Diaper rash can be uncomfortable and painful, but most cases can be treated using over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies.
Rashes that are severe, do not respond to basic care, or last more than 3 days may have developed as a result of infections or underlying medical conditions. Examples include yeast infections and long-term skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
In this article, we look at the causes and symptoms of adult diaper rash, as well as options for prevention and treatment.
Can adults gets diaper rash?
Anyone can develop diaper rash at any age. It is most common in babies and infants because diapers trap moisture and bacteria near the skin.
For the same reason, adults who wear pads or specially designed briefs with absorbent padding may also develop diaper rash.
People may need to use adult diapers or pads in a variety of situations, including when they are:
- having trouble using or accessing the bathroom
- struggling with bowel or bladder control
- working in jobs that require long periods of time without being able to go to the bathroom
- living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that affect their ability to remember to go to the bathroom
Causes
Using adult diapers, incontinence underwear, or pads can lead to diaper rash in adults.
The specific causes related to using these products include:
- skin irritation from trapped heat and moisture
- skin barrier damage from chafing or rubbing
- inflammation caused by the ammonia in trapped urine or the enzymes in stools, which damage skin tissues when in close contact with the skin
- allergic reactions to dyes, perfumes, or materials in the diaper, underwear, or pad
- fungal infections, most commonly Candida albicans
- bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus
- flare-ups of chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema
Not everyone who gets diaper rash wears or uses diapers. Diaper rash and the infections associated with it can also be caused by:
- poor genital hygiene
- allergic reactions or flare-ups related to chemicals, dyes, or fragrances found in detergents used to wash underwear
- chronic or severe chafing or rubbing
- allergic reactions to dyes, perfumes, or other substances found in personal hygiene wipes or lubricants
Diaper rash can develop anywhere on the groin, buttock, thighs, and hips.
Minor to mild cases of diaper rashes can cause:
- pink patches or spots of skin
- patches or spots of dry skin
- itchiness
- small, red, raised bumps not connected by an underlying rash
Moderate cases of diaper rash often cause:
- large areas of a pinkish to bright red rash
- larger, red, raised bumps that are scattered and sometimes connected by the underlying rash
- itchiness and tenderness
Severe or untreated diaper rash can lead to:
- large patches of bright red, inflamed skin that may appear burnt
- very large bumps or welts that sometimes fill with fluid and ooze
- extreme itchiness and burning
- pain and tenderness
- pain when sitting or when putting on underwear or clothing
A diaper rash that occurs alongside a flare-up of another skin condition, such as psoriasis, eczema, or atopic dermatitis, may have similar symptoms as the underlying condition.
When an infection is the cause of diaper rash, it may also result in:
- fever
- blisters that ooze pus
- whole body aches and pains
- exhaustion
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to change briefs frequently and as soon as possible after they become wet or soiled.
Washing the entire area daily with a hypoallergenic cleanser or soap can also help reduce the risk of irritation. It is better to pat the skin dry or let it air dry rather than rubbing it.
Applying moisturizers or medicated creams before putting on briefs or pads can also reduce the risk of chafing and help to soothe inflamed skin.
Products and natural remedies are available in stores and online and include:
- Calmoseptine
- Penaten
- coconut oil
- aloe vera
- cod liver oil
- calamine creams
- lanolin
- cornstarch
Adult briefs and pads are continually being improved to make them more comfortable and to decrease the chance of diaper rash.
Products that should help to reduce the risk of irritation and infection include:
- hypoallergenic briefs and pads
- superabsorbent briefs and pads made using sodium polyacrylate
- breathable briefs and pads with tiny holes called micropores that increase airflow and reduce humidity
- reusable cotton briefs
Takeaway
Most cases of adult diaper rash resolve within 1 or 2 days with basic hygiene and the use of zinc oxide and lubricating creams.
However, severe diaper rashes and those caused by underlying medical conditions usually require treatment to avoid permanent skin damage and other health complications.
A person should speak to a doctor about rashes that:
- last longer than 3 days after using home remedies
- are very painful
- are accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms
- blister, peel, ooze, bleed, or leak pus
- are accompanied by pain when urinating or passing a stool
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