Nappy rash is a very common skin problem, especially in babies and toddlers who have not mastered using the potty. It occurs when the skin of your child’s bottom becomes damaged and irritated.

The leading cause of nappy rash is wearing a damp or dirty nappy for an extended period. This is because ammonia, found in urine and faeces, can irritate your child’s skin. The moisture of urine and faeces can also be bothersome.

Other factors that can cause or worsen nappy rash include:

If your child has nappy rash, their bottom and genital skin will appear irritated, red and inflamed. There may be spots, pimples or blisters. While urine does not normally infiltrate skin creases, nappy rash can occasionally migrate up to your child’s tummy or spread towards their back.

Maybe. If your child has nappy rash that hasn’t improved after a week, even after using treatment recommended by your pharmacist or has an unexplained fever, you should take them to the doctor.

To diagnose nappy rash, your doctor will ask you questions about your child and examine their skin. A swab may be taken by the doctor to identify any thrush or germs on the skin.

The goal of nappy rash treatments is to restore the injured and irritated skin and protect it from further harm caused by wetness and friction.

Your doctor may consider using weak corticosteroid creams or ointments like hydrocortisone for severe nappy rash. These are perfectly safe to use for a short period under the supervision of your doctor. When applying these creams, always follow the directions on the package.

In girls, nappy rash raises the risk of urinary tract infection and vaginal infections. This is why it’s critical to treat nappy rash and, if possible, prevent it.

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