My baby has developed a red colored rash around the anus area.What could it be?

Question

Hello doctor,

This is for my 22 days old baby girl. In the last 2 days she has developed some red coloured rash in the area surrounding the anus area. She feels irritated while passing stools. I have attached the picture of the same. Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have viewed the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

This is called diaper rash, commonly called the nappy rash. If no loose stools are happening at present, this is a nappy rash. This is common in infants who wear diapers for daily use and without adequate barrier protection. Avoid using diapers daily, use can be limited to night time. Cotton clothes and towels can be used instead, which can be washed with a disinfectant like dettol.

Management:

Avoid prolonged use of diapers. Keep changing once in 6 hours if you have to use it continuously.
Apply Siloderm ointment (Calamine) on the affected area and all the area of skin that comes in contact with diaper before applying diaper.
Avoid rubbing excessively while cleaning the affected area.
Use soft wipes for cleaning rather than any rough cloth.
If the rash is persistent, in spite of this ointment and if the rash spreads to different areas, visit a paediatrician for clinical examination.
Consult a paediatrician online for further follow up.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are seeing an improvement you can wait for few more days. 24 hours is too less time for it to improve.

If you feel any new development or crying a lot for passing motion or bleeding from that area then you need to consult your pediatrician.

For further information consult a paediatrician online.