Diaper Rash in Babies — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

Almost every baby gets diaper rash at some point, and almost every case clears with simple care at home. That red, irritated skin in the diaper area looks uncomfortable — and it can be — but it is rarely serious and usually responds quickly.

What causes it

Most diaper rash is irritation from prolonged contact with moisture, urine, and stool, plus friction. It is not a sign of neglect — it happens to well-cared-for babies. Sometimes a yeast (fungal) infection develops on top, which looks beefy-red with small satellite spots and needs a different treatment.

How we approach it at Ohana Care Clinic

The foundation, echoed by the American Academy of Pediatrics through HealthyChildren.org, is simple: change diapers frequently, clean gently, let the skin air-dry, and use a barrier ointment with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly at each change to protect the skin. Most rashes improve within a few days. Call us if the rash is severe, blistering, not improving with home care, or if your baby has a fever — those can signal a yeast or bacterial infection that needs a specific treatment.

Getting care by telehealth

Most of our care at Ohana Care Clinic happens by secure video across Hawaiʻi. A new primary-care or pediatric patient is seen in person for the first visit at our Hilo clinic; after that, many follow-ups and quick questions work well by video. When your keiki has a rash, sting, or other concern, a photo during a video visit often tells us whether they need to be seen in person.

When to get help now

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or lips, widespread hives, fainting, or any reaction that looks life-threatening after a sting or new exposure. When in doubt, call us at (808) 867-8002 or use our symptom checker for after-hours guidance.

Medically reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, pediatric nurse practitioner, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, President & Owner of Ohana Care Clinic.
Date published: July 2, 2026 · Last reviewed: July 2026 · Citations verified: July 2026

This article is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your child’s situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you think your child may have a medical condition, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Diaper rash: Common rashes and treatments. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/pages/diaper-rash.aspx