Nappy rash

What is nappy rash?

Nappy rash is an irritation of your baby’s skin on their bottom. While it might make them sore and irritable, the good news is that it’s not usually serious.

Nappy rash can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections or even eczema. But some babies just have more sensitive skin than others and are therefore more likely to get a little skin irritation.

How to treat nappy rash

If your baby’s rash is caused by a wet nappy or a fungal infection, just letting their skin breathe can work wonders. So whenever possible, leave their nappy off for an hour or so. Make sure you change your baby often, washing and carefully drying their bottom each time.

You could also try applying a generous layer of zinc paste or thick barrier cream (you can pick these up at a pharmacy) to protect their skin before you put their nappy back on. Some nappy manufacturers do not recommend the use of barrier creams as it affects the absorption of the nappy, so check the brand you are using.

If the rash persists, speak to your healthcare professional. If you suspect your baby has a bacterial infection of the skin or eczema (usually the rash appears bright red, very painful or itchy, and is accompanied by rashes in the folds of their skin or on their face) you should contact your doctor.