Nappy rash

Nappy rash is common in babies, especially between the ages of 8 and 12 months. 

Nappy rash, also known as diaper rash, is a common type of skin rash that affects the nappy area. It occurs when skin remains in prolonged contact with urine or stool inside a tight-fitting nappy which can rub and prevent air circulation. Adults using nappies due to medical conditions can also be affected.

If you find that your baby’s nappy rash persists for 3 days or more, it may be infected with candida yeast resulting in a fungal nappy rash infection. You can treat fungal nappy rash (diaper candidiasis) with anti-fungal product.

Woman holding baby in her arms happy after Canesten fungal nappy rash treatment

Fungal nappy rash symptoms

    Your baby might be suffering from fungal nappy rash if you notice:

    • 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

    See your doctor if:

    • Your baby's nappy rash does not clear up.
    • It worsens, or if the symptoms suggest the rash is a candidal nappy rash.
    • Your baby has a fever or severe inflammation. You should visit your doctor to get advice on the best treatment.

    Understanding fungal nappy rash

    Candida is a yeast that harmlessly lives on your baby’s skin in small amounts. But increased moisture and rubbing of the skin caused by a wet or soiled nappy can result in candida overgrowing and cause a fungal nappy rash infection.

    Laughing mother wearing beige turtleneck happy after her baby’s Canesten fungal nappy rash treatment

    Fungal nappy rash treatment

    Fungal nappy rash is an infection that can be treated with an anti-fungal product, such as an anti-fungal nappy rash cream. 

    If your baby has inflamed candidal nappy rash, your doctor may advise you to use a combined anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal nappy rash cream, with a follow-on anti-fungal treatment.

    Once the infection has cleared, barrier ointments such as Bepanthen can protect from the causes of nappy rash.

    Bepanthen seals in the natural moisture on your baby’s skin by forming a transparent layer, which protects even the most delicate skin from irritants. It also contains pro-vitamin B5 to gently aid natural skin recovery. 

    If you would like advice on how to protect your baby’s skin from the cause of nappy rash, visit the Bepanthen website here.

    Canesten fungal nappy rash treatment

    Canesten® cream has been used to treat fungal nappy rash for 25 years. The active ingredient clotrimazole treats the fungal infection directly and helps relieve fungal nappy rash symptoms.

    Once the infection has cleared, barrier ointments such as Bepanthen can protect from the causes of nappy rash and help to prevent a recurrence. 

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    Facts about fungal nappy rash