Diaper rash from diarrhea: what to know

Loose stool may touch the skin more often than usual and contain digestive substances that sting or weaken the surface. Frequent wiping can add friction. The rash may look red, sore, shiny, or tender, especially around the buttocks and genitals. A simple irritant rash often improves when the skin is cleaned gently and kept dry, but broken skin can become infected or a yeast rash can develop.

Change nappies promptly after stooling. Rinse with lukewarm water or use fragrance-free wipes, then pat rather than rub. Allow brief air time when practical and apply a protective barrier recommended for your child. Avoid fragranced products, scrubbing, and tight nappies. Continue suitable fluids advised for the child’s diarrhea, and seek guidance before giving medicines to a young child. An emollient may support a damaged skin barrier; persistent bright-red rash with small nearby spots may need assessment for antifungal treatment.

Arrange medical advice if the rash is spreading, blistering, bleeding, markedly painful, or not settling with careful skin care. Seek urgent help if the child seems very unwell, is unusually sleepy, cannot keep fluids down, has signs of dehydration, or has blood in the stool. Diarrhea in a very young baby also deserves prompt professional advice.

Ask whether the appearance fits irritant dermatitis or another infection, which barrier product suits the child, and how to manage fluids while diarrhea continues.