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Diaper rash

Diaper rash

Overview

Diaper rash may be caused by chemical irritants rather than bacterial or candidal infection. Common irritants include ammonia from the breakdown of urine, acids in the stool, and soaps used in laundering cloth diapers.

Review Date 7/1/2025

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.