Nappy rash is not pleasant.
It can be quite uncomfortable for a baby.
Symptoms of nanny rash are quite clear.
Generally there is a rash or red patches in the nappy area which starts out small and can become quite large and ferocious.
Nappy rash can be very painful.
Nappy rash is quite common for a baby to have at some point.
If your baby/child has a red bottom chances are they have nanny rash.
Primarily nappy rash is caused by a baby’s skin being exposed to a wet nappy for too long.
In an ideal world they are not left in a wet or dirty nappy for too long but sometimes it is unavoidable and some babies get nappy rash regardless of how often their nappy is changed.
Sometimes nappy rash can be triggered from something else such as the brand of nappy, the baby wipes used, etc as your baby may have sensitive skin and they may cause irritation.
Some babies only get nappy rash when they have a cold, teething, etc and others babies nappy rash may worsen if they have another infection such as thrush.
Nappy rash is also quite common for babies that frequently have stools.
Symptoms
- Bright red pimples that spread directly out of their anus.
- Raw red rash in creases.
- Sometimes blisters.
- Unsettled as when they pass urine it can be very painful and irritate the rash more.
- Nappy rash may also affect their normal routine such as sleep as it may wake them due to the discomfort or pain.
- Red inflamed skin.
- Red patches or spots on areas that come in direct contact with their nappy.
Treatment
- The best way to treat a nappy rash is to change the child’s nappy more regularly or immediately once they have soiled their nappy.
- Airing their bottom as much as possible.
- Generally the best treatment of all once they have nappy rash is to use a good cream.
- The most effective nappy rash creams are the ones that contain zinc or castor oil.
- Alternatively, you need to also clean the area well. This can be done with baby wipes but they may aggravate the situation at times (and depending on the type of wipes as they may be sensitive to them) so you could use cotton wool and warm water instead.
Tips for prevention
- First and foremost keep the bottom as dry as possible and the best way to do this is to change the baby’s nappy more regularly.
- Thoroughly clean between the baby’s skin folds and genital area after each nappy change, especially important after a bowel movement.
- If possible use disposable nappies, even if only for the duration of the nappy rash so as to draw the moisture away from the skin as disposable nappies do.
- Use a good nappy barrier cream.
- When possible let the baby go ‘nappy-less’ so their little bottom can air.
- Wipe and dry their bottom at every change.
- If using cloth nappies ensure they are washed and thoroughly dried.
- Check that their nappy size is the correct size for them.
- Don’t use products with alcohol in them such as baby wipes.
- They may be sensitive to the chemicals. Check that your laundry detergent, soaps, lotions and/or nappy soaking solutions aren’t aggravating the nappy rash.
- If the symptoms don’t get better after a few days or it spreads seek medical attention.