What nappy rash looks like
Nappy rash shows as red or sore patches on your baby’s bottom or genitals. The skin may look sore and feel hot, and your baby may seem uncomfortable or upset when their nappy is changed.
On darker skin, the rash may be harder to see. Redness can be less obvious, so pay attention to how the skin feels, whether it looks different from usual and whether your baby seems uncomfortable during changes.
Most babies get nappy rash at some point. It does not mean you are not changing your baby often enough or not keeping them clean; sometimes it simply happens.
What helps: the NHS home-care steps
The NHS describes simple steps that usually clear nappy rash and help prevent it coming back:
- Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible.
- Clean the area with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby wipes.
- Gently pat the skin dry after cleaning rather than rubbing it.
- Leave the nappy off for as long as you can each day, so the skin gets some air.
- Ask a pharmacist about a barrier cream to protect the skin.
Nappy-free time is often the step families skip because it is messy. A towel or waterproof mat on the floor and a little time each day after a change can make a real difference.
What to avoid
Some everyday products can irritate skin that is already sore. The NHS advises avoiding:
- Soap.
- Bubble bath.
- Lotions.
- Talcum powder.
Also avoid fastening nappies too tightly. A nappy that is snug enough to stay in place but not tight lets air circulate and reduces rubbing.
Barrier creams
A barrier cream sits on top of the skin and helps protect it from wetness. The NHS suggests asking a pharmacist which one to use. A pharmacist can also tell you how to apply it and whether anything else might help your baby.
If you have been given a specific cream for your baby by a GP or pharmacist, follow their instructions.
How long nappy rash usually lasts
With the home-care steps, nappy rash usually improves. The NHS advises getting help if the rash has not cleared after about a week of home care, or if it keeps coming back. A rash that lasts or returns may need a different treatment, which a GP or pharmacist can advise on.
Signs that need a professional
See a GP, or get advice from a pharmacist or health visitor, if you notice:
- The rash is spreading.
- There are blisters, swelling or pus.
- Your baby also has a high temperature.
A baby under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or more needs urgent advice whatever the cause. Our answer on fever in babies explains temperature thresholds by age.
Spotting a pattern
Sometimes a rash seems to come and go without an obvious reason. A note of when the rash appeared, what you tried and how it changed can help when you speak to a pharmacist or GP — especially when more than one person does nappy changes.
Zaripo is being prepared to record each nappy change with its time and type, plus a free-text note — for example “red patches, barrier cream applied”. The note is yours; Zaripo does not interpret skin changes, diagnose rashes or recommend products. You can also export your records as CSV or JSON if you want to share a summary with a professional.
When to get help
Get urgent advice — contact a GP, health visitor or midwife, or NHS 111 in the UK — if:
- The rash has not cleared after about a week of home care, or it keeps coming back.
- The rash is spreading, or there are blisters, swelling or pus.
- Your baby also has a high temperature. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or more needs urgent advice.
Call your emergency number now — 999 in the UK, 112 in Turkey and most of Europe — if:
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it.
- Your baby is floppy, very difficult to wake or does not stay awake.
Outside the UK, use your local doctor, health line or emergency number. Trust your instincts: if you are worried about your baby, get help.
Questions parents also ask
How can I get rid of nappy rash quickly?
Change nappies as soon as they are wet or dirty, clean with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes, pat dry, give nappy-free time each day and ask a pharmacist about a barrier cream. Most nappy rash improves with these steps.
Should I use baby powder for nappy rash?
No. The NHS advises avoiding talcum powder, as well as soap, bubble bath and lotions, on skin with nappy rash.
How long does nappy rash last?
It usually improves with home care. If it has not cleared after about a week, or keeps coming back, see a GP or pharmacist.
Is nappy rash harder to see on darker skin?
Yes. On darker skin the redness can be less obvious, so look for skin that looks different from usual, feels hot or seems sore, and for signs your baby is uncomfortable during changes.
When is nappy rash serious?
Get advice if the rash is spreading, has blisters, swelling or pus, or your baby also has a high temperature. A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it needs emergency help.