érythème fessier
The English phrase 'diaper rash' is translated into French as érythème fessier.
This phrase refers to an inflammatory skin rash that occurs on a baby's bottom due to wearing diapers. In non-medical contexts, a parent might describe the condition more generally as une irritation de la couche (a diaper irritation).
What does it mean word for word?
The term érythème means erythema (redness of the skin) and fessier refers to the buttocks.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Érythème fessier is the formal or medical term. While it is the precise name for the condition, parents often use the more colloquial expression avoir les fesses rouges (to have red bottom/red buttocks) to describe a baby with a diaper rash.
Did you know?
- In French, the term couche used in irritation de la couche comes from the verb coucher, meaning 'to put to bed'. This reflects the historical association of diapers with nighttime sleep.
- The word fesses used in the colloquial term for diaper rash is also used in the phrase donner une fessée, which means to give a spanking. This connects the anatomical term for the rash to a traditional form of discipline.
- In a pharmacy, you are more likely to ask for a 'crème pour l'érythème fessier' than to describe the symptoms, as the phrase functions as a specific product category.
Examples in context
- Mon bébé souffre d'un érythème fessier. Pouvez-vous me recommander un traitement ?My baby has diaper rash. Can you recommend a treatment?
- J'aimerais obtenir des conseils pour traiter la dermatite du siège de mon enfant.I would like to get advice on treating my child's diaper dermatitis.
- Ma petite a des rougeurs sur les fesses. Qu'est-ce que je peux faire pour soulager ça ?My little one has redness on her buttocks. What can I do to alleviate it?
- Je pense que mon bébé a une irritation des couches. Connaissez-vous une crème efficace ?I think my baby has diaper irritation. Do you know of an effective cream?
- Mon bébé a des rougeurs sur les fesses à cause de ses couches. Auriez-vous une crème pour ça ?My baby has redness on his buttocks due to his diapers. Do you have a cream for that?
- Le bébé a un érythème fessier.The baby has a diaper rash.
- Appliquez cette crème pour l'érythème fessier.Apply this cream for the diaper rash.
- Je pense que c'est un érythème fessier.I think it is a diaper rash.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are changing their baby's diaper.
- NathanRegarde, je crois qu'il a un érythème fessier.Look, I think he has diaper rash.
- EmmaOh mince, sa peau est très rouge.Oh dear, his skin is very red.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on a encore de la crème ?Do we have any cream left?
- EmmaOui, je vais en chercher une maintenant.Yes, I will go get some now.
