What Is Nappy Rash? Everything You Need To Know

I remember the first time my baby had nappy rash and how upset I was. Oh the mum guilt! Unfortunately, treating nappy rash is a challenge many of us have to face - so this blog post is dedicated to guiding you through exactly what nappy rash is, what you can do to help your little one feel more comfortable when it strikes, and how to prevent nappy rash in the first place.

What is nappy rash? 

If your little one has nappy rash, you’re not alone. According to the NHS, it's a very common baby skin condition that causes redness, irritation and discomfort in the nappy area. Up to a third of babies and toddlers wearing nappies can have nappy rash at any one time. There are multiple types of nappy rash but whatever type your baby has, it's really important to treat it quickly so that it doesn't get worse. 

What does nappy rash look like?

Nappy rash can look different from child to child:

• There may be red patches or raw skin on your baby's bottom
• The whole nappy area may look red
• Baby’s skin may look sore and could feel hot to touch
• There may be nappy rash spots, pimples or nappy rash blisters
• In severe cases there may be welts or cracked skin that bleeds

What causes nappy rash?

Most typically, nappy rash is caused by prolonged exposure to baby’s urine and poo. However, nappy rash can also be caused by:

• Friction from the nappy rubbing against your baby's skin
• Not cleaning the nappy area thoroughly
• Not changing the nappy often enough
• Harsh products that your baby’s skin may be reacting to, such as fragranced soaps, detergents or bubble bath
• Alcohol-based or fragranced baby wipes
• If your baby has recently been on antibiotics

Different types of nappy rash

The most common type of nappy rash is irritant contact dermatitis, which is when the skin is irritated by being in contact with wee or poo for too long.  

Other types of nappy rash include:

• Yeast infections
• Eczema
• Intertrigo
• Psoriatic nappy rash
• Bacterial skin infections

Is nappy rash fungal?

No, not all nappy rashes are fungal. But if the rash persists for three days or more, it may be infected with candida yeast resulting in a fungal nappy rash infection. How can you tell if your baby has a fungal nappy rash? These are symptoms to look for:

• Severe, bright red elevated patches with fine peripheral scale in the nappy region, especially in the skin folds around the groin and tops of the thighs
• Vesicles (small, raised cysts or fluid-filled blisters) and pustules around the rash
• The rash lasts three days or more, despite home treatments

Consult a pharmacist or GP if the symptoms suggest the rash is a fungal nappy rash.

How to treat nappy rash

If your baby develops nappy rash, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate their discomfort:

• As soon as you see a rash or redness develop, it’s time to act
• Keep baby’s bottom clean and dry
• Try keeping baby out of their nappy as much as possible to promote healing and reduce irritation
• Use mild fragrance-free wipes during nappy changes
• If baby has severe nappy rash, try using a squirt bottle to clean the nappy area instead of rubbing the rash with a wipe
• Apply a thick layer of barrier cream to protect the skin
• Avoid using harsh soaps and bubble bath. Opt for something gentle like Kokoso’s Gentle Hair & Body Wash. Read our tips for bathing your baby and keeping their skin happy
• If they are old enough to potty train, support them to wear underwear as often as possible

If the rash persists or worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or pus-filled sores, it’s important to consult a pharmacist or your GP for further guidance and nappy rash treatment options.

How to prevent nappy rash

The key to preventing nappy rash is keeping the nappy area clean and dry. Here are some tips on how to avoid nappy rash and keep sore bottoms at bay.

• Be sure to change baby’s nappies frequently, ideally every two to three hours, or as soon as they become wet or soiled. This will prevent them from sitting in moisture for too long.
• Choose nappies that fit well and do not rub or chafe. Nappies that are too small may irritate the nappy area.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes.
• If you’re at home and it’s convenient to do so, simply clean the area with warm water and a soft cloth.
• Avoid using harsh soaps and fragranced wipes that may irritate the skin.
• Allow the skin to air dry for as long as possible before putting on a fresh nappy.
• Apply a thin layer of protective nappy barrier cream, such as our Baby-Soft Balm Stick or Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil to soothe the skin and protect from wetness and irritants.
• Avoid using talcum powder.
• Bathe your baby daily using a sensitive skin baby wash such as our Gentle Hair and Body Wash.

Did you know?

It’s important to follow good hygiene practices when changing a baby’s nappy. You should wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing nappies. If you don’t have access to a sink, use a child-friendly hand sanitiser that is also highly effective, such as our Foaming Hand Sanitiser – a great addition to your changing bag.

Pamper your little one with Kokoso

If you’re looking for ways to treat nappy rash naturally, the benefits of coconut oil for nappy rash are well known. Kokoso’s premium organic coconut oil contains naturally soothing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. That's why, for many parents, using Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil as a natural nappy balm is one of their favourite applications for this amazingly versatile baby skincare product.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here are just some of your Kokoso reviews relating to using our coconut oil for nappy rash:  

“It calms nappy rash very quickly.”

“My baby had hideous nappy rash but after a week of using Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil it’s almost completely gone.”

“We use it every day as a nappy cream and I’ve never seen nappy rash on my baby.”

“By far the best nappy cream alternative I have come across.”

You can also learn about the Kokoso difference and what makes ours the best coconut oil for baby skincare.

Discover our full range of coconut oil products to help with nappy rash, including our organic Baby-Soft Balm Stick which can be used as a handy hands-free nappy barrier balm.

You’ve got this!

So remember – you’re not alone in dealing with nappy rash. It’s a really common baby skin condition that can be easily managed with your TLC and attention. By following simple preventive measures and acting quickly when a rash starts to develop, you can help keep your baby’s bottom comfortable and happy.