Around 1 in 4 babies and toddlers in nappies have nappy rash at any one time. It doesn't usually develop in newborns, but all babies can get nappy rash.
Nappy rash can be caused by:
- your baby's skin being in contact with wee or poo for a long time
- the nappy rubbing against your baby's skin
- not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy often enough
- soap, detergent or bubble bath
- alcohol-based baby wipes
- some types of medicines, such as antibiotics or laxatives (used to make a baby poo more often)
There may be red patches on your baby's bottom, or the whole area may be red. Their skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples or blisters.
Most babies with mild nappy rash don't feel sore, but if the rash is severe your baby may feel uncomfortable and be distressed.
Treating nappy rash
If your baby gets nappy rash, you can usually treat their skin yourself.
If the rash isn't upsetting your baby, at each nappy change apply a thin layer of a barrier cream to protect their skin. Ask your health visitor or pharmacist to recommend one.
Follow this advice to help look after your baby's skin.
- Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible.
- Clean the whole nappy area gently but thoroughly, wiping from front to back. Use water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes. Read more about how to clean your baby and change your baby's nappy.
- Bath your baby daily – but avoid bathing them more than twice a day as that may dry out their skin.
- Dry your baby gently after washing them – avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Lie your baby on a towel and leave their nappy off for as long and as often as you can to let fresh air get to their skin.
- Do not use soap, bubble bath, or lotions.
- Do not use talcum powder as it contains ingredients that could irritate your baby's skin.
- Make sure your baby’s nappy fits properly. If it is too tight then it can irritate the skin and if it is too loose, then the nappy will not be able to soak up pee properly.
Nappy rash usually clears up after about 3 days if you follow this advice. You should keep following this advice as this will help prevent nappy rash from coming back.
If the rash is causing your baby discomfort, your health visitor or pharmacist can recommend a nappy rash cream to treat it.
You should apply the cream first and wait a few minutes before you apply the barrier cream.
Other rashes in the nappy area
If the rash doesn't go away or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples that spreads into the folds of their skin, they may have an infection.
Ask a pharmacist or health visitor for advice. The pharmacist may recommend a cream for you to use.
If the rash is severe, take your baby to the GP who may prescribe cream or medicine. Follow a GP's instructions on whether and when to apply barrier cream as well as the prescribed cream.
It's normal for babies to develop skin rashes, but it's important to know the difference between a minor irritation and a condition that requires attention.
Nappy rash is common in babies and toddlers. It can be very mild or quite severe, depending on the cause and how it's managed. If your baby has nappy rash, try not to feel it’s because of something you’re doing or not doing. Nappy rash can appear quite quickly and for no obvious reason.
Nappy rash almost always improves with more frequent nappy changing, carefully cleaning skin and using a barrier cream.
What is nappy rash?
Nappy rash is a skin irritation in the area covered by the baby’s nappy. It can look like a mild pink or red rash just covering some of their skin, or across their whole nappy area. If left untreated, nappy rash can develop blisters and even open sores.
Some babies have skin conditions that make them particularly sensitive. Eczema, psoriasis and impetigo can make nappy rash worse because of a breakdown in the skin.
What causes nappy rash?
Nappy rash can develop when the baby’s skin is wet (with wee) or dirty (with poo) and the nappy then causes friction. A bacterial or yeast skin infection can make nappy rash worse.
The most common cause of nappy rash is when a baby’s nappy isn’t changed frequently enough. Wee and poo contain ammonia, which irritates the skin. Also, some babies have particularly sensitive skin that reacts quickly to any moisture or friction.
Thrush can also cause nappy rash. Candida Albicans, the type of yeast that causes thrush, thrives in warm, moist places such as the nappy area. Nappy thrush looks like pimples, or is red and shiny, with clear edges. Babies can also develop oral thrush which looks like white plaques on their gums and tongue.
Thrush isn’t painful but it can be irritating and itchy. Often, thrush doesn’t improve and can get worse unless treated with a specific anti-fungal cream.
Some foods cause nappy rash too. Acidic fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries and tomatoes are common causes.
Some babies get a nappy rash when they’re teething.
Medications, including antibiotics, can also cause a nappy rash
How can I prevent my baby getting nappy rash?
The best way to help prevent nappy rash is to change your baby’s nappy frequently. If you’re using cloth nappies, make sure to use a good quality detergent and rinse the nappies well. You should also avoid using plastic pants (pilchers) since these will prevent airflow. Use water or non-irritating wipes to clean your baby’s skin.
What are the signs of nappy rash?
A pink or red rash around your baby’s bottom is usually the first sign of nappy rash. The rash may extend to the whole area covered by their nappy. You may also see white pimples around your baby’s bottom and skin folds.