Fungal nappy rash: How to recognise it and how to treat it
What to do when the rash won't clear up.
Most babies are likely to experience nappy rash at some point in time.
Nappy rash is a common skin condition for babies and it occurs when the skin on bub’s bottom is irritated by excessive moisture from urine and faeces. This build-up of moisture irritates the skin, ultimately forming what we call nappy rash.
When your little one has nappy rash their bottom will look red and sore.
To help prevent nappy rash parents are to change their baby as often as required. This will help keep the nappy area dry.
At bath time, use a gentle soap-free was and after each nappy change use a barrier cream which will help protect bub’s skin.
A persistent nappy rash which doesn’t clear up for three days or more may be the result of a yeast infection. The fungus Candida albicans (the medical term for yeast) causes a fungal nappy rash infection, when there is increased moisture and rubbing of the skin caused by a wet or soiled nappy.
A persistent nappy rash which doesn’t clear up may be a fungal nappy rash.
Symptoms of fungal nappy rash
- 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 using a barrier cream.
The fungus Candida albicans (the medical term for yeast) causes a fungal nappy rash infection.
Treatment for fungal nappy rash
If your baby is experiencing a fungal nappy rash, your doctor or pharmacist will advise using a medicated cream, such as an antifungal (e.g. Canesten, Daktarin, Nystatin to treat candida infections) or hydrocortisone (e.g. Sigmacort 1% to treat the redness).
Be sure you keep using the cream until the rash has cleared up and see your doctor again if the treatment isn’t working.
