Home Remedies and Treatments for Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is a common issue that most will encounter at some point in their parenting journey. Mild nappy rash generally goes away after a few days, and some gentle home remedies may help soothe your little one’s skin. However, it's always best to consult your baby's GP or health visitor for advice. In this article, we will explore what nappy rash is, what causes it, and how to treat and heal nappy rash with some remedies and tips you can use at home. We’ll also provide tips on what to avoid, and when it's time to seek professional care.
Home Remedies for Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is irritation of the skin in the nappy area, usually caused by urine or stool on the skin, overhydration of the skin, imbalanced skin pH, and friction in the nappy area. If your little one has a nappy rash, you may notice red patches on their nappy area, red or brown pimples, spots or blisters (that may be harder to notice on darker skin tones), and hot, sore-looking skin. This may cause your baby to be irritable or fussy.
When your little one develops a nappy rash, it’s natural to want to find relief as quickly as possible. While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, some parents prefer to start with natural remedies for nappy rash at home. However, if you think your baby has a fungal nappy rash, consult their GP or health visitor, as your child will require a specific treatment, like an antifungal cream.
Tip It’s important to remember that not all home remedies are suitable for every baby, and it’s always wise to consult with your baby’s GP or health visitor before trying a new treatment. |
Apply Human Breast Milk
One of the most natural and accessible home remedies for nappy rash is human breast milk. Some parents have found that applying a small amount of breast milk to the affected area can help soothe irritation and promote healing, although scientific evidence supporting this is limited. Breast milk is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may benefit the skin.
If you are considering using breast milk as a remedy, it’s essential to discuss this with your baby’s GP, midwife or health visitor to ensure it’s appropriate for your child. While this method may appeal to those who prefer natural remedies for nappy rash, it’s important to monitor the rash closely. If it persists or worsens, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Increase Airflow
One of the most popular home remedies for nappy rash is to ensure that your baby's nappy area receives plenty of airflow. Allowing this area to be exposed to air helps keep the skin dry, which is essential for both treating and preventing nappy rash.
Nappy rash often occurs when a baby's skin is exposed to moisture for extended periods. When possible, give your baby some nappy-free time by placing them on a towel to allow the skin to breathe and air dry. This may reduce the severity of the rash and prevent further irritation. You can also ensure your baby wears breathable disposable nappies that promote airflow, reducing moisture and irritation while keeping them comfortable.
This method is simple, safe and easily incorporated into your baby’s daily routine to help manage and prevent nappy rash.
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Change Nappies Frequently
Frequent nappy changes are essential for treating nappy rash at home. Keeping your baby’s nappy area clean and dry can help prevent nappy rash and soothe any existing discomfort. Prolonged exposure to wet or soiled nappies is one of the most common causes of nappy rash, as moisture can irritate your baby's sensitive skin and cause an imbalance in skin pH.
To minimize the risk of nappy rash, it’s important to check your baby’s nappy often and change it as soon as you can if it’s wet or soiled. Pampers nappies and wipes have been formulated to ensure your baby stays comfortable and dry. Their superior absorbency and gentle materials are specifically designed for a baby’s sensitive skin. This is especially crucial at night when your baby may sleep for long stretches, potentially leading to prolonged contact with a soiled nappy.
When changing nappies, gently clean the nappy area with perfume-free and alcohol-free wipes, such as Pampers Harmonie New Baby Wipes, and allow the skin to air dry before putting on a fresh nappy. Consistently following this method may help promote faster healing if a rash develops.
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Nappy Rash Treatments to Avoid
When treating nappy rash, it's essential to avoid certain practices that can exacerbate the condition or cause additional irritation. Below are things to avoid when treating or preventing nappy rash:
Soaps, Baby Lotions and Bubble Baths
Soaps, baby lotions and bubble baths can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin, especially in the nappy area. It’s recommended to clean your baby’s skin with perfume-free and alcohol-free baby wipes instead. Alternatively, you may choose to use cotton wool and water to clean your baby’s skin.
Antiseptics
Applying antiseptics to nappy rash is discouraged, as they can further irritate the skin. Instead, focus on keeping the area clean and dry, and use barrier creams as recommended by a healthcare professional.
Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is not recommended for treating nappy rash, as it can irritate your baby's skin.
Don’t Put Nappies on Too Tightly
Fastening nappies too tightly can cause friction and irritation on your baby's skin. Ensure that nappies fit properly – not too tight and not too loose – to prevent chafing and allow for adequate air circulation.
By avoiding these practices, you can help promote healing and prevent further irritation associated with nappy rash.
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How to Treat Nappy Rash
As mentioned earlier, keeping the nappy area clean and dry is a great way to treat nappy rash and help prevent future nappy rashes. Here are a few additional treatments you can try to help your baby's skin recover from nappy rash:
Change nappies frequently. Keeping your baby's nappy area dry is essential. Check the nappy frequently and change it when it becomes wet or soiled. This practice helps prevent further irritation and allows the skin to heal. To learn how often you should change your little one's nappy, check out our informative article.
Clean gently. When changing nappies, gently clean your baby’s nappy area with a perfume-free and alcohol-free baby wipe. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this may cause additional irritation. Pat the area dry with a soft towel or allow it to air dry naturally.
Find the right nappy fit. Ensure your baby’s nappy fits comfortably and it isn’t too big or too small. This helps prevent leakages and friction. Also use a nappy that is ultra-absorbent and breathable, such as Pampers Premium Protection New Baby nappies that pull wetness and mess away from the skin, locking them inside the nappy so your baby’s skin stays dry and protected. They also have a wetness indicator so you know when it’s time to change your little one’s nappy.
Apply a barrier cream. Your pharmacist or health visitor may recommend a barrier cream to help protect your baby’s skin. If so, you can apply a thin layer when you change their nappy. If the rash persists or it’s causing a lot of discomfort for your baby, they may recommend using a nappy rash cream to treat it.
When to Contact Your GP or Health Visitor
While most nappy rashes can be treated at home, there are times when medical advice should be sought:
The rash persists or worsens. If the rash doesn’t improve after a few days, or it worsens or spreads, consult your baby’s GP or health visitor.
Severe nappy rash or infection. If the skin in your baby’s nappy area is bright red, sore, or has blisters, open sores, or pus-filled bumps – particularly in the skin folds – it may indicate an infection. This condition may be a fungal nappy rash, also referred to as a yeast infection or thrush, and should be treated by a GP who may prescribe an antifungal treatment.
High temperature. If your baby has a high temperature of over 38°C if they’re under 3 months of age, or over 39°C if they’re between 3 and 6 months of age, or they seem unwell or unusually fussy.
Home remedies for a severe nappy rash are not recommended and you should always consult your baby’s GP or health visitor for treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your little one’s nappy rash or you’re unsure whether it’s severe or not, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
The Bottom Line
Nappy rashes are common and can often be effectively treated with simple home remedies. Keeping the nappy area clean and dry is essential in treating the rash, and allowing air to the skin through nappy-free time may also provide relief. However, it's important to approach any remedy with caution and consult your baby’s GP or health visitor or seek advice from a pharmacist if the rash does not improve. Only use barrier creams or nappy creams recommended or prescribed by a healthcare professional.
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How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.