strange rash

[amydiane]

For about the last 2 weeks, DS has had little red bumps in his diaper area, but it's not like a normal diaper rash. It actually looks a lot like ant bites, but they're only in the diaper area. We've been putting cream on them and they've gotten better, but haven't gone away, and a few new ones have popped up. Any ideas what this is or how to treat it?

[teachma]

It sounds like the type of rash my ds had when it was caused by yeast...but if it was a yeast rash, typical diaper creams would not get rid of it and you'd need an anti-fungal type of cream (or whatever natural treatments are specifically for yeast).

[nicole_marie]

The Dr. Sears website has great info on typical childhood rashes, including diaper rash and yeast diaper rash.

Yeast diaper rash is pretty common in my local mommy group...here is a link to a photo...
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/t081401.asp

If it doesn't go away, you might consider visiting your health professional (MD, ND, Chiro, etc.).

[Catherine12]

If you are using cloth diapers, I highly recommend doing something to disinfect them - either adding bleach to the wash, or boiling them for ten minutes (this is fine for prefolds, not sure about all-in-one types though since the cover material might not be able to take the heat).

Cloth is great for rash because it is more breathable, but the diapers can retain germs. I've found that disinfecting my prefolds is a huge help with rash, especially yeast rash (yeast is really persistent in the environment).

Another thing that helps is diaper-free time. When my dd has a rash, I check her diaper frequently, and after she has her after-breakfast wet dipe, I will leave her diaperless for about an hour. I know from observation that she is very unlikely to pee during this time window. Even a relatively short time without a diaper can help the rash dry out and heal.

Topical creams can help - a barrier cream for overnight or naptime, when you may not be able to change him right away, and a germ-killing cream (antibiotic if the culprit is bacteria, nystatin if it's yeast). But in my experience, sterile diapers and diaper-free time are a lot more effective.

[kjbrown92]

Could it be folliculitis?

[amydiane]

Thanks everyone. Some more info:

We do use cloth and have been for about 2 1/2 years. We haven't had any changes to our stash or wash routine in quite a while. Also, DD doesn't have a rash at all, and I do all their diapers together (and her skin is more sensitive). It doesn't look like the pic of yeast rash on the Dr. Sears site. I usually use Northern Essence Better Butter and I put that on it a couple times, but my mom was here visiting and she wanted to get something antibacterial, so she got some California Baby while we were out and I've mostly been using that. It seems to have made it less red, but the bumps are still there and they're kinda blistery.

At first, there were 2 spots on his hips and we thought it was irritation from either the snappi or the corner of the prefold. Then after a couple days, a few more random spots appeared on other places in the diaper area. I'd say there are maybe 8 or so total, and the skin on top sometimes peels off, but I haven't seen any pus or bleeding.

Any idea how to let an almost 3-year-old have diaper-free time without peeing on the carpet?

[amydiane]

Update: This morning, the 2 spots on his hips looked pus-y. We had an appointment for DD's checkup anyway, so I called and asked if they could see DS too. The doctor said it looks like a bacterial infection like strep or staph. He did a culture, which should come back in a few days, and we have an oral and a topical antibiotic in the meantime.

[nicole_marie]

Originally Posted by amydiane

Update: This morning, the 2 spots on his hips looked pus-y. We had an appointment for DD's checkup anyway, so I called and asked if they could see DS too. The doctor said it looks like a bacterial infection like strep or staph. He did a culture, which should come back in a few days, and we have an oral and a topical antibiotic in the meantime.

So glad you were able to get a culture. Let us know the results! I wish you the best. xo