Nappy rash
Nappy rash is quite common amongst babies, but that doesn’t mean your baby has to suffer the discomfort and pain of a persistent rash. There are very simple steps to avoid it, including using Huggies Nappies, which are clinically proven to help prevent nappy rash. Regular use of Huggies Baby Wipes after every nappy change can help prevent the causes of nappy rash also. Combined with good baby skincare, you can minimise the risk. However, there is still a chance your baby can get it so it helps to know the symptoms of nappy rash and how to treat it.
The causes of nappy rash
The main cause is wetness. Which is why it’s so important to avoid leaving your baby in a wet or soiled nappy.
Urine is sterile, but germs on a baby’s skin can change the chemicals in urine into other chemicals such as ammonia, which is very irritating to your baby’s skin.
Diarrhoea can also cause nappy rash. Even the most absorbent nappy needs frequent changing if diarrhoea is a problem, as some moisture will still be present on baby’s delicate skin. If your baby is left in a pooey nappy for too long, then nappy rash is likely to develop.
However, it can strike even the cleanest and driest little bottom if your bub’s skin is especially sensitive or if he or she has an allergy to something they’re eating or wearing. Some babies never get nappy rash, even if they aren’t changed frequently, while other babies only get it when they have a cold or some other viral illness.
Other causes of nappy rash include:
- Friction from rough nappies rubbing and chafing at baby’s sensitive skin
- Chemicals in some laundry detergents and fabric softeners can cause it in very sensitive babies. Some scented soaps and lotions can also irritate baby’s skin
- Plastic pants may keep baby’s clothes clean and dry but they prevent airflow and hold moisture in. Because baby’s clothes aren’t wet, they may be left in a wet or soiled nappy for a long time, leading to nappy rash
Simple steps to avoid nappy rash
A dry bottom is key to keeping nappy rash away, although it can still occur despite mum and dad’s very best efforts.
As well as using Huggies Nappies and Baby Wipes, follow these 5 steps:
1. Change baby’s nappy as soon as possible after it becomes wet or soiled
2. Clean baby’s genital area thoroughly and gently and allow to dry completely before putting on a new nappy
3. Apply a thin layer of protective ointment such as zinc and cod liver oil or zinc and castor oil to baby’s bottom at each change
4. Don’t fasten nappies too tightly as this will prevent air from circulating. Nappies and clothing should be loose enough to let baby’s skin breathe
5. Once baby starts to eat solid food, introduce only one new item at a time and wait a few days for any reaction
Huggies doesn’t recommend using talcum powder as it can make its way into a baby’s lungs. Also, it has been known to aggravate nappy rash, baby wipes are generally a better option.
How to tell if your baby has nappy rash
It’s pretty hard to miss. Here are the main symptoms of nappy rash:
- Bub is probably irritable and not sleeping well
- Some of the skin covered by the diaper, including the genitals and the folds of the thighs and bottom will be red and inflamed
- The affected skin can either be dry or moist
- There may be little pimples or blisters, which may peel and leave raw patches (ulcers)
The skin damage can be very sore and your baby will probably be very unsettled, especially when urine comes in contact with their inflamed skin. Many babies wake up often, crying in pain.
What happens if nappy rash isn’t treated?
Nappy rash is fairly harmless to start with, but if left untreated it can become something much worse, such as a yeast infection or a bacterial infection. Yeast infections are more common in babies taking antibiotics, as they kill the good bacteria that normally control yeast and typically begin as tiny red spots that multiply and mass into a solid red blotch. Bacterial infections, which are sometimes accompanied by a fever, usually cause oozing yellow patches or pus-filled pimples.
How to treat nappy rash
Just follow these simple steps and a normal nappy rash should clear up in three to four days:
- Keep bub clean and dry by changing them frequently
- Use Huggies Nappies as they are super absorbent and so help keep moisture away from baby’s skin
- Use Huggies Baby Wipes as they are pH balanced and include no soap or alcohol, which means they are hypoallergenic and can help prevent nappy rash causes naturally
- Leave baby bare-bottomed to allow air to her skin. In cooler weather, heat the room so bub doesn’t get cold. Lie them on a thick towel to protect carpet or to protect them from hard tiles or floorboards
- On warm days, give them ‘air baths’ (lying nude on a rug or towel) outside in a shady sheltered spot
- Do not use baby wipes containing alcohol
- Give baby pain relief if necessary as the rash can be very painful especially when urine gets into the rash
If at any point you are at all concerned speak to your doctor or health clinic nurse immediately.
If nappy rash doesn’t get better in a couple of days, or worsens, or spreads to baby’s tummy, get advice and treatment from your doctor, who may prescribe a hydrocortisone or anticandidal cream to help clear the rash.
For more information see Baby Care.
