What to expect from emollient therapy for nappy rash

Nappy rash can follow prolonged contact with moisture, urine, stool, friction, or irritating products. An emollient adds comfort and helps reduce water loss from already sore skin. Improvement should be judged by less redness, tenderness, and rubbing rather than by instant clearing. If the rash has another cause, such as a yeast infection or bacterial infection, an emollient alone may not be enough.

Change nappies promptly, clean with lukewarm water or a gentle product, and pat the area dry instead of rubbing. Apply the recommended emollient in a thin, even layer to clean skin, especially after cleansing, and use fresh nappies that do not press on sore areas. Avoid fragranced products and do not use medicated creams unless a clinician has advised them. See Emollient Therapy for general treatment information.

Get medical advice if the rash is spreading, raw, blistered, bleeding, crusted, or producing discharge. Arrange a review if your baby has fever, seems unusually uncomfortable, or the rash is not improving with careful nappy care. A clinician can identify infection, allergy, or another condition and recommend targeted treatment.

Ask which emollient is suitable for the nappy area and whether it should be used with a barrier product. Ask how to recognise yeast or bacterial infection and when the rash needs an examination.