How the hell did her child care providers let her get that bad and not say anything to you?

Just use cooled boiled water on a facewasher (no commercial wipes - they would sting like you wouldn't believe) till it heals. As much nappy free time as possible. And as much as I hate to say it... switch to sposies till it's healed... only because they draw the wetness away and keep the bottom dry.

I hate using any products that aren't natural, but when either of my two look the slightest bit red I use bepanthen nappy rash ointment (yes, I'm fully aware of the chemicals in it before anyone says anything), but the point is... it works and fast. Then I switch back to Gaia. I's antibacterial, and thick, so it stays on. It's only $7 or $8 a tube from the supermarket, so should fall within budget.

HTH