Baby's first year : Nappy Rash

Almost all babies have a nappy rash at some stage of their nappy days. It is characterised by redness of your baby's bottom. The area of the anus and vagina (in girls) and penis (in boys) may appear red and sore and even feel hot to touch. If the rash gets worse, it could develop spots or blisters. Consult your GP if the rash won't go away.

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Causes:

• Nappy rash can be quite common in children with sensitive skin.
• It could also develop after diarrhoea due to constant rubbing and cleaning.
• Some children develop nappy rash when there is a change of diet like from milk to solids (weaning) or from breastmilk to formula.
• Friction from the nappy rubbing against the skin.
• Washing detergents not rinsed thoroughly out of terry nappies.
• Prolonged exposure to wet or soiled nappies.
• Bacteria in the faeces reacting with the urine to produce ammonia.
• A secondary infection such as candida, a yeast which naturally occurs in the body.

How to avoid nappy rash:

• Change nappies frequently (as soon as possible when it becomes wet or soiled)
• Clean and dry the bottom and skin creases thoroughly
• Use a barrier cream at each nappy change
• Leave your baby without a nappy on whenever you can
• Wash your hands before and after changing nappies
• Avoid strong detergents on terry nappies and rinse thoroughly

Treatment:

If your baby does get a rash, try one of the nappy rash creams you can buy from any pharmacy. Sometimes, however, it may seem that no matter what yoy try to do, you can't get rid of the rash. In this case, the rash may have become secondarily infected, most probably with candida. As well as the usual sore, red areas you may notice small white patches . If so, then it is important to treat the symptoms as well as the underlying cause. In such a case, antifungal creams (with or without steroids) may be required. Consult your pharmacist, health visitor or doctor for advice.