Short answer: Nappy rash is common and usually clears with simple care: change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible, clean with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes, pat dry, give nappy-free time, and use a thin layer of barrier cream if a pharmacist suggests it. Avoid soap, bubble bath, talc and antiseptic creams. See a health visitor or GP if the rash doesn't go away, gets worse or spreads, if your baby has a high temperature, or seems very uncomfortable — it may be thrush or an infection that needs treatment.
You've been using barrier cream for three days and it isn't getting better. In fact, little red spots are appearing around the edges. Here's what usually helps, and when it's time to get it checked.
What nappy rash looks like
- red or raw patches on the bottom or the whole nappy area (redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin);
- spots, pimples or blisters;
- dry, scaly skin;
- an itchy or sore bottom, or a baby who seems uncomfortable during changes.
What causes it
Common causes include skin being in contact with pee or poo for a long time, the nappy rubbing, fragranced or alcohol-containing wipes, soap or detergent, diarrhoea, some medicines such as antibiotics, and sometimes thrush (a fungal infection).
What helps
- Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible. This makes the biggest difference.
- Clean gently with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby wipes, then pat dry rather than rubbing.
- Nappy-free time: let your baby lie on a towel without a nappy whenever you can.
- Use extra-absorbent nappies that fit properly, not too tight. With cloth nappies, use dry liners and change them often.
- Barrier cream: a pharmacist may suggest a thin layer at each change to protect the skin.
Healing skin needs to be left alone more than it needs to be scrubbed. Gentle and dry beats thorough.
What to avoid
- soap, baby lotion and bubble bath on the nappy area;
- talcum powder, and antiseptic creams or lotions;
- plastic pants or nappy covers over nappies;
- nappies that are too tight.
When it might be thrush or infection
A rash that doesn't respond to the usual care, spreads into the skin folds, or has small red spots scattered around the edges may be thrush. Look in your baby's mouth too: white patches that don't wipe away can be oral thrush. A GP may prescribe an antifungal cream for thrush, a mild steroid cream for very sore, inflamed skin, or antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Don't use leftover creams without advice.
Caring for sensitive baby skin
- You don't need to bath your baby every day. “Topping and tailing” — washing face, neck, hands and bottom — is fine in between. If you do bath daily, don't wash more than twice a day.
- Use plain water for young babies; avoid soaps and bubble bath.
- Choose fragrance-free products and wash new clothes before first use.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second.
If your baby's skin stays dry, rough and itchy — especially on the cheeks or in skin creases — it may be eczema. See eczema in babies.
When to see a health visitor or GP
- The rash doesn't go away, gets worse or spreads to other areas.
- Your baby has a high temperature.
- Your baby seems very uncomfortable, or there are blisters, open sores or pus.
For a baby who seems seriously unwell, or has a rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it, call 999 (UK), 911 (US) or 112 (EU).
Related reading
Month by month: The First Year (PDF, English) guides you through your baby's first twelve months.
Sources
- NHS — Nappy rash.
- NHS — Washing and bathing your baby.
Written by the Bloom Guides editorial team. Last updated: 20 October 2026. General information only — not a substitute for advice from your health visitor, pharmacist or GP.