Also known as dribble dermatitis, is a common skin irritation found in infants and young children, characterized by red, sore, or chapped skin around the mouth, chin, cheeks, and sometimes extending to the neck and chest. This condition is primarily caused by the prolonged exposure of the skin to saliva, which can break down the skin’s protective barrier, especially when infants are teething and tend to drool more.
To prevent and treat drool rash, it’s important to keep the affected area clean and dry, gently wiping away drool with a soft cloth, applying a barrier cream or ointment as recommended by a paediatrician, and changing wet bibs or clothes promptly. In most cases, drool rash is manageable with home care, but if the rash worsens or shows signs of infection, such as fever or increased redness and swelling, seeking medical advice is recommended.