Diaper Rash vs. Yeast Infection – How to Tell the Difference

At Aquaphor Baby, we know that when your baby has a diaper rash, you want to make them feel better as soon as possible. In order to effectively treat a diaper rash, it is important to know whether it is caused by skin irritation or a yeast infection, which would require reaching out to your pediatrician or medical professional. In this article, we provide some key facts on how you can distinguish the different rashes.

Diaper rash refers to skin irritation that develops when a baby’s bottom is wet or exposed to soiled diaper contents for too long and then experiences friction from the diaper rubbing against the skin. Diaper rash is common and, while uncomfortable, is generally mild and can be easily soothed. 

Yeast (most commonly Candida albicans) is a fungus that exists in and on our bodies in small, manageable amounts at all times. The bacteria in our digestive systems and on our skin helps keep yeast levels in check. When the body experiences a disruption in this balance, yeast can overgrow and lead to a yeast infection.

Since yeast overgrowth is common in the digestive system, a soiled diaper with infected feces can cause a yeast infection.  

A diaper rash from skin irritation (as opposed to a yeast rash) may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Skin in the diaper area that looks pink or reddish in color 
• Rash is flat and skin is usually smooth, though may also become dry 
• Irritated skin in the diaper area only, most commonly on flat areas of the skin including areas of the buttocks, thighs, waist, and groin. Areas where the skin folds may look less irritated. 

Yeast infections, also known as a yeast rash or ‘yeast diaper rash’, may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Deeper red or purple-tinted areas of skin 
• Skin may appear shiny 
• Affected skin has raised, red dots 
• Red dots or pimples may also appear outside of the more concentrated areas of the yeast rash (these are known as “satellite lesions”) 
• Instead of flatter areas of the skin, irritation is primarily in areas where skin folds, such as under the buttocks, in creases on the legs, or genitals 
• You may also notice a co-occurring yeast infection known as thrush in the mouth 

For diaper rash caused by a yeast overgrowth, consult with your pediatrician. Yeast rashes often require a topical antifungal cream or other medication to help combat the source of the rash and should be treated under the guidance of a doctor.

Mild diaper rash, while uncomfortable, is generally manageable at home, but any diaper rash that doesn’t clear up in a few days, gets worse, or exhibits the symptoms listed below, warrants a call to a pediatrician. 

Signs of more severe diaper rash that require medical attention include: 

• Cracked, broken, or oozing skin 
• Very red and irritated, itchy skin 
• Very flaky skin or skin that has yellow, oily patches that may also appear on other areas of the body 
• Skin that develops blisters or sores with pus 
• Rash in skin folds, oral thrush, or other signs of yeast rash 
• Fever or other signs of infection 

When your baby has a diaper rash, there are several things you can do to help keep them comfortable and treat diaper rash: 

• Frequent diaper changes – since diaper rash is caused by contact with a wet or soiled diaper for prolonged periods, ensuring that your baby’s diaper area is as dry and clean as possible will help discourage further skin irritation. 
• Cleaning skin with gentle cleansers or wipes – if skin is particularly irritated, you can gently spray skin with water and gently pat dry to avoid further irritating skin from wiping. 
• Exposure to air – encouraging periods of time without a diaper on and keeping diapers a bit loose can help encourage airflow and also reduce the amount of time the diaper rubs against the skin. 
• Skin protection with cream or ointment – applying a diaper rash cream or ointment can help soothe skin irritation from mild diaper rash and creates a barrier to help protect your baby’s irritated skin.

Learn more about how to soothe diaper rash. 

Aquaphor® Baby 3 in 1 Diaper Rash Cream protects your baby’s delicate skin, provides soothing relief and effectively helps to prevent, treat, and heal diaper rash. Formulated with 15% Zinc Oxide (skin protectant) and enriched with Provitamin B5, this diaper rash treatment creates an effective barrier and helps relieve minor skin irritations due to diaper rash.  

Aquaphor® Baby Healing Ointment provides the extra-gentle care baby’s tender and delicate skin needs. This multi-purpose skin protectant ointment can be used for many of your baby’s skin needs, from chapped cheeks to minor scrapes and scratches, to diaper rash, to dry skin, and many more, so baby’s skin is soothed and protected to help baby stay happy!