Nappy rash is a very common skin condition that affects children under 2 years old. It happens when your baby wears a wet or dirty diaper for too long, the skin comes in contact with ammonia in urine or stool which causes the skin to be irritated. Mild cases are usually painless but a severe nappy rash can cause discomfort and distress to your baby.
Causes of nappy rash
Other factors that can cause a nappy rash or worsen it include:
- friction between the nappy and the skin
- plastic pants - they stop air circulating normally and keep the nappy area damped
- not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy frequently enough
- soap, detergent, or bubble bath
- alcohol-based baby wipes
- conditions like eczema, psoriasis, thrush, or impetigo
Symptoms of nappy rash
There may be red patches on your baby's bottom, or the whole area may be red. The rash may also spread to your baby's tummy or up their back. Their skin may look sore and feel hot to the touch, and there also may be spots, ulcers, or pimples.
Treatment for nappy rash
If your baby gets a nappy rash, you can normally treat the skin yourself. Consider these steps to help manage the condition:
- change your baby's wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible
- clean the whole nappy area gently but thoroughly, wiping from front to back. Use water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes.
- use good quality disposable nappies
- give your baby's bottom some air for as long as possible every day
- do not use talcum powder or antiseptics
- use soft towels or cotton wool when drying your baby's skin
- make sure the nappy fits your baby properly - a tight nappy can irritate the skin whilst a loose nappy will decrease the absorption
- apply a protective cream after each nappy change
Here are some nappy rash creams available on our site!
Mustela 1 2 3 Vitamin Barrier Cream
Prevention of nappy rash
You can reduce the chance of your baby getting nappy rash by ensuring your baby's skin is clean and dry. Hence, it is important to change your baby's nappies regularly. A baby under 12 months should have between 5 and 7 new nappies every day.
