Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is a common condition thought to affect up to a third of nappy-wearing babies at any given time. It causes your baby's skin to become sore and irritated in the area around the nappy, and covered in pink or red spots or blotches. Nappy rash is usually caused by your baby's skin coming into contact with urine and faeces in their nappy.
The rash usually develops when your baby is between 9 and 12 months old. Most nappy rashes are mild and can be treated with a simple skin care routine and your baby will usually feel no pain or discomfort. However, some nappy rashes are more severe and can be caused by an underlying condition or bacterial infection. A severe rash is painful and distressing for your baby. It usually requires treatment with medication.
Factors which contribute to a Nappy Rash:
The symptoms of nappy rash include:
Nappy rash is difficult to prevent but the following steps may decrease skin irritation in the area:
The rash usually develops when your baby is between 9 and 12 months old. Most nappy rashes are mild and can be treated with a simple skin care routine and your baby will usually feel no pain or discomfort. However, some nappy rashes are more severe and can be caused by an underlying condition or bacterial infection. A severe rash is painful and distressing for your baby. It usually requires treatment with medication.
Factors which contribute to a Nappy Rash:
- Excess skin hydration
- water in urine & stool
- nappy change frequency
- Skin trauma
- friction between nappy and skin.
- friction between nappy and skin.
- Irritants
- ammonia (produced from urine by urea splitting organisms in faeces)
- faeces (especially diarrhoea)
- soap & detergent residue
- agents present in Nappy Wipes
- napkin powders & creams
- Candida albicans (present in faeces and infects damaged moist skin)
The symptoms of nappy rash include:
- Redness in the area covered by the nappy
- Itching
- Pain, especially when urine or stools come in contact with the rash
- Irritability
Nappy rash is difficult to prevent but the following steps may decrease skin irritation in the area:
- Frequent nappy changing decreases contact between the skin and urine or stools.
- Cleaning of the nappy area with water and drying of the skin with each nappy change.
- Loosely fastening the nappy allows for more air circulation.
- Giving yogurt to infants on antibiotics as an ingredient in yogurt may help prevent yeast infections.