Nappy rash on the face: what to know

Red, dry, rough or spotty skin on a baby's face can have several explanations, including saliva irritation, contact with food or skincare products, eczema, heat rash, or an infection. The appearance, location and how your baby seems overall help a clinician distinguish these causes. Nappy rash itself is irritation or inflammation in skin exposed to moisture, friction and soiling; it does not normally spread to the face.

If the rash is around the mouth, gently wiping away saliva and applying a bland protective moisturiser may help. Avoid putting nappy creams, fragranced products or medicated creams on the face unless a healthcare professional has advised it, because facial skin is sensitive and some ingredients can irritate it.

Wash your hands before touching the area. Clean the face with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, then pat rather than rub. Stop any new wipes, creams, cleansers, oils or laundry products that may have touched the skin, and keep the baby's nails short if scratching is causing breaks in the skin.

Arrange a medical review if the facial rash persists, keeps returning, or is not improving with simple care. A clinician may recommend an appropriate emollient for the face; see [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) for general information. Do not use a topical antifungal product on the face without advice; treatment depends on the diagnosis. More information is available under [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/).

Seek urgent medical help if your baby has trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, marked facial swelling, is unusually sleepy, or is difficult to wake. Prompt assessment is also needed for a rash with blisters, pus, rapidly spreading redness, significant pain, bleeding, or fever, especially in a very young baby.

Contact a clinician if the rash reaches the eyes, causes eye redness or discharge, forms honey-coloured crusts, or your baby is feeding poorly. These features can signal a problem needing diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Ask what pattern the rash fits, whether any product should be stopped, which moisturiser is suitable for facial skin, and what changes should prompt another review. Take a clear photograph if the rash comes and goes, and note when it began and what touched the skin beforehand.