A 9-month-old infant is diagnosed with Candida albicans infection in the diaper area. The nurse practitioner appropriately prescribes:

Rationale: A. Gentian violet can be used for fungal infections but is less preferred due to staining and potential irritation, especially in infants. B. Oral fluconazole is generally reserved for severe or widespread Candida infections, or when topical therapy fails; it is not first-line for uncomplicated diaper-area candidiasis. C. Topical clotrimazole, applied three times daily for 7 days, is the treatment of choice for localized Candida albicans infections in the diaper area. It is effective, safe, and well-tolerated in infants. D. Topical hydrocortisone may reduce inflammation but does not treat the underlying fungal infection and may worsen Candida overgrowth if used alone.