6 Diaper Rash Warning Signs

Diaper rash can be painful for baby and frustrating for mom or dad—especially when it just won't go away. As a new mom, there were several times my son's diaper rash was so persistent that we suffered with an outbreak for almost a week.

In my efforts to control the situation, I asked my mommy and daddy friends for ideas and recommendations and read countless product reviews. I got a lot of advice and suggestions but none worked. I kid you not when I say, at one time or another, I have purchased and tried every single cream, ointment, paste and salve on the market in my quest for the best diaper rash product. You name it—I tried it. It took some time but my efforts were eventually rewarded when I found the one cream that worked on my little guy's tushie and our diaper rash days were soon behind us.

I consider us lucky because we were able to manage and treat our diaper rash at home without a doctor's supervision. There are times, however, when diaper rash needs to be looked at by your pediatrician. Unsure when to call in a professional? The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these six warning signs that diaper rash should be evaluated by a doctor:

1. The rash breaks out when the baby is six weeks or younger.
2. The rash has small ulcers or pimples.
3. The rash is accompanied by fever, nodules or large bumps.
4. The infant doesn't look well or has lost weight.
5. The rash spreads beyond the diaper area, including to the scalp, face or arms.
6. The rash doesn't improve with treatment after a week.