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  1. Home
  2. Skin & Foot Health
  3. Fungal nappy rash
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Fungal nappy rash

 If your baby has experienced the unpleasant symptoms of nappy rash, then you will know it causes discomfort and can keep you up at night. 

It’s a common type of skin rash that affects the nappy area, occurring when skin remains in prolonged contact with urine or stool inside a tight-fitting nappy. However, having a nappy on for too long isn't the only cause. Many babies can get nappy rash no matter how clean and dry their bottom is. Adults using nappies due to medical conditions can also be affected.

Nappy rash symptoms

You should seek candidal nappy rash treatment 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
  • Vesicules (like a small, raised cyst or fluid-filled blister) and pustules around the rash
  •  Lasts three days or more, despite home treatments
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Understanding nappy rash

When left untreated for more than a few days, nappy rash can get infected with Candida yeast. You should treat candidal nappy rash with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory products. 

Nappy rash treatment

For inflamed fungal nappy rash, your doctor or pharmacist may advise the use of a combined anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal cream such as Canesten Extra, with a follow-on anti-fungal treatment. These treatments are available with consultation from a pharmacist or doctor.

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Canesten Extra

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Anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory cream

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Canesten Antifungal Cream

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Anti-fungal cream treatment

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Preventing nappy rash

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Regularly allow your baby to move around without a nappy on for as long as possible.

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Change your baby’s nappies regularly.

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Cleanse with plain warm water and a mild soap or mild liquid cleanser, avoiding excessive cleaning and scrubbing. Avoid using perfumed wipes, or powders and soaps which may irritate the skin.

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Dry your baby's skin gently by patting rather than rubbing and leave open to air until completely dry.

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Wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing nappies.

Facts about nappy rash

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When your baby’s nappy rash becomes infected with Candida yeast, it needs anti-fungal treatment.

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If you find that your baby’s nappy rash persists for 3 days or more, it’s most likely infected with candida yeast.

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Nappy rash can be caused by many factors, such as teething or diet change.

Frequently Asked Questions:

    My baby’s nappy rash has lasted for several days, what should I do?

    If the rash has lasted for 3 days or more despite treatments, it could be Candidal nappy rash, which needs to be treated with an anti-fungal treatment. If you suspect your baby might have Candidal nappy rash, speak to a health professional such as a pharmacist or GP.

    What causes nappy rash?

    Your baby’s skin is very delicate and easily irritated by friction and prolonged contact with urine and stool in the nappy. Nappy rash can also be caused by a Candidal yeast infection.  


    Click here for more information about Candidal nappy rash and non-Candidal nappy rash.

    What products can I use ?

    You can protect your baby’s bottom from the causes of nappy rash by using a nappy care ointment, such as Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment, at every nappy change. Bepanthen ointment works in two ways to care for baby’s skin and protect it from the causes of nappy rash. It contains pro-vitamin B5 which gently aids natural recovery of sensitive skin while keeping it soft, smooth and moisturised. Bepanthen protects your baby’s delicate skin from irritants and rubbing by forming a transparent layer. If your baby has Candidal nappy rash,  your doctor or pharmacist may advise the use of a combined anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal cream such as Canesten Extra, with a follow-on anti-fungal treatment. These treatments are available with consultation from a pharmacist or doctor. 

    Click here to learn more about treating nappy rash.

    What can I do to protect against the causes of nappy rash?

    Try to allow your baby to move around without a nappy on for as long as possible, make sure to change nappies regularly, and use Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment every day to care for and protect your baby’s delicate skin from irritants and rubbing. 

    For more top tips on prevention, click here.

    What's better for my baby - cloth nappies or disposables?

    There are pros and cons for each method, but the most important thing is getting your baby out of a wet and dirty nappy as soon as possible. This will help minimise the chance of nappy rash.

    Should I do anything differently for a boy versus a girl?

    Whether you have a baby girl or boy you still want to make sure that you keep the nappy area as clean and dry as possible.


    When cleaning a baby girl, always make sure you wipe her genitals from front to back. When cleaning a baby boy make sure you keep his penis clean on all sides, including the tip.

    Do I need to take my baby to see a doctor to get treatment?

    No, you can speak to your Pharmacist who may recommend Canesten Extra for the treatment of fungal nappy rash. However, if the the nappy rash either worsening or does not clearing up, you should speak to your doctor.

    Learn more about skin & foot health

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    Find out what ringworm is, what causes it, how is ringworm spread and who can get it. Learn about common ringworm symptoms, ringworm treatment and prevention.

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    Find out more about sweat rash

    Find out what sweat rash is, what causes it and who is at risk of getting it. Learn about sweat rash symptoms, treatment and prevention.

    LEARN MORE
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    Practical tips for skin and foot hygiene

    Find out how good hygiene practices can help you avoid catching and spreading fungal infections.

    LEARN MORE

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    Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
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