statistic is at least 80 percent of people have this. You can research on www.candidafree.net and there is a product that is a probiotic called 3 LAC. We use it, and have adjusted our diet accordingly. My daughter's yeast infections are gone now. :) Blessings to you and your family. :)

K

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K.O.

answers from Portland on

It could be yeast. The best thing to treat that is either Monistat or, this is going to sound wierd, athlete's foot creme. My son had a really bad yeast infection and the doctor told us to get some Monistat, or maybe it was gyne lotrimin, any way I couldn't find it so I asked the pharmasict and she said to get some of the foot creme because it has the same active ingredient. It worked like a charm.
BTW... Ring worm is a round, hence the name, patch of small bumps. You can't miss it and I think you need a prescription to treat it.

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