Bright Red Rash on my One Year Old

My one year old has suffered from this horrible rash under her diaper on the front (where the part is that you put the velcro straps).  I have had such a difficult time getting it to stay at bay.  When it does get under control, I usually just put some A&D on it or something like that.  To control it, I have tried an antifungal foot cream, aquafor, special lotions, etc.  The antifungal typically works best, but not always.  Today, it showed up again all across there and onto her sides now too and it is bright red.  It's never been this red.  The doctor has always told us it might be a combination of yeast or excema.  I'm just frustrated at this point and am looking for better answers on what to do and what the issue might be.  Any help would be appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since your child is having this on this particular area so it looks like contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when there is an inflammation resulting from contact with acids, soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or anything touching the skin.

Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. Wash the area with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Then apply calamine lotion over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. Also use 100% cotton nappies or diapers for some days instead on the Velcro ones.

If the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist and get eczema ruled out. Hope it helps. Take care and regards.