Mild irritation, redness, or skin breakdown in the diaper area usually goes away in a few days with thorough, gentle cleaning, frequent diaper changes, and use of over-the-counter products such as petrolatum, vitamins A&D, or zinc oxide. If the rash is not improving after 2-3 days or gets worse, your child should be evaluated by a provider to see if the rash is due to an infection that could benefit from a prescription treatment. Please note that for infants less than 3 months old or for any age child with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk, in-person medical advice should be obtained immediately for any fever greater than 100.3 degrees or for other concerns. Reasons to seek emergency care for a young child with a diaper rash include severe or rapidly worsening rash; excessive crying or irritability; if your child is not drinking fluids or does not urinate in over 10 hours or has less than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours. Please note that Alpha should not be used for concerns requiring immediate attention. REASONS TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE
