Nappy Rash - Well Pharmacy

Health advice

Nappy rash

What causes nappy rash?

Nappy rash occurs when your baby’s skin reacts to being in contact with wet or dirty nappies. Babies have sensitive skin, and the skin barrier can be damaged from friction and long periods of dampness.¹

Babies are more likely to get nappy rash if:

Their nappy isn’t changed frequently

Their nappy area isn’t cleaned often enough

Their nappy is rubbing against their skin

They are allergic to certain detergents, soaps or bath products

You use certain products like, baby wipes with fragrance or alcohol, on their skin

They are taking certain medication e.g., laxatives and antibiotics

They have thrush (a fungal infection).²

How do you treat nappy rash?

Usually, nappy rash is mild and can be treated at home.

If your baby has nappy rash you can try:

Swapping nappies to ones with a higher absorbency

Checking the nappy is not too tight around your baby’s waist and legs

Checking the nappy isn’t too loose

Leaving nappies off as much as possible to help skin dry

Cleaning your baby’s skin and changing their nappy every 3 to 4 hours

Changing wet and dirty nappies as soon as possible

Using wipes that are alcohol- and fragrance-free

Being gentle while drying your baby’s skin

Bathing your baby no more than once a day to avoid drying out their skin

Avoiding the use of soap, bubble bath, lotions and talcum powder.³

You should avoid the use of certain antibiotics that can cause skin irritation.³

If your baby’s rash doesn’t go away on its own, you should talk to your GP. They will be able to prescribe treatment to help sooth pain or irritation on your baby’s skin.²

You can also speak to your local pharmacist about treatments for nappy rash.