Nappy rash: how do you treat it, and when should you worry?

Nappy rash is one of the most common things parents ask about in the first year, and it usually clears within days with a few simple changes. Here is what the HSE advises, checked in October 2026, and the signs that mean it is time to see your GP.

What does nappy rash look like?

The HSE describes nappy rash as a red, moist or broken area on your baby's bottom. You may also notice redness or spots in the nappy area. Most babies get nappy rash at some point, and some have more sensitive skin than others. It usually clears with simple care at home.

If your baby's bottom has redness or spots, the HSE's first two steps are to change their nappy more often and to give them time without a nappy. The rest of this guide explains how.

What causes nappy rash?

Most often a wet or dirty nappy left on too long. The HSE lists other causes too: a rough nappy rubbing the skin, a thrush infection, skin that reacts to soap, bath products or washing powder, baby wipes that contain alcohol, teething, and a recent course of antibiotics.

• Too long in a wet or dirty nappy
• A rough nappy rubbing against the skin
• Thrush, a yeast infection (see below)
• Sensitivity to a soap, bath product or detergent such as washing powder
• Baby wipes that contain alcohol
• Teething
• Antibiotics your baby or toddler took recently

How do I treat nappy rash at home?

Wash your hands, then clean your baby's bottom gently with cotton wool and water and pat it dry at every change. Leave the nappy off for about half an hour, as often as you can, so the skin gets fresh air. Then put on a thin layer of barrier cream before the clean nappy.

1. Wash your hands before and after every nappy change.
2. Clean with cotton wool and water. Gently wash and pat dry.
3. Give your baby nappy-free time, about half an hour, as often as possible.
4. Add a thin layer of protective barrier cream.
5. Change the nappy more often until the rash settles.

The HSE also suggests giving your baby their evening fluids a little earlier, so the nappy may not be as wet overnight. Never put raw egg or any other food on broken skin.

Which nappy rash cream should I use?

A thin layer of a protective barrier cream on clean, dry skin. The HSE does not name a brand: your pharmacist, public health nurse or GP can recommend one that suits your baby. If the rash could be thrush, your GP or pharmacist may suggest an antifungal cream instead of, or as well as, a barrier cream.

When you choose any product for your baby's skin, the HSE says to read the label and look for hypoallergenic products with no dyes, colours, perfumes or alcohol.

Can I use baby wipes on nappy rash?

Not on a young baby. The HSE advises cotton wool and plain water at first, and its guide to changing a nappy says to wait until your baby is 4 weeks old before using wipes. After that, use only wipes with no fragrance and no alcohol, as wipes that contain alcohol can cause nappy rash.

For the first month, use plain water with no soap or detergent. The HSE suggests water at about 36 degrees, checked with a bath thermometer or your elbow.

Should I use talc or powder for nappy rash?

No. The HSE says not to use talcum powder, bubble baths or any scented products on your baby, and its nappy changing guide says there is no need for powders: just let the area dry. For the first 4 weeks or so, wash your baby's skin with plain water only.

From 4 weeks you can use an emollient (moisturiser) on any dry patches. If your baby was premature, the HSE says to wait at least 6 weeks before using any products.

How often should I change my baby's nappy?

Young babies may need changing up to 10 or 12 times a day, and older babies around 6 to 8 times, the HSE says. Change your baby after every feed and as soon as you can after a poo. There is no need to wake a sleeping baby just to change their nappy.

Nappy counts also tell you whether your baby is feeding well. Our guide to baby poo and nappies explains what is normal day by day.

Is it nappy rash or thrush?

Thrush is a yeast infection, and the HSE lists it as a cause of nappy rash. In babies, oral thrush can show as nappy rash along with a white coating on the tongue that will not rub off, white spots in the mouth, not wanting to feed or dribbling more than usual.

Contact your GP if you think your baby has thrush and they are less than 1 month old. If they are older than 1 month, your GP or pharmacist can help. The HSE says they may treat the mouth with an antifungal gel (from 4 months) and use an antifungal cream if your baby also has nappy rash. If you breastfeed, the HSE says you can get thrush on your nipple when your baby has oral thrush, so ask about a cream for you too.

When should I see a GP about nappy rash?

Talk to your GP if your baby stays distressed and the rash is not getting better with treatment. The HSE also says to contact your GP if your baby has severe pain when pooing, blood in their poo, a fever, vomiting, constipation, bloody diarrhoea, a bloated tummy or low energy.

The HSE's advice on baby skin is to always get rashes checked by your GP, particularly if your baby is unwell. If you are not sure what counts as a fever, see our guide to your baby's temperature.

When is a rash an emergency?

Call 112 or 999, or go to the nearest emergency department, if you think your baby is seriously ill. The HSE says to think of meningitis or septicaemia if a rash comes with a high temperature, refusing feeds, floppiness or an unusual high-pitched cry. Do not wait for a rash to appear.

Other warning signs the HSE lists for babies: a bulging soft spot on the head, a stiff body, cold hands and feet or pale, mottled skin, being hard to wake, or not wanting to be picked up. A meningitis rash stays visible when a clear glass is pressed against the skin, but the rash may be the last sign to appear. If you are not sure, contact your GP or GP out of hours urgently. Trust your instincts.

How can I prevent nappy rash?

Keep the skin clean and dry: change the nappy often, clean with water, pat dry and give your baby some time with the nappy off every day. The HSE says nappy-free time can be messy but is great for their skin. Choose hypoallergenic products with no dyes or fragrances.

Biological washing powders and fabric conditioners are fine for most babies; the HSE says there is no evidence they irritate baby skin. If your baby has sensitive skin, your GP or PHN may suggest trying a non-bio powder.

How can I keep track of nappies and the rash?

Note when the rash started and anything that changed, such as new wipes, a new washing powder, teething or antibiotics. Lullagram logs wet and dirty nappies in a tap and shares the log between both parents, so you can tell your GP or public health nurse exactly what happened.

Lullagram also logs feeds, sleep and medicine, and the baby tracker is free for 7 days with no card needed. It works on Android, iPhone and web. This is a guide, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, PHN or pharmacist.