From the Guidelines
For the treatment and prevention of nappy rash, I strongly recommend using an emollient to clean the nappy area and applying a hydrogel dressing on wounds, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Recommendations
- Use emollient and liners to reduce friction from nappy/diaper elastic on skin, as recommended by 1.
- Clean the nappy/diaper area with emollient ointment in preference to water or commercial wipes, as suggested by 1 and 2.
- Use a well-fitted nappy/diaper and remove the outer elastic layer around the legs to reduce friction, as recommended by 1 and 2.
- Line the nappy/diaper with a soft cloth liner coated with emollient or paraffin-impregnated gauze to reduce movement of the nappy on the skin, as suggested by 1 and 2.
Prevention and Treatment
- Change diapers frequently to prevent the buildup of moisture and irritants, as implied by the importance of frequent diaper changes in preventing nappy rash.
- Gently clean the area with emollient or water, avoiding the use of alcohol-free wipes or other harsh cleansers, as recommended by 1.
- Allow the skin to air dry completely before applying any creams or ointments, as this helps to prevent moisture from becoming trapped and causing further irritation.
- Avoid tight-fitting diapers that can cause friction and increase the risk of nappy rash, as suggested by 1 and 2.
Additional Considerations
- The use of emollients on wound care products can reduce shearing on the wound surface when removed, as noted in 3.
- Parents should be included in blister education and management, and blisters should be lanced and drained as soon as possible to reduce pain and blister size, as recommended by 3.
From the FDA Drug Label
Helps treat and prevent diaper rash Protects chafed skin due to diaper rash - helps protect skin from wetness Directions Change wet and soiled diapers promptly Cleanse the diaper area and allow to dry Apply ointment liberally as often as necessary.
The zinc oxide cream can be used as a nappy rash cream to treat and prevent diaper rash. It is recommended to apply the ointment liberally as often as necessary, especially with each diaper change, and to keep the diaper area clean and dry 4, 5.
- Key benefits: helps treat and prevent diaper rash, protects chafed skin due to diaper rash.
- Usage: apply ointment liberally as often as necessary, change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow to dry.
From the Research
Nappy Rash Cream
- Nappy rash, also known as diaper dermatitis, is a common skin condition in infants and children who wear diapers 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- The condition can be caused by a combination of factors, including friction, moisture, and bacterial or fungal infections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- Treatment for nappy rash typically involves keeping the affected area clean and dry, and applying a topical cream or ointment to protect the skin and promote healing 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Types of Nappy Rash Cream
- Barrier creams, such as those containing zinc oxide, can help to protect the skin and prevent further irritation 6, 7, 10
- Antifungal creams, such as those containing miconazole or clotrimazole, can be used to treat nappy rash caused by fungal infections 8, 9
- Some studies have also investigated the use of natural ingredients, such as human breast milk, in the treatment of nappy rash 6
Effectiveness of Nappy Rash Cream
- A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that a barrier cream containing 40% zinc oxide was more effective than human breast milk in treating nappy rash in newborns 6
- Another study published in Advances in Neonatal Care found that a skin care protocol that included the use of zinc oxide barrier cream was effective in reducing the incidence of nappy rash in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome 7
- A study published in Cutis found that a topical miconazole nitrate ointment was effective in treating nappy rash complicated by candidiasis 8
- A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that an antifungal paste containing clotrimazole was more effective than a paste containing nystatin in treating nappy rash in infants 9
- A study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand found that a dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment was effective in reducing the severity of nappy rash in children with diarrhea 10