Yeast Infection Diaper Rash

Baby's First Year Milestones Slideshow

• What is a yeast diaper rash?
• Are yeast diaper rashes common?
• How is yeast diaper rash treated?
• Does type of diaper matter for yeast diaper rashes?
• Are any antiyeast treatments inappropriate?
• How can yeast diaper rashes be prevented?
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

What is a yeast diaper rash?

Most diaper rashes have to do with impairment of skin integrity rather than any specific bacterial or fungal infection. However, sometimes an infection is a factor in diaper rash. The most common infectious cause of diaper rash is Candida albicans (yeast, a fungus). 

A yeast diaper rash is caused by an infection with C albicans. A yeast diaper rash can begin with softening of the tissue around and inside the anus from exposure to moisture. Later, the edges of the rash are sharply defined. The infected area is red and elevated, and fluid may be visible under the skin. Smaller raised red infected areas (satellite pustules) appear on nearby skin. These satellite pustules allow yeast diaper rash to be distinguished from other types of diaper rash. Yeast diaper rash can appear on the thighs, genital creases, abdomen, and genitals. Distant and distinct satellite pustules are most likely to have positive culture results for Candida species.

The candidal infection can come from the upper gastrointestinal tract, the lower gastrointestinal tract, or exposure from a care provider. A diaper rash can be accompanied by Candida infection of the mouth (thrush).