Updated November 24, 2014.

Question: My Baby's Diaper Rash Will Not Go Away. Can It Be a Yeast Infection Diaper Rash?

I've been treating my baby's diaper rash with traditional creams and allowing plenty of diaper-free time to air out her bottom, but the diaper rash will not go away. Could this be a yeast infection diaper rash?

Answer:

A stubborn diaper rash that refuses to go away despite typical treatment with diaper rash cream might possibly be a yeast infection.

In the early stages, it can be very difficult to tell the difference between a normal diaper rash and a yeast infection. As a yeast infection goes untreated, it becomes noticeably different.

Signs of a Yeast Infection

There are several telling signs that your baby might have a yeast infection rather than a rash. You may see the following symptoms:

• The bold red rash will be contained with a slightly raised border.
• "Satellite lesions" may appear. These are smaller spots of inflamed areas separated from the main rash.
• The skin may become scaly.
• The rash is still hanging around after two days of diaper rash treatments.
• Frequently the infection is found in the skin folds of the groin area.

If your baby has a yeast infection, she may not necessarily need to see a doctor right away. The yeast infection may be nipped in the bud with over-the-counter yeast infection treatments. However, if she develops a fever or the rash begins oozing or has open sores, be sure to call your pediatrician. This could be a sign of a bacterial infection that requires medical attention.