Lotrimin (Clotrimazole) for Diaper Rash
Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmD
Lotrimin (clotrimazole) is an antifungal medication that can be purchased over the counter (OTC) or prescribed to treat certain fungal infections.
Lotrimin works against fungus, a common cause of diaper rash. Lotrimin is applied to the skin (topically) for this purpose.
Diaper rash, or diaper dermatitis, is a common skin problem that occurs under the diaper area. A diaper rash can cause the skin to become sore, red, tender, and scaly. In babies with darker skin, the affected area. may lighten (called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation).
The treatment for diaper rash depends on what is causing the rash to occur. A diaper rash due to yeast can be treated with Lotrimin.
This article will provide more information about Lotrimin for diaper rash, other treatments, and how to prevent this skin problem.
Getty Images / Tatiana Maksimova
Lotrimin for Diaper Rash
Lotrimin is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient clotrimazole.
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine and can be used to treat various types of fungal infections, such as ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and diaper rash.
Clotrimazole works by stopping fungi from growing. Many cases of diaper rash are caused by yeast, or fungus.
Diaper rash that persists over several days may be caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. The rash may look red, with red dots, and slightly raised. Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation can occur in babies with darker skin. Like other yeast infections, a diaper rash due to yeast often starts in the creases, or folds, of the skin and can spread to nearby areas.
Under the recommendation of a healthcare provider, Lotrimin can be used for diaper rashes due to yeast.
Does Lotrimin Work?
One clinical trial studied two antifungals for diaper rash, noting that diaper dermatitis is the most common irritative skin problem among infants and often involves Candida yeast.
The two antifungals studied were:
Clotrimazole
A topically applied mixture of nystatin (an antifungal) with zinc oxide (a skin protectant)
The study found both treatments to be safe and well-tolerated. Objectively, when looking under a microscope, 100% of cases were cured, regardless of which antifungal treatment was used.
Diaper rashes are most common between the ages of 4 and 15 months and are more prevalent after babies start eating solid foods. Rashes can also occur in adults who wear incontinence underwear.
The study noted that nystatin was the most common medication prescribed for diaper rash. It was prescribed in 27% of healthcare provider visits. Clotrimazole was the second most prescribed medication for diaper rash. It was prescribed in 16% of healthcare provider visits.
Causes of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is usually a type of contact dermatitis, in which the skin is irritated and inflamed from coming into contact with urine and feces.
The irritated skin looks red and shiny. Skinfolds are not usually affected at this point. A Candida yeast infection may develop if the contact dermatitis is not treated within several days.
When yeast is involved, the skin may appear deep red with patches outside the diaper area. Skinfolds are usually affected. Some babies will also develop a yeast infection in the mouth. This is called oral thrush.
Other causes of diaper rash may include:
Seborrhea: This chronic (ongoing) skin condition may affect the diaper area and other body parts. In lighter skin, the skin may appear red with oily yellow patches. In darker skin, the skin may have scaly, hypopigmented patches. Skinfolds, as well as the face, scalp, and neck, are often affected.
Bacteria: Less commonly, staphylococcal (staph) or streptococcal (strep) bacteria can cause a diaper rash.
Allergies: An allergic reaction can occur if the wearer reacts to a dye used in disposable diapers or a detergent used to wash cloth diapers.
Consult a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of a diaper rash.
How to Apply Lotrimin for Diaper Rash
An antifungal such as Lotrimin should only be used if recommended or prescribed by a healthcare provider for a yeast infection. Here are some tips for using Lotrimin:
Apply Lotrimin two or three times daily or as directed by the healthcare provider. Use this medication exactly as directed on the label or by your provider. Do not use more than is recommended or prescribed.
Lotrimin is for topical use. Do not get it into your eyes or mouth.
Ask your healthcare provider if you should apply a barrier skin ointment or paste, such as zinc oxide, over the Lotrimin.
Other Treatments for Diaper Rash
In many cases, if you start treatment at the first signs of irritation, the diaper rash can heal within a few days. Some things you can do include:
Change the diaper as soon as your baby urinates or has a bowel movement. You can also change the diaper in the middle of the night if needed.
Rinse the baby's bottom, gently cleaning the area with warm water and a soft washcloth.
Avoid baby wipes if you can. If you do use baby wipes, use an alcohol-free and unscented formula.
Do not scrub or rub the skin.
For a severe rash, use a squirt bottle of water. Clean and rinse the area.
Pat the skin dry—do not rub—and ensure the area is fully dry.
Apply a generous amount of an OTC skin barrier cream such as zinc oxide. You do not have to remove the cream between diaper changes. You can apply the cream during every diaper change and cover it with a thin layer of Vaseline so it does not stick to the diaper.
Avoid using steroid treatments or baby powder (powders can be accidentally inhaled) unless directed by a healthcare provider. Also, avoid using any products that contain fragrances or additives.
Try to have some diaper-free time to promote healing. This effectively reduces irritation and limits skin contact with urine and feces. This may be a good method to try outdoors. Or, if you are indoors, you can use a waterproof barrier under the baby.
Do not put rubber pants or plastic liners over a diaper.
Fasten the diaper loosely to minimize rubbing against the skin.
Some cases of diaper rash may need other treatment, such as:
For a yeast infection, an antifungal treatment may be recommended or prescribed, such as Lotrimin or nystatin.
For very irritated or inflamed skin, a healthcare provider may recommend an OTC steroid ointment such as hydrocortisone. Topical steroids should only be used if recommended or prescribed by a healthcare provider.
For a bacterial skin infection, a healthcare provider may need to prescribe a topical antibiotic (an antibacterial agent that's applied to the skin) or an oral antibiotic (an antibacterial drug taken by mouth). Experts do not recommend OTC topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin or Neosporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin), because many children are allergic to the ingredients.
Diaper Rash Prevention
Here are some tips for preventing diaper rash:
Some of the same treatments apply to prevention because keeping the skin clean and dry helps prevent diaper rash.
Change diapers frequently to avoid irritation from urine and feces.
Use a diaper ointment or paste every time you change the diaper.
If you use commercial baby wipes, choose unscented ones. However, baby wipes are not recommended when skin is irritated, has open sores, or has a rash that is not improving.
Clean the diaper area gently. You can use a plastic squeeze bottle of warm water. Rubbing and scrubbing can worsen irritation. Cleanse the area with warm water and a soft cloth. If you want to use soap, use a mild, unscented soap like Dove sensitive skin. If needed, apply mineral oil to a cotton ball to loosen dried feces from the skin. Pat (not rub) skin dry with a soft, gentle towel.
If you use cloth diapers, launder them in hot water with a dye-free, unscented detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Do not cover the cloth diaper with plastic pants. If the child has a diaper rash, experts recommend using disposable diapers because they are better at absorption.
Summary
When left untreated, a diaper rash can turn into a yeast infection that spreads, which can be treated with topical antifungals like Lotrimin.
However, consult your child's pediatrician or a healthcare provider before using such products to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment. Preventing diaper rash, such as by changing diapers frequently and using unscented products, can help reduce these skin problems.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
