Diaper dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction in the diaper area caused by moisture, friction and bacteria. Your baby's delicate, sensitive skin is irritated by constant contact with urine and faeces, especially if the nappy is changed too infrequently. It is one of the most common skin diseases in infants and young children.

Typical signs of nappy rash are:

• Extensive redness and small pustules in the nappy area
• Sore or oozing areas that hurt when touched
• Blistering or scaling of the skin
• Itching
• The baby cries more often during nappy changing

If you notice these symptoms, it is important to act quickly to alleviate your baby's discomfort.

1. Frequent nappy changes: Change your baby's nappies regularly, preferably as soon as they are wet or soiled. This prevents sensitive skin from being exposed to moisture and irritants for too long.
2. Gentle cleaning: Clean the nappy area carefully with warm water and a soft flannel. Avoid heavily perfumed wet wipes, which can further irritate the skin. Dry the skin gently – dab instead of rubbing.
3. Allow air to reach the skin: Let your baby romp without a nappy as often as possible. Fresh air helps the skin to heal faster.
4. Use protective ointment: A zinc ointment such as Dentinox Zinc Ointment for nappy rash can help to soothe the skin and form a protective barrier. It supports healing, has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects the skin from further irritation.

You can usually treat slightly reddened skin on your bottom with simple household remedies:

Black tea's astringent properties can help soothe the skin of your baby's sore bottom, relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Boil a strong black tea, leave it to cool and carefully dab your baby's nappy area with a soft cloth that has been soaked in the tea. The tea should be cold or at least lukewarm. Repeat this several times a day to support the healing process.

Breast milk is also known as a natural home remedy and can help with a sore baby bum, as it is rich in valuable fats and immunoglobulins. Apply the milk generously to the affected areas of skin twice a day using a cotton pad and then leave to air dry, preferably without a nappy.

Curd cheese (quark) can also help to relieve inflammation, as it cools, reduces swelling and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Put some curd cheese on a gauze bandage and leave it on the sore area.

• Keep skin dry: Keep your baby's skin as dry as possible by changing their nappies often.
• Water and mild products: Only use water or mild cleaning products specially developed for babies to clean the nappy area.
• Breathable nappies: Choose nappies that are permeable to air to help the skin breathe.
• Loose clothing: Make sure that the nappy and clothing are not too tight to avoid friction.

If the symptoms do not improve after a few days or get worse, you should consult a paediatrician. A medical examination is particularly important if blisters or pus form, or if your baby develops a fever, to ensure that there is no infection or allergy.

In the first weeks and months with a baby, you can of course also turn to your midwife.

A sore baby bum may be unpleasant, but in most cases it is easy to treat. With a few simple measures and the right care, you can quickly provide your baby with relief. Remember that: Every baby is unique, and what works well for one may be different for another. Try out different methods and find out what works best for your baby.

Would you like to find out more about caring for your baby? Then take a look at our other guides and discover helpful tips and tricks for everyday life with your little one!