What should you know about really bad nappy rash?

Nappy rash is irritation in the covered area caused by moisture, stool, urine, friction, or contact with a product. Severe rash may be intensely red, sore, shiny, cracked, or raw. Small spots beyond the main rash, involvement of skin folds, blisters, crusting, or pus can suggest yeast or bacterial infection. A rash that appears suddenly after a new wipe, cream, medicine, or food change may have a different trigger and deserves careful review.

Change wet or soiled nappies promptly and rinse with lukewarm water or use fragrance-free wipes without rubbing. Pat dry, allow the area to air when practical, and apply a generous protective barrier at each change. Emollient Therapy can support the skin barrier. Avoid talcum powder, fragranced products, harsh antiseptics, and tight nappies. If the rash is in folds or has satellite spots, a clinician may recommend Topical Antifungal Treatment rather than relying on barrier cream alone.

Contact a clinician promptly if the skin is bleeding, ulcerated, blistered, weeping, crusted, or rapidly spreading, or if your baby seems unusually unwell. Fever, poor feeding, reduced wet nappies, marked sleepiness, or pain that prevents settling needs prompt assessment. Arrange review if careful nappy care does not improve the rash or if it repeatedly returns.

Ask whether the rash is irritant, yeast-related, allergic, or infected; which barrier product is suitable; and how to use any prescribed cream safely around the nappy area.