Kiddipedia
What is nappy rash?
Nappy rash describes a variety of skin conditions that can appear in the nappy area. The discomfort level for baby can range from mild to severe.
How to recognize Nappy Rash
A nappy rash appears as inflamed, red, and blotchy skin in the area of the skin covered by nappies. There may be blistering and occasionally ulcers. The rash may sometimes spread to tummy and bottom. It’s sore, can hurt when bub passes urine and can lead to unsettled and unhappy babies.
What causes a nappy rash?
A major cause is when a baby’s skin is exposed to wet or dirty nappies (the combination of heat, damp and friction in a nappy), but it can also be triggered by medications, new foods and chemical irritants, such as unnatural baby lotions, detergents, and nappy soaking solutions. Babies who suffer eczema or cradle cap are prone to nappy rash, and babies who have family members who suffer dermatitis may be more likely to suffer from this skin irritation.
Prevention and Treatment
- Frequent nappy changes can help, although the problem can sometimes continue, no matter how often a nappy is changed.
- Let the baby have some nappy free time each day (lie them on a soft towel).
- Avoid chemical based products.
- Switch to cloth nappies for the duration of the rash, and ensure cotton nappies are thoroughly washed to remove all traces of detergents and chemicals.
Use the Little Innoscents Intensive soothing cream, specifically designed to heal, treat and prevent nappy rash. See your health care professional if the rash persists for more than a week as there may be an underlying skin condition such as thrush, dermatitis or psoriasis. The Little Innoscents Massage Oil can be used to treat and prevent both dermatitis and psoriasis.
About the Author: Antonette Golikidis has studied Natural Health Science at the Australian College of Natural Medicine and is qualified in Remedial A Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy. Currently, she lectures in Remedial Massage at a tertiary level. The greatest effort has gone into ensuring the information on this page is valid, however, if you are concerned about the health of your child; please visit your healthcare professional.
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*While the greatest effort has been invested to ensure the validity of this information, the advice therein is set as a ‘general’ guide only, and your individual needs may require a different method to the one shown. Little Innoscents would like to encourage you to see your regular healthcare professional, should you be concerned for you or your baby’s wellbeing.
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