Nappy Rash - uncomfortable for your little one

14-Jan-2009

Tags: Nappy , Rash , Baby , Child , Parenting Nappy , Rash , Baby , Child , Parenting , Skin , Inflamed , Ulcer , Treatment , Causes , Nappy , Health more less

Nappy rash is very common - most babies will get it at some point. It is not usually a 'disease', but just an irritation of the skin. It is usually caused when your baby's skin comes into contact with urine and faeces that collects in their nappy. Leaving a wet nappy on a baby for long periods of time can make the rash worse.

Symptoms of nappy rash:

• Inflamed skin - the skin around the genital area and anus looks red and moist.
• Blistering - the skin may blister, then peel, leaving raw patches (ulcers).
• Spreading - the rash can spread onto the tummy and buttocks.
• Ulcers - small ulcers can sometimes form on healthy skin near the area of the rash.

Causes for Nappy Rash:

• Ammonia - chemicals in urine may be changed into ammonia, which ‘burns' the skin.
• Chemical exposure - chemicals in nappy soaking solutions, laundry detergents and fabric softeners can irritate the skin of very sensitive babies. Harsh soaps, creams and lotions also irritate some babies. They can strip the skin of its protective barrier making it dry and itchy and increase the skin's pH.
• Urine- Faecal enzymes turn urine into ammonia, a harmful (and smelly) chemical that attacks the skin.
• Faeces- Faeces contain irritating enzymes, bacteria and Yeast - Candida albicans.
• Raised temperature - Warmth beneath the nappy may cause inflammation.
• Plastic pants - these may keep the baby's clothes clean and dry, but they prevent airflow. Because the clothes do not get wet, often a baby is left in a wet or dirty nappy for a long time, keeping the baby's skin wet.
• Friction - rough nappies can rub and chafe at the baby's sensitive skin.

Treatment: Mostly nappy rash can be treated successfully at home. See your doctor if your baby's nappy rash looks severe, is hurting your baby or if it doesn't clear up within a few days.

• Treatment includes keeping the nappy area as clean and dry as possible.
• Simple treatments such as zinc creams and ointments, which are available from the pharmacy, may be effective in treating nappy rash.
• Use disposable nappies, which absorb the urine quickly, leaving the surface of the nappy dry.
• A steroid cream for severe irritant dermatitis, or anti-fungal treatment for Candida nappy rash.
• Change nappies as soon as they're wet or dirty.
• Clean your baby's bottom with plain water at nappy changes. If this does not clean the skin well enough, try sorbolene cream, which is a simple and soothing cream.
• Before putting a fresh nappy on, apply water repellent barrier creams to the skin.

Give pain relief if necessary. Rashes such as nappy rash are very painful, especially when urine gets onto them. If you baby is unsettled, try some paracetamol to ease the pain.

Precaution: Leaving a baby in a soiled or wet nappy inevitably leads to nappy rash. To avoid this follow some simple tips:

• Keep the skin clean and dry, and change nappies promptly when wet.
• Clean the nappy area thoroughly with warm water, a drop of mild soap or lotion and cotton wool or a water based wipe. Use baby wipes, to gently cleanse the skin.
• Avoid the use of strong or scented soaps and toiletries, alcohol wipes and talc.
• Dry the nappy area thoroughly using cotton wool or a clean dry towel.
• Gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
• Expose the skin to the air as much as possible by keeping your child without nappy.
• Use a barrier cream, such as zinc and cod liver oil or zinc and castor oil, to keep wetness away from baby's skin.
• Avoid using plastic pants and nappy materials that do not allow air to circulate.
• Don't fasten nappies so tightly that there's no room for air to circulate. Nappies, wraps and clothing should fit somewhat loosely to let your baby's bottom breathe.

Remember you can protect your child from the pain of nappy rash by following some small tips and devoting more time to your baby. Your little more care will keep your child always smiling.

(Source: betterhealth.vic.gov.au, babycentre.co.uk, childhealth.co.uk)

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