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Nappy Rash Treatment Guide

Sensitive baby bottoms need serious TLC! When it comes to parenting, nappy rash is a common challenge, affecting over 50% of infants and peaking between the ages of 9-12 months. While it’s usually nothing to worry about, it’s important to be aware of other conditions, like atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, that can mimic nappy rash with similar signs and symptoms.

Best Treatment for Nappy Rash

  • Nappy rash is a common skin irritation, affecting over 50% of babies.
  • Causes include moisture, friction and prolonged contact with wet or soiled nappies.
  • The best treatment for nappy rash is prevention – keep your baby’s skin clean, dry and protected.
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid harsh wipes and soaps.
  • Apply protective barrier creams to soothe and protect delicate skin.
  • Severe nappy rash treatment may require medical attention.
06 Apr 2026
In this article, we’ll cover:

What causes nappy rash

Nappy rash is a common skin condition, often caused by irritation from moisture, friction or wearing a nappy for too long. The skin on your baby’s bottom and around their genitals may look red and irritated, and in some cases of severe nappy rash, it can appear blistered and start to weep.

Some nappies, wipes or skincare products can aggravate sensitive skin and make irritation worse, so it’s important to use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products that protect and care for your baby’s delicate skin.

Common nappy rash triggers include:

  • Prolonged contact with wet or soiled nappies
  • Friction from tight-fitting clothes or nappies
  • Harsh soaps, fragranced wipes or detergents
  • Changes in diet affecting your baby’s stool consistency
  • Teething
  • Fungal or bacterial infections

The NHS guide to nappy rash offers further advice on caring for your baby’s skin.


Signs of nappy rash

Nappy rash is usually easy to spot, especially as frequent nappy changes throughout the day mean you’ll quickly notice any changes to your baby’s skin.

Signs of nappy rash can often look like:

  • Red, irritated patches covering part or all of the genitals
  • Raised bumps that look like spots
  • Blisters that can start to weep
  • Scaly or dry skin
  • Skin that is hot to the touch
  • Your baby seems distressed and uncomfortable

Learn more about what causes rashes and how to spot the signs of nappy rash on your baby’s delicate skin.

How to treat nappy rash at home

Sensitive skin on a baby’s bottom needs gentle, consistent care. With the right skincare routine, you can help soothe irritation and restore comfort in just a few days.

If you’re wondering how to treat nappy rash, follow these tips to keep your baby’s skin protected and free from irritation:

Frequent nappy changes

Keep on top of nappy changes throughout the day and during the night to keep your baby’s skin dry, preventing prolonged contact with urine or faeces. This simple step is one of the most effective forms of nappy rash treatment and can prevent nappy rash from developing into a more serious condition.

Nappy-free time

Let your baby enjoy some time without their nappy on. Air their bottom during playtime or naps to help the skin heal and reduce friction. If you’re worried about leaks, put a towel underneath them or fasten their nappy loosely around them instead.

Choose gentle skincare products

Look for gentle, fragrance-free skincare products and baby wipes that are water-based and free from alcohol, soap and harsh detergents. These mild, skin-friendly options help protect your baby’s delicate skin while keeping it clean and comfortable.

Apply supportive barrier creams

Barrier creams work by creating a protective layer over your baby’s skin, shielding from friction and moisture. Barrier creams are most effective when a small amount is applied at each nappy change, working to keep the skin soft and comfortable. Choose creams with ingredients such as panthenol or zinc, which help to soothe and calm aggravated skin.

Try our Baby Cicaplast Baume B5 with its 5% panthenol and zinc formula for a gentle, restorative barrier that helps support your baby’s natural skin recovery. Suitable from +3 months, its antibacterial formula soothes and calms a wide range of irritations, such as cradle cap, eczema flare-ups and of course nappy rash.

Watch for skin irritants

Nappy rash isn’t always caused by moisture alone, sometimes it can happen when your baby is teething due to the increased volume of saliva affecting their digestion, or from certain products and materials irritating their skin.

Look for mild cleansers and opt for breathable fabrics that are softer and kinder on the skin.

When to seek medical help for severe nappy rash treatment

Most nappy rashes are mild and can be managed with the use of baby-specific cleansers and barrier creams. The trick is to get the skin to heal before it breaks, as if it’s left to worsen, it could get infected and take longer to restore.

Skin expert, Dr Carla Stanton says “in rarer cases, babies can be prone to nappy rashes due to eczema and other skin conditions.”

If the rash persists or becomes worse with blisters that weep or bleed, consult a doctor or a dermatologist for professional severe nappy rash treatment.

Discover Baby Cicaplast Baume B5

When it comes to caring for your baby’s skin, choosing products that soothe and protect is key.

Baby Cicaplast Baume B5 is specially formulated with skin-restoring ingredients and, when used alongside supporting products like our Cicaplast Pro-Recovery B5 Soothing Gel, you can create a daily skincare routine for your baby that nurtures and shields delicate skin.

Baby Cicaplast Baume B5 is specially formulated with skin-restoring ingredients for you to create a daily skincare routine for your baby that nurtures and shields delicate skin.



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Sources:

https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559067/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/nappy-rash/
https://www.wmic.wales.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CAS-PIL-Nappy-Rash-v4-20.07.23.pdf


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