What is nappy rash?

Nappy rash is an irritation of the skin anywhere usually covered by a nappy, while it might be a little sore for your baby, the good news is that it’s not usually serious.

Babies can be more susceptible during teething.* To find out more about what causes nappy rash, visit our nappy rash hub.


I’m a new parent, what do I need to know about nappy rash?

Visit our nappy rash hub to find out more about the condition and how to prevent it.


What are the best ways to prevent nappy rash?

You can read about preventing nappy rash on our nappy rash hub.


My baby has nappy rash, should I use Sudocrem® Care & Protect® to treat it?

We recommend using Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream to treat nappy rash and Sudocrem® Care & Protect® to help prevent it.


How many wet and dirty nappies should my baby have?**

Changing your baby’s nappy as soon as possible after a wee or poo will help prevent nappy rash.

Young babies may need changing up to 10 or 12 times a day. Older babies need to be changed around 6 to 8 times. You will soon see a pattern for your baby.

If you have any concerns, contact your public health nurse (PHN) or GP.


How do I apply Sudocrem® Care & Protect®?

Using clean and dry hands apply to clean, dry skin and gently spread the barrier cream evenly to form a thin protective layer. Sudocrem® Care & Protect® is easy to apply because it spreads effortlessly without causing undue stress to baby skin. Use at every nappy change to give your baby’s skin the best defence against nappy rash.


Can I use Sudocrem® Care & Protect® every day?

Yes, it’s gentle enough to use at every nappy change.


Which Sudocrem® product should I choose?

Sudocrem® Care & Protect® helps to protect your baby’s skin from the causes of nappy rash. It’s gentle and effective enough to use everyday, at each nappy change. Because it’s just for your baby, it’s hypoallergenic and the ingredients we’ve used are all designed to do just one job: to help protect against nappy rash.

Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream is licensed to treat existing nappy rash, soothing and healing sore skin. It is versatile enough to be used by the whole family on other skin conditions such as minor burns, eczema, sunburn, cuts and grazes. It contains a mild anaesthetic which can soothe the pain and irritation of some sore skin conditions as well as antiseptic to help fight infection.

To care for your baby’s skin and help prevent nappy rash, choose Sudocrem® Care & Protect®. If your baby develops nappy rash, choose Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream to treat it.


My baby has sensitive skin - is this product safe to use?

Sudocrem® Care & Protect® is certified as hypoallergenic, however if your baby has sensitive skin it’s always sensible to ask your pharmacist or GP for advice before you use a new product. You should also take a look at the full list of ingredients in case you recognise something you think your baby’s skin might react to.


Can I see a full list of ingredients?

Aqua; Paraffinum Liquidum, Lanolin, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cera Alba, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isostearyl Lactate, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Ozokerite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Pantolactone, Parfum, Ascorbic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract.


Where can I buy Sudocrem® Care & Protect®?

Sudocrem® Care & Protect® is widely available in supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and forecourt retailers.


What’s the difference between Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream (in a grey pot) and Sudocrem® Care & Protect®?

Sudocrem® Care & Protect® is a light and gentle ointment that protects the skin from the causes of nappy rash by caring for and protecting your baby’s extra delicate skin. Sudocrem® Care & Protect® comes in a rectangular white box, inside the box is a soft plastic tube with an easy to use flip-top lid. Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream is a licensed medicine, designed to treat nappy rash and other skin problems including eczema, sunburn and cuts & grazes. It soothes and heals the skin and it’s classic white cream is packaged in several sized tubs.

* https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-new-baby/teething-gums/#:~:text=This%20warning%20does%20not%20apply,Thumb%2Dsucking%20and%20soothers Date accessed: November 2025

** https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-new-baby/change-nappy/ Date accessed: November 2025