Say No to Nappy Rash

There is no mistaking a nappy rash. Nappy rash appears where the skin has been in close contact with the nappy and it appears red and inflamed. Areas that are most commonly affected by nappy rash are the genitals, the bum and the folds of the thighs. In some babies the affected skin is dry, in others it appears moist. Some babies don’t appear to be bothered by their nappy rash at all, while others appear upset or distressed. Remember all babies are different, as are their reactions to these common problems. Nappy rash is very common especially in infants between nine and 12 months old.

When babies have nappy rash, their bums becomes red, raw, spotted and possibly even bleed. And if they happen to pee in their diaper, judging from their cries, it is as equivalent to pouring salt into an open wound.

Nappy rash occurs due to the moisture on the baby’s delicate skin which is mostly cause by the nappy. It is a well-known fact that newborn babies wee a lot and they also pass runny stools. This and other factors contribute to the moist around the baby’s genitals which also results to nappy rash. It is important to know that the more sensitive a baby’s skin is, the more likely it is to become irritated.

Babies crawling around in diapers may be cute but not if they get hit by nappy rash. Understanding the causes and treatment of nappy rash can help keep your child comfortable and happy.

Causes of Diaper Rash:

• The wetness in the diaper may contain ammonia especially if your baby tends to pooh frequently. Ammonia can be rough on the tender skin
• When diapers rub against the skin, the friction can cause a rash and there could also be an allergic reaction to the material or any baby products that you use  
• You may also notice nappy rash if you get your baby started on new foods or antibiotics
• Yeast infections thrive in damp diapers

You can help avoid nappy rash by following these tips:

• Change diapers regularly and don’t fasten them too tight.
• When changing diapers, clean the area with wet cotton balls or baby wipes
• Avoid rubbing the skin. Always pat it dry. A dry bum is a healthy bum.
• Use only high quality diapers like Pampers Baby Dry Pants
• It is okay to go diaper-free when your baby has a rash as long as the area is clean
• You can also apply an ointment recommended by your doctor
• Pay attention to the products you use and the food you are feeding your baby. If it is an allergic reaction, you can catch it quickly and replace the product or food
• If you leave your child at a daycare, make sure the staff there are aware of this and explain the steps they need to take to keep the rash in check.

Homemade remedies that you can use to heal nappy rash include;

To balance the alkaline present in urine which can hurt the baby’s skin, vinegar is ideal. It will help balance the pH levels. Diapers can be washed in water to which some vinegar is added. You could dilute vinegar with water and use it to wipe the diaper area clean.

You can create a barrier between the baby’s skin and the diaper by applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) over the diaper area each time you change the diaper, and after you clean the area.

Coconut oil is another alternative. You can massage the diaper area with coconut oil a few times a day as it is both antimicrobial and anti fungal. It can also be added to the bath water to keep infections at bay.

Ideally, nappy rash should heal within a week. If it doesn’t heal and is accompanied by other health issues, see your doctor immediately. 

By Mercy Kukah