Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Drool rash is red, rough or slightly bumpy skin around the mouth, chin and cheeks, caused by saliva sitting on a baby's skin. It is common, it is not an infection, and it usually settles when you keep the area gently dry and protected. A rash that crusts, oozes or spreads, or a baby who seems unwell, needs a doctor.
Why it happens
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains in its guide to drooling and your baby that salivary glands become much more active at around two to three months, and that babies drool freely until about 18 months because the muscles for swallowing are still developing. Constant contact with saliva irritates sensitive skin. The rash usually shows up around the mouth, chin and cheeks, and can also appear on the neck, chest and hands.
Teething often adds to it. The AAP notes more drool during teething and says a rash around the mouth is typically caused by drool irritating delicate skin.
How to treat it at home
- Wipe gently and often. The AAP suggests gently wiping your baby's chin, neck and cheeks. Pat with a soft cotton cloth rather than rubbing.
- Keep the area dry. Change wet bibs and collars often, and let neck folds air dry after feeds.
- Use a soft, absorbent bib while your baby is awake. Cotton baby bibs soak up drool before it reaches the neck and chest. Take bibs off before naps and night sleep so your baby can breathe safely, as the AAP advises.
- Ask about a barrier ointment. The AAP suggests asking your paediatrician about a barrier cream or ointment to protect the skin from the next wave of drool. Keep it away from the eyes.
- Wash bibs and clothes in a mild, fragrance free detergent and skip fabric softener, as the AAP recommends.
Some families dab coconut oil or breast milk on drool rash. There is no good evidence that either helps, so stick to drying and a barrier your doctor is happy with. Do not use steroid creams unless a doctor prescribes them.
Soothing teething without harm
If teething is behind the extra drool, the AAP advice on teething pain suggests soft rubber or plastic teething toys, a clean damp washcloth chilled in the freezer, and gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger. A firm teether gives your baby something safe to chew.
The AAP warns against several common teething remedies:
- numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine
- homeopathic teething tablets or gels
- teething necklaces of amber, wood, marble or silicone, which carry a risk of choking and strangulation
- liquid filled teething toys and anything containing alcohol
The AAP also says that fever is not a symptom of teething. If your baby has a fever, treat it as a separate problem and ask your doctor.
When to see a doctor
- The skin has sores or blisters that burst and leave golden brown crusts, especially around the nose and mouth. The NHS page on impetigo describes this skin infection and advises seeing a doctor if a child aged 11 months or younger has these symptoms.
- The rash is oozing, bleeding, spreading, or not getting better with gentle care.
- Your baby is drooling a lot and seems ill, has a fever or has trouble swallowing. The AAP says to call your paediatrician.
- Your baby suddenly starts drooling heavily and has trouble breathing or signs of choking. The AAP says to call emergency services straight away.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
