Treatment for Adult Diaper Rash
And When Symptoms Suggest Infection
Medically reviewed by Forest Miller, OTR/LMedically reviewed by Forest Miller, OTR/L
An adult diaper rash is a common skin condition caused by wearing diapers or incontinence pads. The trapped moisture against the skin causes redness or discoloration, swelling, and irritation. The primary treatment plan is to change diapers frequently, gently clean the area, pat the skin dry, and apply protective barrier creams.
This article will discuss creams and medications that can soothe adult diaper rash. It will also cover ways to prevent and keep the rash from returning.
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What Helps Adult Diaper Rash?
One of the best ways to treat an adult diaper rash is to change diapers or pads as soon as they become soiled. This will reduce the skin's contact with irritating urine, feces, and moisture. Other ways to help an adult diaper rash include the following.
Over-the-Counter Topicals
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams and lotions are a common diaper rash treatment. One type of OTC topical cream is zinc oxide. This cream works by forming a barrier between the skin and the diaper. This cream is useful for someone who is incontinent and will have frequent exposure to moisture from urine and stool.
To apply zinc oxide cream, make sure the skin is clean and dry. Apply the cream by smoothing it on. When the cream is soiled, wipe off only the dirty cream and apply more as needed. This will keep the skin under the zinc oxide protected and clean.
OTC topicals that include petroleum jelly, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, can also be used on the skin. When using these topicals with zinc oxide cream, apply the Vaseline or Aquaphor first, then the zinc oxide on top.
Complementary Home Remedies
The best way to prevent an adult rash is by changing the diaper frequently and keeping the skin dry.
If irritation does occur, complementary home remedies can help ease rash symptoms. Such remedies include:
Use soft cloths with plain water to wipe.
If using wipes, look for ones that are alcohol-free and without fragrances.
Do not scrub the skin.
Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers.
Use lukewarm water for showers or baths.
Prescribed Treatments
Sometimes an adult diaper rash may need a prescription treatment. It's important to follow a healthcare provider's instructions on how to use the medication to avoid undertreating or overtreating. Using medicines like hydrocortisone for too long can cause additional skin problems.
Diaper rash that does not improve with home remedies may be due to a yeast infection. The diaper area, which is warm and moist, is an ideal environment in which yeast can grow. Prescribed topical creams like nystatin and miconazole can clear up a yeast infection.
Hydrocortisone cream is another prescription topical that is sometimes used for moderate to severe diaper rashes. The steroid cream should only be used for the prescribed time.
Which Topical Ingredients Help Diaper Rash?
The primary purpose of many over-the-counter topical creams and ointments is to create a barrier between the skin, urine, and stool. Zinc oxide cream is a thick cream that creates an effective barrier. However, some people don't like the scent or stickiness of zinc oxide and prefer Vaseline or Aquaphor.
How Diaper Rash Looks in Adults
Although adult diaper rashes can be due to a single cause, they tend to have many causes, including:
Moisture
Chafing
Diaper rash can be found on the buttocks, the groin, the genitals, and the perineum (the area between the genitals and the anus). Its appearance will vary based on its severity.
A mild diaper rash will appear pink or red on lighter skin or discolored on darker skin, with dry bumps or patches. It may itch and be slightly uncomfortable.
Signs of Symptoms Getting Worse
A diaper rash can worsen and develop more significant symptoms. The signs of a severe diaper rash or a mild rash that is getting worse include:
Significant redness or discoloration, warm to the touch
Raw, inflamed skin
Burning
Itching
Bleeding
Oozing
When the rash presents with satellite lesions, which are smaller reddened or discolored spots or bumps that extend from the primary rash, it may indicate that a yeast infection is present. A yeast infection will need additional treatment and should be seen by a healthcare provider.
Could It Be Something Else?
A diaper rash can look similar to many other types of rashes. Other possible causes of rashes on or around the buttocks include:
Eczema (a chronic, inflammatory skin condition)
Inverse psoriasis (a rare chronic autoimmune skin disease affecting skin folds)
Contact dermatitis (a rash caused by direct contact with an irritant)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Self-Care to Minimize Diaper Rash Irritation
Diaper rash can be painful, making it hard to do everyday activities. Self-care strategies can help minimize the irritation until the rash heals.
One of the first strategies is to always ensure the skin is clean and dry. This means that diapers or pads need to be changed as soon as they become soiled.
Other self-care suggestions include:
Clean the affected area with each diaper change.
Allow the diaper area to completely dry before putting on a new one.
Don't wear tight clothing, and ensure the diaper or briefs are not too tight.
Wear pads or diapers that allow for airflow.
Caretaking for an Adult With Diaper Rash
Taking care of an adult with a diaper rash can be difficult for several reasons. An older person is more likely to develop infections due to a weakened immune system. Another reason is the logistics of changing an adult who wears a diaper.
A healthcare provider can offer resources like home health nurses or social workers who can guide caretakers. Caring for another person can be a hard transition; be sure to use the resources available.
Summary
An adult diaper rash can be caused by incontinence and wearing incontinence pads or diapers. Moisture trapped against the skin can cause irritation and a rash.
Treatment should include keeping the area clean and dry. A barrier cream like zinc oxide or Vaseline can help protect the skin. Sometimes, a prescription is necessary if the skin is infected or the rash is severe.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
