nappy rash

In medicine, an inflamed skin condition that occurs on the buttocks of infants. It is usually due to changing nappies too infrequently and the use of tightly fitting plastic pants. Nappy rash can be avoided by careful washing and drying of skin creases and folds in the area, followed by the application of a barrier cream.

If nappy rash does develop, it may clear if it is left exposed to the air. Creams containing dimethicone or zinc oxide can be used and, if the rash is associated with a fungal infection, creams containing the fungicide clotrimazole can be applied. It appears to occur less frequently in breast-fed infants and when disposable nappies are used.