
The candida yeast that causes it can end up in your baby’s poo, spreading the infection to the nappy area. This yeast infection of the mouth is common in newborn babies, because their immune systems are still developing. One possible cause of a fungal nappy rash is oral thrush. It’s most common on the scalp, but cradle cap can also appear in the nappy area so you might mistake it for nappy rash if that’s where you notice it first.
Broken age thrush skin#
Crusty or flaky patches of skin could be a sign of cradle cap. Some common baby skin conditions include:Ĭradle cap. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of other common skin conditions so you’ll be able to tell them apart from a simple nappy rash. Other Skin Conditions You Might Mistake for Nappy RashĪ rash can sometimes be a symptom of something other than just irritated skin. Visit your child’s GP for a detailed diagnosis, any necessary tests and treatment recommendations. If you suspect a food allergy, try removing that food from your baby’s diet. If you notice a rash, consider switching to another type of nappy, wipe or cream for two weeks to see if that helps it clear up. Ingredients found in baby powder, lotions and oilsįood – allergens can be passed on to your baby through breast milk or other solid foods your baby eats once they start on solids.Ī rash may show up shortly after your little one is exposed to an allergen. You may find that your baby is sensitive or allergic to certain substances or ingredients, such asįragrances in soap, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, or nappy wipes Avoid using an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to treat the nappy rash unless advised to do so by your child’s GP. If you believe your baby’s nappy rash may be due to a bacterial infection, contact your baby’s GP for diagnosis and treatment. The sores or blisters burst quickly leaving behind crusty, golden-brown patches. Impetigo typically starts with red sores or blisters, which may be harder to see in brown or black skin. While rare, nappy rash may be caused by a bacteria called impetigo, a skin infection that’s very contagious but not usually serious.

This will usually clear up the infection within a week or so, but you may be advised to keep using it for longer to prevent reinfection. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or medicine. Pus-filled blisters in the folds of the skin or other areas If your baby’s nappy rash is caused by a fungal infection you might see more severe nappy rash symptoms, such as: In this case, your health visitor or doctor can advise you on the best treatment. If the nappy rash doesn’t clear up within two or three days, your little one may have a fungal infection. It’s also a good idea to use highly absorbent nappies and make sure they fit correctly without being too tight to avoid chafing. Make sure to change your baby’s nappy regularly, keep the nappy area clean and apply nappy cream. However, if the rash is severe your little one may feel uncomfortable and be distressed. Most of the time, babies don’t feel sore if they experience mild nappy rash. You may notice red patches on your baby’s bottom, or the whole area may be red. Not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy often enoughĪ reaction to detergents, soaps, bubble baths or some alcohol-based baby wipesĬertain types of medicines, such as antibiotics or laxatives Your baby’s skin being in contact with wee or poo for too longĬhafing from a nappy that’s too tight and rubbing against your baby’s skin Skin irritation is the most common cause of nappy rash, and often it is a result of

In the next sections, we’ll explore some causes of nappy rash and situations in which it might occur. Red blotches or patches on your baby’s bottom or the whole nappy areaĮven with frequent nappy changes, nappy rash can still happen.

Contact your baby’s GP if their nappy rash continues. You can help prevent nappy rash by changing your baby’s nappy regularly and immediately after it’s soiled. It may make your little one’s skin red, hot or sore. Nappy rash is relatively common and can happen to any baby.
