The Bottom Line

Procter & Gamble says it has developed the first diaper medically shown to prevent and treat rashes, and the company figures parents are willing to pay 50 percent more than they do for regular Pampers. The Pampers Rash Guard began arriving at some stores last week. They contain strips treated with petrolatum, found in petroleum jelly, and stearate, a skin conditioner. The diaper can still absorb waste because not all areas are treated with the conditioners. A jumbo package of 36 Rash Guard diapers costs about $13.25, the same as the average price of a package of 56 basic diapers.