Diaper rash and fever: what parents should know

Irritant nappy rash is usually confined to the skin under the nappy. Fever may occur alongside a skin infection, a more extensive skin problem, or an illness unrelated to the rash. Look at the whole child: feeding, alertness, breathing, wet nappies, and whether redness is spreading are useful details for the clinician.

Check the temperature using a reliable method and note when it started. Offer normal feeds if the baby is willing, keep clothing comfortable, and change wet or soiled nappies promptly. Rinse the rash gently and avoid new creams, talc, fragrances, or home remedies while arranging advice. Do not delay assessment to try [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) or [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/); treatment depends on the cause.

Contact a clinician urgently when a baby with nappy rash has fever, especially in the newborn period. Seek emergency help if the baby is difficult to wake, breathing unusually, refusing feeds, has markedly fewer wet nappies, develops rapidly spreading redness, or looks seriously unwell. Fever should be assessed on its own merits, not explained away as part of the rash.

Tell the clinician the temperature, its measurement method, feeding and wet-nappy changes, and how the rash has changed. Ask whether the skin needs treatment, examination, or follow-up.