Nappy rash treatments
Several different medications are available from pharmacies for the treatment of nappy rash.
Barrier creams
These agents provide a barrier between the skin and the urine. They should be applied with each nappy change, after first washing the area with baby soap. They include products such as dimethicone (Egozite Protective Baby Lotion, Silic 15), zinc oxide (Egoderm Ointment, Egozite Baby Cream, Sudocrem) and Ungvita cream.
Anti-fungal preparations
An anti-fungal should be used, in conjunction with a barrier cream to protect and soothe the skin, if thrush infection is present. It should be used for a week after the rash has cleared.
Anti-fungal medications include clotrimazole (Clozole Topical Cream 1%), econazole (Dermazole), miconazole (Daktozin), and nystatin (Mycostatin Topical). Note: Nystatin products may stain clothing.
Thrush may also be present in other sites including the inside of your baby’s mouth, or on your nipples if you are breast-feeding. If this is the case, you should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Combinations with hydrocortisone
Hydrozole cream 1% may be useful if the skin is particularly red and inflamed. However hydrocortisone should not be used for longer than a week without seeking further advice because it may cause secondary infections to thrive.
Other products
Other suitable medications include healing/soothing preparations such as Bepanthen, Curash Anti-Rash Baby Powder, Sorbolene Cream and Z.S.C. Powder. Bath products such as Alpha Keri, Pinetarsol Solution and Rikoderm may also help. Remember, keeping your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible is the best way to prevent nappy rash.
Last Reviewed: 30 March 2009
