Diaper rash is one of the most common forms of irritated skin for infants, and most of the time, with prevention and the right treatment, a mild case will go away on its own. But how do you know when a case of diaper rash is severe, and when should you call a doctor? Don’t worry, we’ve got the scoop on all you need to know about the diaper rash severity scale.

 

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is exactly what it sounds like — any inflamed skin that is covered by a diaper. It can appear on the buttocks, thighs or genitals and presents as red patches, tender, itchy skin or sores. Your baby might be suffering from diaper rash if you notice they’re particularly uncomfortable or fussy while you change their diapers.
 

What Causes Diaper Rash?

There is no singular cause of diaper rash. In fact, it can be triggered by many things: certain soaps or creams, prolonged contact with stool and urine, yeast or bacterial infections. Other conditions that can affect skin in the diaper area and present as diaper rash are psoriasis and lichen sclerosus. If your baby’s rash doesn’t seem severe but also doesn’t seem to be getting better with treatment, there might be a different dermatological condition going on.
 

How Severe Is Your Baby’s Diaper Rash?

Diaper rashes can range from mild to severe. Most mild rashes will look pink or dry and can usually be treated with at-home care. More severe rashes will often become red, inflamed or even raw. While mild rashes should not be painful, severe cases often are. If you notice your baby appears to be in pain or is sleeping poorly while experiencing diaper rash, that might be an indication that their rash is increasing in severity.
 

When Should You Call a Doctor?

Most diaper rashes can be treated at home, but some cases become severe and should be treated by a doctor.
 
Seek emergency care if:

• Your child has a fever or the rash looks infected.
• You notice peeling skin, blisters, open sores or yellow scabs.
• Your baby is looking or acting very sick.

 
Contact your doctor if:

• You notice the rash is worsening, raw or bleeding.
• The rash has spread outside the normal diaper area.
• The rash does not improve after three days of at-home treatment.

 

Treatment Options for Diaper Rash

If your baby has a mild case of diaper rash, treat it with an at-home regimen such as Buddle’s three-step skincare routine.
 
With severe rashes involving a fever, your doctor will likely take cultures and start your child on antibiotics or topical steroids to treat inflammation and any possible infections.
 

How to Prevent Diaper Rash

The best way to avoid diaper rash is to practice prevention.  Buddle’s three-step comprehensive treatment regimen is clinically proven to treat and prevent diaper rash all while nourishing baby’s skin and natural microbiome to maintain and optimize skin health.

Not only can Buddle treat diaper rash by healing inflamed or blistered skin, but with consistent use it also protects skin from developing rashes. Developed by pharmaceutical scientists, formulation chemists, dermatologists, pediatricians and parents, the Buddle system is powerful and gentle, even for the most sensitive skin.  Tt the end of Buddle’s clinical study 100% of babies were free of diaper rash.

Try out the system today.