Nappy rash

The short definition

Nappy rash is sore red skin in the nappy area. It is very common, and usually from a nappy left on too long.

What it actually means

It is usual, not unusual. It is a very common skin condition, and the main cause is wearing a wet or dirty nappy for too long. That is the whole of what this entry is for. A dad who meets it in week two should know it is ordinary. Not a sign he has done something wrong.

Two things about managing the nappy area, and both are plain. Allow some nappy-free time each day, especially if bub gets nappy rash. And barrier creams work by putting a layer between a wet or dirty nappy and bub's skin. If some is left from the last application, there is no need to scrub it off.

Anything beyond that is a conversation with a pharmacist, a GP or a child health nurse, and it is not something this site writes.

Where Dadda will hear it

Around week two, from whoever does the next nappy change. Also in the chemist, where there is an entire shelf of creams and no obvious way to choose between them.

Not to be confused with

Every other rash a baby gets. Babies get a lot of marks and blotches. Sorting out which is which is not something a glossary can do, and not something this site does. Nappy rash is the one in the nappy area.

Also look at

• The full item: nappies
• The full item: change mat
• How to change a nappy