Preventing nappy rash

Nappy rash is one of the most common skin conditions of your baby’s early life. It is an irritation of the skin anywhere in the nappy area. While it might be sore for your baby, the good news is that it is rarely serious.

Nappy rash most often affects your baby’s sensitive skin when there is prolonged contact with urine or stools. Learn more about what causes nappy rash.

Your baby’s bottom may have red patches or the whole area may be red. The skin may look sore and can feel hot to touch.

If your baby is suffering from nappy rash, you can use Sudocrem to soothe and protect your baby’s skin. The very best way to deal with nappy rash, however, is to prevent your baby getting it in the first place.

To prevent your baby getting nappy rash follow these tips:

1. Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible. Young babies need changing as many as ten to twelve times a day, whilst older babies at least six to eight times
2. Ensure you clean the whole nappy area thoroughly using plain water or baby wipes, wiping front to back
3. Lie your baby on a towel and leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can in order to let fresh air get to the skin
4. Use a barrier cream such as Sudocrem
5. If your baby does get nappy rash use Sudocrem to soothe and protect your baby’s skin.

If you are using a nappy rash cream and the rash remains or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples, which spreads to the folds of the skin, they may have a thrush infection. You will need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or health visitor for advice.

Occasionally nappy rash can become persistent or can be related to other skin conditions like eczema. If you are at all worried, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or health visitor.

Soothing nappy rash

If your baby’s skin in the area covered by the nappy is sore, red and feels warm to touch your baby may have nappy rash.

You can follow the steps below to soothe nappy rash.

1. Change your baby’s nappy every time it becomes wet or soiled
2. It is really important to stop the chemicals in urine and faeces aggravating your baby’s delicate skin
3. Leave the nappy off for as long as possible to let your baby’s skin get some fresh air
4. Try to ensure that your baby’s nappy fits well and is not chafing or rubbing
5. Avoid using any soaps, detergents or bubble bath that could be irritating your baby’s skin
6. Ensure your baby’s skin is clean and dry before using a fresh, clean and dry nappy
7. Use a nappy rash cream such as Sudocrem at every nappy change to soothe and protect the skin.

Sudocrem is clinically proven to help by soothing the soreness, helping the skin heal and protecting the skin from further attack by irritants or infection. You can use Sudocrem at every nappy change.

If the rash persists, speak to your doctor or health visitor.