A baby’s skin is extremely delicate and highly sensitive – the result is that most infants will suffer the skin irritation known as nappy rash at some point.

My previous article titled ‘Need-To-Know Guide on Tackling Nappy Rash’ gave you an overview of the causes and treatment of this condition.

The following guide will now take a closer look at the key facts you need to understand so that you can better care for your baby.


Overview

Nappy rash causes an uncomfortable irritation to your baby’s skin. If not treated correctly, it can become infected by a fungus known as Candida. The affected area will then appear red and inflamed, it might also become spotty.

The condition ranges in the following levels of severity:

·         Mild rash - a slight redness around the bottom and genitals.

·         Acute - spotty, moist and broken skin.

·         Candida Rash - this type of fungus thrives on inflamed skin, making it worse. Your baby’s skin will look bright red and highly irritated, especially in the skin folds around the groin and top of the thighs.

Candida rash is the most common type of nappy rash and can last days. It’s important to treat your baby as soon as possible to prevent the infection from taking hold. The good news however is that it can be effectively treated, usually by a topical cream.


Conditions that Encourage Nappy Rash

Nappy rash is caused by both skin irritants and other medical conditions that your baby is prone to:

·         Wet nappies – these provide ideal warm and moist environment for the growth of Candida, causing it to spread and irritate your baby’s delicate skin.

·         Soiled nappies – bacteria from faeces react with urine, producing ammonia which is highly irritating to the skin and causes a red, angry rash.

·         Chemical Irritants – the chemicals used for washing nappies as well as fragrance wipes, powders and soaps can all aggravate sensitive skin.

·         Friction caused by the nappy rubbing against the skin – your baby can be especially prone to this when he/she starts crawling and walking.

·         Antibiotics – these can affect the body’s natural balance causing the naturally occurring Candida fungus to grow and spread.

·         Teething.

·         Diarrhoea.

·         Diet change.

 

Top Tips to Prevent Nappy Rash

·         The best remedy against nappy rash is to keep your baby clean and dry, with frequent changes whenever their nappy is wet or soiled.

·         With each nappy change, clean your baby’s bottom thoroughly but gently using lukewarm water instead of soap, and then carefully pat dry with a soft cloth.

·         Apply a protective ointment to provide a barrier between your baby’s skin and the moisture which causes the irritation.

·         If possible, leave your baby’s nappy off for as long as circumstances allow - the free flowing air will prevent moisture accumulation so that their skin can breathe.

·         Nappies, plastic pants and clothing should not be fitted too tightly so that air can reach your baby’s bottom and so that they don’t chafe his/her skin.


Nappy Rash Treatment

It’s possible that even though you might follow the above top prevention tips to the letter, your baby could still develop a nappy rash. Here are the main ways you can tackle the condition and keep your baby from suffering too much discomfort:

·         A normal, mild nappy rash should clear up after three to four days. If it gets worse or you notice that it’s spreading, there are effective anti-fungal creams available over-the-counter at your pharmacist. If you do not notice an improvement or if you’re concerned about what type of fungal infection it may be, you can always pay a visit to your GP.

·         A fungal infection can cause your baby to become agitated and have a fever. If this is the case, it’s advisable to visit your doctor.

·         If you’re using cloth nappies, change to disposable nappies as they absorb more moisture.

·         Make sure your disposable nappies, creams and detergents are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and additive-free brands that are designed for sensitive skin.

·         Use a thick barrier cream to prevent irritations every time your baby’s bottom is washed.

·         Use cloth pants instead of plastic pants until the nappy rash has cleared.

·         Cut back on giving your baby acidic juices such as apple and orange juice until the rash has cleared.

·         To eliminate the chance that the nappy rash is caused by a food allergy, try introducing solid foods one at a time, by waiting a few days before starting a new one.

 

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that nappy rash is not a disease; it’s merely a skin irritation. With careful attention to the above tips for prevention and nappy rash treatment methods outlined above, as well as by using an effective product from your pharmacist, the condition in most cases will clear up within days. If this is not the case, don’t hesitate to take your baby for a checkup at your GP or local clinic, as you do not want your baby to suffer from a more severe fungal infection.

About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer with a growing interest in nappy rash treatment.