Seeing a rash on your baby can feel worrying, but knowing what it looks like can make care much easier. 

Types of diaper rash pictures help you match what you see to the right cause and treatment. 

This can help prevent the rash from worsening and guide you on whether home care is sufficient or if a doctor should be consulted.

You will see how to spot common irritant rashes, yeast infections, bacterial rashes, allergic reactions, and even eczema in the diaper area. 

Clear photos and descriptions will make it easier to distinguish between them and take the right next step.

This visual guide provides an in-depth look at common rashes, including their causes and effective treatment options.

Quick Insights 💡:

• Diaper rash can range from mild redness to a severe infection.
• The most common type is irritant dermatitis, caused by wetness and friction.
• Other types include yeast infections, allergic reactions, and bacterial rashes.
• Symptoms can be redness, bumps, peeling skin, or pus.
• Knowing the type helps you choose the proper treatment, such as home care, barrier creams, antifungals, or seeing a doctor.

6 Types of Diaper Rash Pictures: Overview

You may notice diaper rashes can look different depending on the cause. Pictures can help you distinguish between them, allowing you to treat them correctly.

Common types include:

• Irritant contact rash – Red, flat areas on the skin that touch the diaper. Often caused by moisture or friction.
• Yeast rash (Candida) – Bright red with raised edges and small red spots nearby. Often appears in skin folds.
• Bacterial rash – May present with a yellow crust, oozing, or pimples. Skin can look very red and swollen.
• Allergic rash – Red patches or bumps after contact with wipes, soaps, or creams.
• Eczema-related rash – Dry, scaly patches that may appear outside the diaper area too.
• Seborrheic dermatitis – Red or pink patches with greasy or yellow scales, sometimes starting on the scalp.

Pictures of each type can help you compare what you see on your baby’s skin. Examine the rash closely for its color, shape, and location.

If the rash spreads quickly, looks painful, or has pus, you should contact your child’s doctor. Some rashes need prescription medicine.

Keeping the skin clean and dry, allowing for diaper-free time, and using a protective cream can help most mild rashes heal more quickly.

1. Common Irritant Diaper Rash

This is the most common type of diaper rash you will see. It happens when your baby's skin stays in contact with urine or stool for too long. The skin becomes irritated from the moisture and rubbing of the diaper.

What it looks like:

• Flat pink or red patches
• Shiny or slightly swollen skin
• Often worse in the folds of the diaper area

You might notice your baby seems uncomfortable during diaper changes. The rash typically remains confined to the diaper area and does not spread beyond it.

Causes:

• Too much moisture against the skin
• Friction from the diaper rubbing
• Irritation from stool, urine, or harsh wipes

Treatment tips:

• Change diapers often, even at night if needed
• Use a thick layer of zinc oxide cream or petroleum jelly to protect the skin
• Gently clean with warm water or mild wipes, then pat dry
• Allow some diaper-free time each day to let skin breathe

You can usually treat this rash at home. With quick action and gentle care, it often improves within a few days.

2. Yeast Diaper Rash (Candidiasis)

A yeast diaper rash happens when the fungus Candida albicans grows too much on your baby’s skin. It often appears after antibiotics or when the diaper area stays warm and moist.

You can spot it by its beefy red base with small red bumps around the edges. The skin may look shiny and feel sore. Unlike regular diaper rash, it usually does not improve with standard diaper creams.

Causes

• Overgrowth of Candida yeast on the skin
• Warm, damp environment in the diaper area
• Recent antibiotic use that changes the natural skin balance

Treatment

• Use an antifungal cream or ointment as advised by your doctor
• Keep the diaper area clean and dry
• Change diapers often to limit moisture
• Let your baby have diaper-free time when possible

3. Bacterial Diaper Rash (Impetigo)

Bacterial diaper rash, also known as impetigo, occurs when bacteria infect the skin in the diaper area. It is less common than irritant rashes, but it can spread quickly if left untreated.

You can often spot it by its distinct appearance:

This type of rash is typically caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These germs can enter through tiny cuts or irritated skin. Warm, moist conditions in a diaper make it easier for the infection to grow.

Treatment usually requires antibiotic medicine prescribed by a doctor. This may be an ointment for mild cases or oral antibiotics for more severe infections.

You can help heal by:

• Changing diapers often
• Gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water
• Allowing diaper-free time for air exposure
• Avoiding scented wipes or harsh creams unless prescribed

If you see spreading redness, swelling, pus, or your baby has a fever, contact your pediatrician right away. Bacterial diaper rash will not resolve on its own and requires proper medical attention.

4. Allergic Reaction Rash

An allergic reaction rash often appears bright red in every area the diaper touches.
In some cases, you may see small raised bumps or hives.
It can show up suddenly, even if your baby’s skin looked fine earlier in the day.

When you notice this type of rash, try to identify and remove the allergen right away.

Switch to unscented, hypoallergenic products and avoid anything new you recently started using.

You can help soothe the skin by:

• Gently cleaning with plain water or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
• Letting your baby have diaper-free time to keep the area dry
• Applying a protective barrier cream

If the rash does not improve within a few days, or if it worsens, you should contact your pediatrician.
They can help confirm if the rash is allergic and suggest other treatments.

5. Eczema in Diaper Area

Eczema in the diaper area can look different from regular diaper rash. You might see dry, rough, or leathery patches instead of smooth redness. The skin can crack or bleed if scratched often.

It usually causes intense itching. Your baby may seem more fussy during diaper changes or try to scratch the area.

Common signs include:

• Dry or thickened skin patches
• Redness that may spread beyond the diaper area
• Small cuts or scabs from scratching

This type of rash is linked to a chronic skin condition. It is not just caused by moisture or irritation like most diaper rashes. Triggers can include heat, certain soaps, or even fabrics.

Treatment tips:

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day
• Avoid wipes with alcohol or strong chemicals
• Let the skin air out when possible
• Ask your pediatrician about eczema-safe creams or ointments

Keeping the skin hydrated is key. You may need to use special moisturizers made for eczema to protect the skin and reduce flare-ups.

Severe Rashes Needing Medical Care

Some diaper rashes are too serious to treat at home. Infections or an allergic reaction may cause these and can get worse quickly.

Watch for warning signs such as:

• Open sores or bleeding in the diaper area
• Blisters or pus filled bumps
• Fever with rash that does not improve

If you see these symptoms, stop using all creams or ointments until a doctor checks the skin. Some products can make certain infections worse.

Call your pediatrician right away. If the rash spreads beyond the diaper area, your baby seems very uncomfortable, or your baby has a fever, do not wait for it to get better on its own.

A doctor may need to prescribe medicine for bacterial or yeast infections. In some cases, lab tests help confirm the cause before treatment starts.

Keep your baby’s skin clean and dry while you wait for medical advice. Let your baby go without a diaper for short times to reduce moisture.

Rarer Conditions That May Resemble Diaper Rash

Some uncommon skin problems can look like diaper rash but have different causes and treatments. These conditions often need a doctor’s diagnosis because they may not improve with standard rash care.

Granuloma Gluteale Infantum

This condition causes firm, reddish-purple bumps in the diaper area. They often appear on the buttocks, thighs, or lower abdomen. The bumps can be small or large and may occur in groups.

It is linked to long-term irritation, moist skin, or the use of certain ointments. You might notice it after a persistent rash that did not heal with usual treatments.

Key points:

• Appearance: Raised nodules, red to purple
• Cause: Chronic irritation or reaction to topical products
• Diagnosis: Requires medical evaluation, sometimes a skin biopsy
• Treatment: Remove irritants, keep skin dry, follow the doctor’s care plan

Tips for Preventing Diaper Rash

Keeping your baby’s skin dry and protected is the best way to avoid diaper rash. Try these easy tips to help prevent irritant dermatitis:

• Change diapers frequently: Aim for every 2 to 3 hours, or more often if your baby has diarrhea. Keep up with changes at night too.
• Use a barrier cream before a rash starts: A thin layer of cream or ointment can protect the skin from moisture and irritants. Make it part of your diaper-change routine.
• Choose gentle, high-absorbency diapers: Try the Wispy Cloud Diaper Weekly Bundles from AlppiBaby. Designed to feel like a gentle cloud against your baby's skin, it delivers incredible absorbency to keep them cool, comfortable, and happy, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
• Give the skin more room: Size up or loosen the diaper a bit, especially at night when your baby wears it the longest.
• Let the skin breathe: Give your baby some diaper-free time. If you are worried about a mess, lay a towel underneath.
• Watch their diet: Some foods can cause rashes in certain babies. You may want to avoid acidic drinks like juice that can cause diarrhea.

❝ Knowing when to change a diaper can help prevent rashes. Read our guide on how often you should change your baby's diaper for simple tips.❞

Final Thoughts

You can often manage mild diaper rashes at home with gentle cleaning and frequent diaper changes. Looking at pictures of different types can help you spot patterns and know what care might work best.

If the rash spreads, looks infected, or lasts more than a few days, you should talk to your pediatrician. This is especially important if you see blisters, pus, or open sores.

Keep a few basics in mind:

• Change diapers often to keep skin dry.
• Use a barrier cream to protect skin.
• Let skin air out when possible.

Clear pictures can guide you, but your doctor can confirm the type and best treatment.

FAQs: Types Of Diaper Rash Pictures

Diaper rash can appear in different forms depending on the cause, such as irritation, yeast, or allergic reaction.

Recognizing the signs and triggers helps you choose the right treatment and prevent future flare-ups.

What are the most common types of diaper rash?

The most common types include irritant contact dermatitis, yeast (candida) rash, and allergic rash. Irritant rashes usually appear as red, inflamed skin where the diaper touches. Yeast rashes often have raised red spots or patches, and allergic rashes may look like hives or small bumps.

How can you tell if a diaper rash is serious?

A rash is more serious if it spreads beyond the diaper area, develops open sores, bleeds, or causes swelling. If your baby has a fever, pus-filled blisters, or seems in pain, you should contact a healthcare provider.

Can acidic poop cause diaper rash?

Yes. Acidic stools can irritate the skin and lead to a rash, especially during teething or after certain foods. Frequent bowel movements increase the risk because the skin is exposed to moisture and acid for longer periods.

What foods should you avoid with diaper rash?

Foods that can make stools more acidic, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and certain berries, may worsen a rash. Some babies may react to dairy or spicy foods in a breastfeeding parent's diet.
You may need to track foods to see which ones cause flare-ups.

What's the best natural remedy for a diaper rash?

A thin layer of plain zinc oxide cream or petroleum jelly can protect the skin. Some parents use breast milk or coconut oil for mild irritation, but you should stop if the rash worsens. Letting the skin air dry between diaper changes also helps.

How can diaper rash present differently in adults compared to infants?

In adults, diaper rash often appears as red, irritated skin in areas where moisture and friction occur, such as the groin or buttocks. It may be linked to incontinence products or prolonged sitting. In infants, the rash usually develops in the diaper area and may spread to the thighs or lower abdomen.