Understanding Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is one of the most common skin problems babies face and one of the most distressing for parents and caregivers. To better prevent and manage it, it’s important to understand how and why it happens.
From Healthy Skin to Rash: What Changes?
Your baby’s skin is naturally soft, smooth, and healthy.
However, in the nappy area, constant exposed to moisture and irritants can weaken this barrier, leading to inflammation, and nappy rash—making your baby uncomfortable and unsettled.
Common Causes of Nappy Rash
Several triggers contribute to nappy rash, including:
• Excess skin wetness from prolonged contact with urine and sweat.
• Faeces and faecal enzymes that disrupt the skin’s defences.
• Interaction of faeces and urine, creating ammonia and raising skin pH.
• Increased pH leads to:
– More faecal enzyme activity, worsening skin damage.
– Higher skin permeability, allowing irritants and microbes to enter.
What can happen Next:
• A weakened skin barrier, making it harder to protect against irritants
• Increased rubbing from nappies, which can cause discomfort
• Chafing and soreness in sensitive areas
• Irritants like urine and faeces coming into closer contact with the skin
• More chance of irritation from frequent wiping and your baby’s natural movements, like wriggling or crawling.
Together, these factors turn healthy skin into irritated, inflamed skin prone to discomfort.
Tips for Preventing Nappy Rash
The good news is that nappy rash is usually preventable and manageable. Small daily actions can have a big impact on your baby’s comfort:
• Change nappies frequently to reduce exposure to moisture and waste.
• Use high-quality nappies that absorb urine quickly and keep the skin dry.
• Gently cleanse the nappy area to remove faecal matter and urine, which are key contributors to nappy rash.
• Apply clinically proven solutions, such as hypochlorous-based products, which help clean, protect, and prevent further irritation by supporting the skin barrier.
What is Hypochlorous?
Hypochlorous (HOCl) is a powerful yet gentle substance your baby’s body naturally produces to fight off germs. It’s made by white blood cells and is completely safe, even for the most delicate skin. In Colief Nappy Care Spray, Hypochlorous is used in a gentle, stabilised form to help clean and protect your baby’s skin with no harsh chemicals, just kind, effective care.
Hypochlorous works by breaking down the cell walls of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, basically wiping out the bad stuff that can cause irritation or infection. It’s fast-acting, non-toxic, and doesn’t harm on healthy skin.
In Colief Nappy Care Spray, Hypochlorous helps remove common irritants such as urine and faecal matter, supports the skin’s natural balance, and helps prevent nappy rash before it begins.
How does Hypochlorous work to protect Baby’s Skin?
Understanding the Full Picture
Nappy rash usually arises from a combination of factors that can escalate rapidly. Once the skin is compromised, further issues follow: the barrier function weakens, friction increases, irritants reach deeper layers, and the risk of skin injury rises.
Understanding how nappy rash starts and how it progresses allows you to take confident, proactive steps. With the right approach to care and prevention, your baby can stay comfortable, protected and rash-free.
Nappy Rash Advice Video Resources
Colief® has partnered with Angela Willis, a practising midwife in the NHS for over 13 years and a registered health visitor, to share expert advice on nappy rash. In this series, Angela offers practical tips on prevention and care to help keep your baby’s skin healthy and comfortable. This series of four videos is available to watch below, and you can also read the content of these videos here. here.
Midwife Angie Wills shares her top nappy changing tips to make changes quicker, cleaner, and calmer—at home or on the go. From staying prepared and using simple distractions to protecting baby’s skin with Colief Nappy Care Spray, these practical hacks help make everyday nappy changes easier for parents and carers.
What does a simple and gentle nappy change routine look like?
In this video, Angie Willis shows an easy 5-step method parents can rely on.
Mess-free, quick, and protective – for use from day one.
In this video, Angie Wills, Midwife and Health Visitor, shares practical guidance on nappy changing when away from home. She highlights the importance of carrying sufficient spare nappies and wipes, and using a reusable travel changing mat to support hygiene, comfort, and safe nappy changes in a variety of settings.
FAQ
What causes nappy rash in babies?
Nappy rash usually happens when your baby’s skin is in contact with urine or faeces for too long. The moisture, friction, and even the chemicals in wipes or nappies can irritate their delicate skin. Sometimes, it’s triggered by teething, antibiotics, or even a change in diet.
How can I tell if my baby has nappy rash or something else?
If the skin in the nappy area looks red, sore, or spotty, it’s likely nappy rash. It usually affects the bottom, thighs, and genitals—but not the folds of the skin. If the rash spreads into the folds or has white patches or spots, it could be a yeast infection like thrush.
What does a nappy rash look like?
It can range from mild redness to angry-looking patches, spots, or even blisters. In more severe cases, the skin may look raw or weepy. If your baby seems uncomfortable during nappy changes, that’s another clue.
How do I treat nappy rash at home?
Keep the area clean and dry. Change nappies often, use warm water and cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes, and let your baby go nappy-free for a bit each day. Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to protect the skin.
How often should I change nappies to prevent rash?
Ideally, every 2 to 3 hours during the day and as soon as possible after a poo. Night changes depend on your baby’s age and sleep pattern, but keeping the area dry is key.
Can teething cause nappy rash?
Yes, many parents notice a rash during teething. It’s likely due to changes in saliva and digestion, which can make poo more acidic and irritating to the skin.
Is nappy rash painful for babies?
It can be. Mild rashes might not bother them, but more severe ones can cause discomfort, especially during nappy changes or when the skin is touched.
When should I see a doctor about nappy rash?
If the rash doesn’t improve after a few days of home care, looks infected (yellow crusts, pus, or swelling), or your baby seems very uncomfortable, it’s time to check in with your GP.
How long does nappy rash take to heal?
Mild rashes can clear up in a day or two with good care. More stubborn ones might take up to a week. If it’s not improving, it might need a different approach.
Can nappy rash be a sign of an allergy or infection?
Sometimes. If the rash keeps coming back or looks unusual, it could be linked to a food allergy, yeast infection, or even eczema. A healthcare provider can help figure it out.
What’s the difference between nappy rash and thrush?
Thrush often shows up in the skin folds and has bright red patches with white spots or a shiny appearance. Regular nappy rash usually stays on the flatter surfaces and doesn’t have those white patches.
Should I leave the nappy off to help the rash heal?
Yes. Letting your baby go nappy-free for short periods helps air out the skin and speed up healing. Just pop a towel underneath and let them kick around.
Can antibiotics cause nappy rash?
They can. Antibiotics can upset your baby’s gut bacteria, leading to diarrhoea or yeast overgrowth, which can trigger a rash.
Is it safe to use barrier creams every day?
Absolutely. A thin layer at each change can help prevent irritation and keep your baby’s skin protected.
Why does my baby keep getting nappy rash even though I change them often?
It could be due to sensitive skin, teething, diet changes, or even the type of nappy or wipes. Try switching products or giving more nappy-free time.
What’s the best way to clean the area during a rash?
Use warm water and cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes. Pat the area dry gently—don’t rub. Avoid soaps or bubble baths until the rash clears.