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Nappy rash

Nappy rash is common in babies and can usually be treated at home.

Symptoms of nappy rash

Symptoms of nappy rash can include:

  • red or raw patches on your baby's bottom or the whole nappy area
  • spots, pimples, or blisters on your baby's bottom (spots can appear red or brown, but may be harder to see on brown and black skin)
  • scaly and dry skin
  • an itchy or painful bottom
  • your baby seeming uncomfortable or distressed
Nappy rash on a baby with white skin. The skin around the bottom is red and blotchy.

Things you can do to help with nappy rash

Nappy rash can be treated and prevented by following some simple advice.

Do

  • change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible

  • keep the skin clean and dry – pat or rub the skin gently to dry it

  • leave nappies off when possible

  • use extra absorbent nappies

  • use dry nappy liners and change them often, if using reusable cloth nappies

  • make sure your baby's nappies fit properly

  • clean your baby's skin with water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes

  • bath your baby daily (but not more than twice a day, as washing too much can make the skin dry out)

Don’t

  • do not use soaps, baby lotion or bubble bath as they can irritate the skin

  • do not use talcum powder or antiseptic creams or lotions on nappy rash

  • do not put nappies on too tightly as it can irritate the skin

  • do not use plastic underwear or nappy covers over nappies

A pharmacist can help with nappy rash

If the rash is causing your baby discomfort, a pharmacist can recommend a nappy rash cream or medicine to treat it at home.

They may suggest using a thin layer of a barrier cream at each nappy change to protect the skin.

Find a pharmacy

When and where to get medical help

Most symptoms of nappy rash are not serious, but sometimes you'll need to get them checked.

Non-urgent advice: See a health visitor or GP if:

  • your baby's nappy rash does not go away, gets worse or spreads to other areas
  • your baby has a high temperature
  • your baby seems very uncomfortable

Treatment for nappy rash

A GP may prescribe treatment if your baby is in a lot of discomfort or they think your baby might have an infection.

They may prescribe:

  • a steroid cream or ointment to help with redness and soreness
  • an antifungal cream, if they think your baby has a thrush infection
  • antibiotics, if they think your baby has a bacterial infection

Causes of nappy rash

It's normal for babies to sometimes get nappy rash.

It can be caused by:

  • your baby's skin being in contact with pee or poo for a long time
  • not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy often enough
  • the nappy rubbing against your baby's skin
  • an allergic reaction to soap, detergent or bubble bath
  • irritation from fragranced baby wipes or wipes containing alcohol
  • your baby having diarrhoea, or having a condition that makes them poo more often
  • some types of nappy made with materials that are not absorbent (do not easily soak up pee or poo), or not breathable
  • some types of medicines, such as antibiotics or laxatives (used to make it easier for your baby to poo)
  • thrush (a fungal infection)

Page last reviewed: 28 August 2026
Next review due: 28 August 2029