Nappy rash treatment in Huntingdon.
Nappy rash is a common skin irritation in the area covered by your baby's nappy. It is usually mild and can often be treated at home — we can help with gentle skin care and a suitable barrier cream.
What is nappy rash?
Nappy rash is a common skin irritation affecting babies in the area covered by their nappy. The skin may look red, sore, dry or blotchy, and your baby may seem uncomfortable during nappy changes.
It is usually mild and can often be treated at home. It should start to improve within a few days with gentle skin care.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
Nappy rash can cause the following symptoms:
- Red or pink skin around your baby's bottom, genitals and upper thighs
- Sore, tender or inflamed skin that may feel warm to the touch
- Dry, flaky or irritated patches in the nappy area
- Discomfort or crying during nappy changes or when the affected area is touched
- Spots or patches that may spread to the skin folds around the groin
- In more severe cases, the skin may become cracked, blistered or develop open sores
Important: If the rash spreads, gets worse, develops blisters or pus, or your baby seems unwell, seek medical advice. A rash affecting the skin folds or showing small surrounding spots may need assessment for a fungal infection.
What causes nappy rash?
Nappy rash can be caused by:
Wee and poo staying against the skin for too long.
Friction from a nappy that rubs or fits too tightly.
Fragranced wipes, soaps, bubble bath or other irritating products.
Diarrhoea or more frequent bowel movements.
Sometimes, a fungal infection such as thrush or a bacterial skin infection.
How can it be prevented?
These everyday habits help keep your baby's skin comfortable and reduce flare-ups.
Change wet or dirty nappies promptly.
Clean the nappy area gently and dry it carefully.
Give your baby nappy-free time whenever practical.
Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes, or water.
Make sure nappies fit properly and absorb moisture well.
Avoid soap, bubble bath, perfumed products and talcum powder.
Use a suitable barrier cream if recommended by your pharmacist.
When should someone seek medical help?
Nappy rash usually improves with gentle skin care, but some signs need further advice.
Get urgent medical advice
Contact NHS 111 or seek urgent assessment if:
- Your baby is feeding much less than usual
- Your baby has significantly fewer wet nappies
- You are worried they are becoming unwell
- A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical assessment
Call 999 in an emergency
Call 999 if your baby:
- Is struggling to breathe
- Is difficult to wake
- Has blue or grey lips or skin
- Has a rash that does not fade when pressed and appears seriously unwell
Speak to your GP or health visitor
Speak to your GP or health visitor if:
- The rash does not improve, gets worse or spreads
- Your baby has a temperature or seems very uncomfortable
- The rash has blisters, bleeding, pus or open sores
- There are red spots in the skin folds, which may indicate thrush
Remember: Most nappy rash improves with frequent nappy changes, gentle cleaning and a suitable barrier cream. If it persists or your baby seems unwell, seek advice.
Read the NHS guide to nappy rashCommon questions
Can a pharmacist help with nappy rash?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look at the rash, advise on gentle cleaning and nappy-free time and, where suitable, supply an NHS barrier cream or other treatment.
How long does nappy rash take to improve?
It should start to improve within a few days with gentle skin care. If it does not improve, gets worse or spreads, speak to your GP or health visitor.
Which barrier cream should I use?
There are several types, and the right one depends on your baby's skin. Our pharmacist can recommend a suitable one — and if the rash looks like thrush, the treatment is different, so it's worth checking.
Is nappy rash serious?
It is usually mild and can often be treated at home. Get advice if the rash has blisters, bleeding, pus or open sores, if your baby has a temperature or seems very uncomfortable, or if you are worried they are becoming unwell.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.