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Diaper Rash - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of the symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

Diaper rash caused by diarrhea: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger or Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older.


	Yes

Do you think the diaper rash may have been caused by abuse or neglect?


	Yes

Does the skin look red and raw, as though it has been scalded or burned?


	Yes

Are there signs of a fungal infection in the diaper rash area?


	Yes

Are signs of infection present in the diaper rash area?


	Yes

Are there signs of a rash on other parts of the body?


	Yes

Do you think the diaper rash may have been caused by abuse or neglect?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Is diaper rash causing severe pain with urination?


	Yes

Is diaper rash causing severe pain so your child does not want to urinate?


	Yes

Are there areas of raw skin larger than across?


	Yes

Is the diaper rash getting worse after 24 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Is the diaper rash not getting better after 48 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Does your baby have white patches in the mouth and it is hard for him or her to swallow or eat?


	Yes

Do you have white patches on the roof of your mouth?


	Yes

Do you think a medicine may be causing a rash in the diaper area? Note: Stop giving the medicine to your child.Call the doctor who prescribed or recommended the medicine before giving the next dose to determine whether another medicine needs to be prescribed.If you think your child may be having a reaction to a nonprescription medicine or an herbal remedy, stop giving that medicine and call your doctor to talk about the problem.


	Yes

Is there a fiery red rash, mainly in the skin creases, with well-defined borders and tiny red or pus-filled pimples outside the border for longer than 24 hours after using home treatment?


	Yes

Is there rash in skin folds, such as the neck, underarms, or belly button, for longer than 24 hours?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Are there red streaks spreading from the rash?


	Yes

Is there increased pain, swelling, redness, heat, or tenderness around the rash?


	Yes

Is the area around the rash tender to the touch?


	Yes

Are there clear, fluid-filled blisters that, when broken open, leave large red, raw areas?


	Yes

Is there pus in or drainage from the diaper rash area?


	Yes

Do you know or think your child has a fever?


	Yes

Has your child developed a rash and is fussy, agitated, or combative?


	Yes

Is the rash getting worse after 24 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Is the rash not getting better after 48 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Is there a red, patchy rash in the diaper area with greasy, silvery, or yellow crusts, and is the rash also present on other parts of the body?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 15, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.