Nappy rash happens to most babies who wear nappies – whether disposables or otherwise. Even if you are very meticulous about nappy-changing, nappy rash can still occur because your baby’s skin is sensitive.

Three major types of nappy rash

Irritant diaper dermatitis shows as redness on genital areas and bottom but not in the  skin folds. Baby will feel a stinging sensation only when he is soaked or soiled. Two out of  three  cases are not  infected by bacteria or fungi, hence there is no need for treatment  with strong  antibacterial or antiseptic or antifungal preparation. What is needed is just a  gentle nappy  rash preparation with protective and regenerative properties.

Fungal infection appears as bright redness on genital areas and bottom, including in  the skin folds, which makes baby very cranky at nappy-changing times. As airing baby’s  bottom and repeated nappy changes are not effective, it is advisable to seek medical  advice.

Bacterial infection is seen as bright redness accompanied by a very warm sensation  and swollen rash. There may be a fever and oozing yellow patches or pus-filled spots. Baby  may be fretful so medical attention is required.

Treatment and prevention

As all forms of nappy rash obviously cause burning, itching sensations and irritable babies, follow these tips to keep nappy rash at bay:

• Change your baby’s nappy frequently (up to 12 times a day)
• At each nappy change, clean his bottom with warm water and cotton wool, and then make sure it is completely dry. Avoid washing the affected area with soap.
• Skip the wipes as they may further irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
• At every nappy change, apply a good barrier protection to protect his bottom from urine and stools. Choose one with an ointment base for its protective properties, and which is free of colourants, fragrances and preservatives.

• Air your baby’s skin as much as possible by letting him have some nappy-free time between changes.
• Try switching nappies as different babies react differently to different nappies. If your baby is on cloth nappies, try him on disposables which are generally more absorbent. If he is using disposables, try switching to a different brand, or alternatively, to cloth nappies.
• Rinse cloth nappies thoroughly when washing to prevent an allergic reaction to washing powder. Hang them to dry outside to ensure bacteria are killed by sunshine and fresh air.
• Give your baby plenty of water or diluted fruit juices to drink to lower his urine concentration.
• Do not secure a nappy too tightly to allow some air circulation inside the nappy
• Change soaked and soiled nappies immediately.
• Change your baby’s nappy before he goes to bed
• Before wearing a nappy, apply a barrier ointment with regenerative care to actively protect your baby’s bottom.
• Use soap sparingly and no more than once a day on his bottom part
• Change in diet sometimes alter the acidity of your baby’s stool and thus, make him more prone to nappy rash. Introduce one new food at a time when weaning to know which food he is allergic to.
• If your baby has diarrhoea, you will need to be more vigilant during nappy-changing.
• Avoid using talcum powder on your baby’s genital areas and bottom as this may irritate his skin when he is wet with urine.

Complications

If the nappy rash does not clear up in a week, your baby may have thrush infection (Candida), where there will also be red raised spots surrounding the main red patch. If this happens, check for white spots in his mouth, which may indicate the presence of oral thrush.

A suspected rash could also turn out to be infantile eczema, which causes dryness, inflammation and itchiness. It is best to see a doctor if you suspect your baby is having any of these conditions.

This informative article is brought to you by