Nappy rash isn't just reserved for babies! Kids and adults who wear continence aids can also experience rashes and irritation. It can be itchy and uncomfortable but can clear up quickly with treatment.

However, sometimes severe nappy rash can be a sign of a skin infection or condition. It's important to treat it right away to prevent it from getting worse.

If your child or teen has a nappy rash or you want to prevent it from happening in future, keep reading for some helpful tips.

What is nappy rash?

Nappy rash, also called diaper rash or diaper dermatitis, is a red, itchy rash around your child’s bottom, thighs, or genital area.

Most nappy rashes clear up in a few days with treatment. But if the rash is severe and doesn't get better, it could be a sign of something else.

See a doctor if your child has:

• Severe pain or discomfort
• Red, raw, or bleeding skin
• Blisters, peeling skin, or sores
• Pimples or bumps on the skin
• A rash that's spreading beyond the nappy area
  
  

What causes nappy rash?

There are a few different factors that can cause nappy rash, these include:

Wetness, Heat, and Friction

Nappies or pull-ups can trap heat and moisture, which can irritate your baby's skin.

Skin Irritants

Wee and poo can irritate the skin, especially if they stay in contact with the skin for too long.

Hygiene Products

Harsh soaps, detergents, or scented products can also irritate the skin.

Yeast Infections

Yeast can grow in warm, moist areas, like under a pair of pull-ups.

Skin Conditions

If your child has skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, they might be more prone to nappy rash. One study also found that 7% of participants with eczema had skin irritation and rashes regardless of using a nappy or continence aid [1].

Nappy rash is usually caused by one or a combination of the above. But sometimes, it can be caused by a bacterial infection or conditions like the herpes virus, although this is less common.

Certain illnesses can also cause rashes in the nappy area, but these are rare and usually come with other symptoms like fever or tummy aches.

If your child’s nappy rash is severe, isn't getting better, or has other symptoms, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any other problems.

How do you treat nappy rash?

A mild case of nappy rash can be treated by the use of a barrier cream that contains zinc oxide - which has been found to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Zinc oxide has also been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, moisturising properties, and assist with wound healing [2]!

Consider it your new best friend when it comes to protecting your child’s skin from any incontinence-related skin irritation.

There are a lot of different barrier creams with zinc oxide available over the counter at pharmacies for the treatment of nappy rash, so you don’t need a prescription from your child’s doctor to access one.

If the rash on your child doesn’t seem to be going away with the use of an over-the-counter barrier cream, you should take them to their doctor to see if there are any underlying conditions.

Depending on what is causing the rash, they might prescribe:

• A topical corticosteroid, like hydrocortisone ointment, to reduce any inflammation or irritation
• An anti-fungal if there is a candida infection
• Antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection

How to prevent nappy rash

Thankfully, there are a variety of easy ways to prevent and manage any rashes to ensure your child’s skin is in optimal condition when using continence aids, day or night.

Use quality continence aids

While nappies and pull-up pants might seem like they’re all the same, there can be a lot of differences in the quality and absorbency of different products.

Our Nundies youth pants are super absorbent thanks to flash dry top sheet and 3-channel superpower technology fitted that rapidly draws in liquid and distributes evenly for total comfort between changes.

They’re also made from fully breathable materials, free of latex and are dermatologically tested, so you can rest easy knowing that your child has a reduced risk of irritation.

Nundies are designed to fit older children and teens from the ages of 4 to 15 - so you don’t need to stress about them growing out of the limited sizing of supermarket nappies.

Change them as soon as they’re wet or soiled

As we talked about earlier, wee and poo can irritate your child’s skin when in prolonged contact.

So, to help prevent nappy rash, change your child’s pull-up pants as soon as they’re wet or dirty. If your child can change themselves, remind them to change as soon as possible.

Keep skin clean and dry

Of course, keeping skin clean is a must for any incontinence skin care regime. Make sure you or your child cleans their skin adequately every bath or shower with fragrance-free wash for sensitive skin.

It’s also a great idea to keep hypoallergenic wet wipes handy in your incontinence kit when you’re out of the house for quick changes on the go. Make sure to dry the area with a soft, gentle towel, cloth or wet wipe before putting on another pull-up or nappy, too!

Use a barrier cream

While barrier creams are a treatment for nappy rash, they’re also a great preventative!

Keeping the skin moist and protected by a layer of hydrating ointment helps not only to keep your child’s skin hydrated but to form a ‘barrier’ between the skin and the incontinence aid as well as any bacteria that can invade any dry, broken or cracked skin

Use fragrance-free products

As we mentioned earlier, a lot of soaps, detergents, moisturisers or products with added fragrance can irritate the skin, especially the sensitive skin in the genital region.

Be sure to swap out any fragranced soaps, moisturisers and even things like bath bubbles with fragrance-free options that are designed for sensitive skin.

Take prescribed medications as advised

If your child has been given any prescriptions from their doctor to clear up their nappy rash, be sure to continue using it for the recommended duration.

This is especially important if your child’s nappy rash also has a viral, bacterial or fungal (candida) infection, as stopping treatment early may cause these to return.

Focus on your child's comfort

Some kids might have a little bit of redness or irritation around their diaper area, even if they don't have nappy rash. As long as they're comfortable, it's usually okay.

If your child starts to feel uncomfortable or if you notice any changes in their skin, it's best to see a doctor.

We hope these tips help keep your child's skin healthy and rash-free! Remember, this is just general advice. If you're worried about your child's skin, it's always best to ask your doctor for specific advice.