Think your child has diaper rash? Symptoms and treatments you need to know.

Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash)

Diaper dermatitis, commonly known as diaper rash, is a very common skin condition affecting infants and young children across Ontario every year. So what causes diaper dermatitis? Diaper dermatitis occurs when the skin in the diaper area becomes irritated due to prolonged moisture, friction, and contact with urine or stool. As a pharmacist, I frequently speak with parents and caregivers about diaper rash and can provide important information about prevention, symptom relief, and treatment options available in Ontario.

Symptoms of Diaper Dermatitis

The most common symptoms of diaper dermatitis include:

• Red, irritated skin in the diaper area

• Warmth or tenderness when touched

• Dry, scaly, or shiny patches of skin

• Swelling in the affected area

• Fussiness or discomfort during diaper changes

• Open sores or oozing in more severe cases

Symptoms may vary depending on whether the rash is caused by irritation, yeast infection, or bacterial infection.

Preventing Diaper Dermatitis

There are several steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk of developing diaper rash:

• Change diapers frequently: Keeping the diaper area clean and dry helps reduce skin irritation.

• Clean gently: Use warm water or fragrance-free wipes and avoid harsh scrubbing.

• Allow air exposure: Letting the diaper area air-dry can help heal and prevent rashes.

• Use barrier creams: Products containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly help protect the skin from moisture.

• Avoid irritating products: Fragranced wipes, soaps, or detergents may worsen diaper dermatitis.

Treatment of Diaper Dermatitis in Ontario

If your child develops diaper dermatitis that does not improve with basic care, it’s important to seek treatment early to prevent worsening symptoms or infection. If your child has had diaper rash before and symptoms are returning or becoming more severe, you can contact a pharmacist through RxToday.ca to speak with a pharmacist for a virtual assessment in Ontario.

A pharmacist may recommend or prescribe diaper rash treatments you can use at home, such as barrier creams, antifungal creams (for yeast-related rashes), or mild topical corticosteroids when appropriate. Your pharmacist can also help determine whether further medical evaluation is needed.