08/08/2025
Enjoying a magical beach day 🪄🏖️ and then boo your little one has a nasty rash in the groin or arm pits?! 😞. Here’s the 101 on tackling sand rash…
🩴 Sand Rash (Friction Rash)
What it is:
Sand rash is a red, irritated, sometimes raw or bumpy rash caused by friction — usually from sand rubbing against damp skin in warm areas like:
• Inner thighs
• Groin or diaper area
• Armpits
• Belly folds
• Neck and behind knees
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✅ Treatment Steps
1. Rinse Off Sand Promptly
• Use fresh water to gently rinse sand off after beach play
• Pat skin dry (don’t rub!)
2. Barrier Cream
• Apply a thick layer of zinc oxide diaper cream (like Desitin, Triple Paste, or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste) to protect irritated areas
• Reapply every few hours
3. Hydrocortisone 0.5–1% Cream
• For red, inflamed or itchy areas:
Apply once or twice daily for up to 3 days
(Avoid prolonged use, especially in diaper area)
4. Cool Compresses
• Use a clean, damp cloth to soothe the rash a few times per day if it’s hot or painful
5. Keep Skin Dry
• Avoid tight clothing, wet swimsuits, or sitting in damp sand
• Let skin air out when possible
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🚫 Avoid:
• Rubbing or scrubbing the rash
• Talcum powder (may worsen irritation)
• Scented lotions or wipes
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🩺 When to Call the Doctor:
• Rash is spreading, crusty, or oozing
• Child has fever or seems unwell
• Rash hasn’t improved in 3–5 days
• Concern for yeast or bacterial infection
Enjoy the sunshine ☀️ & don’t forget to tag us in all your summer adventures 🕶️
- Bee Kind Pediatrics 🧡
