Many times diaper rashes in babies are superficial rashes that are caused by the acidity present in stools or urine and due to closed warm environment. However, it is not uncommon to see a skin infection that is caused by yeast or fungus. Candida albicans is the kind of yeast that causes the infection in most cases. A diaper rash that has been caused by yeast can be identified with a breaking of the soft tissue of the anus. Small red pustules are generally present around the area. These yeast rashes can also appear on thighs, genital creases and genitals too.
The candida infection sometimes originates from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract in babies. The fungus may be present in these areas for some time and the warm and moist environment of the body in children may help in increasing the numbers causing painful symptoms to occur.
The most common treatment that is used to relieve children from the symptoms is anti-fungal creams which can be applied topically. Some of the common creams that are used are Nystatin or Mycostatin and clotrimazole or Lotrimin. There are some other over the counter creams that are available that contain the same active ingredient.
In severe cases of a yeast diaper rash, you may have to consult a doctor and the pediatrician may prescribe a cream such as ketoconazole or econazole. Some pediatricians are quick to note the possibility of high levels of Candida yeast in the intestinal tract and recommend oral anti-fungal medicine. However, it is always better to avoid giving strong medicines to young children.
Prevention is obviously the best cure when it comes to a yeast diaper rash. Some of the ways in which you can prevent yeast diaper rash include:
- Keeping the diaper area dry and clean
- Ensuring that the diaper is changed frequently
- Using the right kind of diaper that is made from high quality cotton
- Cleaning, rinsing and drying cloth diapers properly in water and vinegar
- Avoiding scented diapers
- Applying barrier creams that contain zinc oxide or petroleum jelly before putting on the diaper
- Good overall hygiene
Despite the precautions that one takes, sometimes a yeast diaper rash is an inevitable occurrence. In such cases too, it is better to opt for natural treatment rather than choosing oral medication which is only likely to treat the symptoms. You can use tea tree oil; grapefruit seed extract, homemade garlic paste or yogurt as topical application.
Another natural treatment option involves the use of probiotics. There are probiotic drinks that are available in the market which restore the good bacteria balance in the system allowing the body to fight back naturally. If you are not sure about the manner in which you should help your child with a natural treatment, take the help of eBooks like Yeast Infection No More or Natural Cure for Yeast Infections that have been written by experts that cover all details of a holistic yeast infection cure.