What should you know about sudden nappy rash?

Irritated skin may look red, sore, shiny, or mildly swollen where the nappy touches. Frequent loose stools, antibiotics, heat, and a tighter nappy can increase moisture and rubbing. A yeast-related rash may involve the folds and small nearby spots, while contact irritation often follows a new wipe, detergent, cream, or nappy material.

The appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. Note when it began, whether the folds are involved, recent medicines, stool changes, and any fever or mouth sores. These details help a clinician distinguish simple irritation from a rash needing a different treatment.

Change nappies promptly, rinse with lukewarm water or use fragrance-free wipes, pat rather than rub, and allow short periods of air exposure. Apply a bland protective barrier recommended for the child, and avoid fragranced products, talc, and scrubbing. If the skin is dry or chapped, [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) may be discussed. Do not use an antifungal or steroid product without advice about the correct diagnosis and application.

Contact a clinician if the rash is worsening, very painful, blistered, bleeding, crusted, spreading beyond the nappy area, or not improving with gentle care. Seek urgent help if the child is unusually sleepy, feeding poorly, has breathing difficulty, or has a fever with a rapidly spreading rash. A clinician may recommend [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) when yeast is suspected.

Does this look like irritation, yeast, or another condition? Which cleanser, barrier, and frequency of changes should we use? Should any recent product or medicine be stopped? What signs mean we should return promptly?