- Irritant Contact Dermatitis.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Diaper Candidiasis
- Impetigo; Streptococcal infection.
- Cellulitis
-
Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
-
Infected Contact Dermatitis (contact dermatitis with superinfection / suprainfection) e.g. Staphylococcal pustulosis. Diaper candidiasis is often a superinfection.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection
- Molluscum
- Warts
- Scapies
Selected Differential Diagnosis Comparison for Diaper Rash
Am Fam Physician. 2014 Jun 15;89(12):973-974.
| CONDITION | SKIN SYMPTOMS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLOR | ULCERATION/EROSION | PUSTULES | OTHER | |
|
Candidiasis |
Erythematous (beefy-red) |
No |
Yes |
Satellite lesions |
|
Cellulitis |
Erythematous |
No |
Yes |
Edema that may feel fluctuant |
|
Herpes simplex virus infection |
Erythematous base |
Yes |
No |
Vesicles |
|
Impetigo |
Honey-colored and erythematous |
Superficial |
Yes |
Crusting |
|
Irritant contact dermatitis |
Erythematous |
Yes |
No |
Shiny, smooth skin |
“Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common skin eruption seen in the diaper area and is caused by skin rubbing against a wet, soiled diaper or another part of the skin. This process can lead to chafing, or well-defined red scaly patches that appear on the anterior thighs, scrotum, vulvae, suprapubic area, or buttocks with sparing of the skin creases.”
Commonly seen when child is having diarrea.
Reference and Resources
Clinical Pediatrics. Vol 56, Issue 5_suppl, pp. 16S – 22S. April 18, 2017. Differential Diagnosis of Diaper Dermatitis
Am Fam Physician. 2014 Jun 15;89(12):973-974.