When to Worry About Persistent Diaper Rash

Most babies have diaper rash at some point during their diaper-wearing years, and usually, it clears up with a little extra care at home. But a persistent rash can indicate a more serious problem. Here’s when you need to seek medical care.

Diaper rash is a common issue affecting plenty of babies, especially during the first year of life. It’s also a common reason for pediatric visits and knowing when to visit the doctor for your baby’s rash is an important part of keeping them well and comfortable.

One World Pediatrics is a trusted baby-care provider, offering safe, effective treatments for stubborn rashes that don’t respond to home care. In this post, our team explains why diaper rash happens and when you should call our office for help clearing up your baby’s rash.

The ABCs of diaper rash

Your baby’s skin is especially sensitive, and that means it’s also more prone to irritation caused by repeated exposure to moisture, warmth, and friction. Inside your child’s diaper, these three factors combine to create an environment ideal for irritation. When your child urinates or has a bowel movement, irritation and skin aggravation increase, leading to redness, bumps, and soreness — the hallmark signs of diaper rash.

In most instances, changing diapers more frequently and cleansing the area gently but thoroughly helps clear the rash, while slightly stubborn rashes respond to diaper rash creams or other emollients that enhance skin’s natural barrier. Sometimes though, a rash persists despite your best efforts, causing significant discomfort for your baby and even increasing the risk of serious skin infections.

While some persistent rashes may be related to allergic reactions, other times, they happen when yeasts and bacteria naturally found on your child’s skin multiply rapidly, causing chronic pain or stinging sensations and marked redness. These stubborn rashes tend to be highly resistant to at-home care, instead requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent serious complications and further skin breakdown.

When to call our office

When a rash simply isn’t getting better despite frequent gentle cleansings and diaper rash cream, that’s a clear indication that it’s time to see our team of skilled pediatricians. But there are other signs that indicate a need for prompt medical care, too.

You should also schedule an urgent care visit if your baby's rash lasts longer than a week or if it gets worse instead of better. Our team can determine if your child’s rash is related to an infection, an allergic reaction, or another underlying medical issue, like eczema, that requires proactive care.

Rashes that spread beyond the diaper area, invade the vaginal area, cause significant swelling, or are associated with blisters, oozing, or open sores definitely require immediate care from our team. These symptoms can indicate a more serious problem, like an infection that can quickly spread.

Likewise, if your baby’s rash is accompanied by a fever, unusual moodiness or irritability, lethargy, or other unusual symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit so we can evaluate the rash as well as your child’s overall wellness. Seeking care ensures your baby gets quick relief while preventing complications.

Your baby’s health is our priority

Most diaper rashes are easily treated with a little extra TLC, but some require medical treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications. If your baby has a stubborn diaper rash or other rash-related symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood and Apopka, Florida, today.