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Alternative names Return to top
Dermatitis - diaper and Candida; Candida-associated diaper dermatitisDefinition Return to top
Candida-associated diaper dermatitis is an infection of the skin beneath an infant's diaper. It is caused by Candida organisms (yeasts).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Diaper rashes caused by infection with Candida species are extremely common in children. Candida is found everywhere in the environment and takes advantage of the warm, moist conditions beneath a diaper to cause superficial skin infections.
The infection may begin as an intensely red patch with irregular (but sharp) boarders. Satellite lesions, smaller red patches just separated from the original patch's boarder, spread and blend in with the larger patch. The rash may spread to include the entire area covered by the diaper, including the scrotum and penis in boys, and the labia and vagina in girls.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The classic appearance of the rash makes diagnosis of candidal diaper dermatitis possible by examination alone. The presence of yeast in a KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation of skin scrapings is diagnostic.
KOH test (microscopic examination of skin scrapings in KOH) demonstrates the presence of Candida.
Treatment Return to top
Topical antifungal skin preparations will clear candidal infections. Some preparations are available as over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments.
Some of these antifungals include:
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The rash usually responds well to treatment.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
If your baby has a diaper rash that doesn't respond to home treatment, you should have the baby examined by your health care provider.
Prevention Return to top
Prevention is difficult because the Candida organisms are in the environment. Using highly absorbent disposable diapers to keep the skin dry reduces the likelihood of an infection.
Update Date: 1/20/2004 Updated by: John Goldenring, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |