| Nappy rash has become the generic term for any | | | | moisture away, so that if ammonia forms, it is less |
| redness on the skin in the nappy area. An adult's skin is | | | | likely to irritate the dry skin. Changing nappies regularly |
| 2mm thick, whilst an infant's is only 1mm, so it is only | | | | will help prevent ammonia from forming. |
| natural that they are more susceptible to irritants. | | | | Excessive Heat |
| Whilst true nappy rash is not uncommon it is important | | | | The warm, moist environment inside the nappy is ideal |
| to be able to distinguish between that and other | | | | for bacteria formation and a trigger for nappy rash. Do |
| rashes that come under the "nappy rash" umbrella. | | | | not use PVC pants or disposable nappies as they both |
| Thrush | | | | use plastics which cannot allow the skin to breathe. |
| A candida infection is indicated by a whitish scaling at | | | | Use a PUL, fleece or woollen cover over a cloth |
| the edge of the rash, or small spots. It can be treated | | | | nappy to cool baby's skin and allow airflow. |
| with sunshine - yeast hates the sun, and a good | | | | Friction |
| anti-fungal crème available from your | | | | Rubbing from nappies can cause moist skin to blister. |
| pharmacist. Using a hemp nappy will help because of | | | | Be sure to use a liner which keeps the skin dry and is |
| it's anti-fungal properties. | | | | a barrier between the nappy fabric and baby's skin. |
| Allergy Dermatitis | | | | Ill Health/Food |
| Can be caused by irritants coming into contact with | | | | Illness and teething are major culprits for nappy rash |
| the skin. Be sure to avoid enzyme-based detergents, | | | | as both urine and stools change composition and are |
| rinse regularly and use a sensitive detergent if | | | | more likely to burn the skin during times of |
| necessary. Allergy dermatitis is often caused by | | | | compromised health. Some foods such as juice or chilli |
| perfumes and other chemicals involved in the | | | | can burn the skin within hours. You may need to avoid |
| processing of disposable nappies, but the main culprit is | | | | trigger foodstuffs until the skin is strong enough to |
| the myriad of ingredients in disposable wipes. Use cloth | | | | cope. |
| wipes with warm water. | | | | Remedies |
| Intertrigo | | | | The best remedy for nappy rash is no nappy! Allow |
| This rash is caused by the skin remaining wet too long. | | | | as much airtime as possible. |
| It is found in the folds of skin in the groin area, under | | | | Bathe at least twice a day - preferably after each |
| the chin during the "drooling age" and in the armpit area. | | | | bowel movement. |
| While some people like to use cornflour, this can lead | | | | Change frequently. This is also the best way to |
| to further infection as it retains moisture, it is best to | | | | prevent nappy rash. |
| use a moisture barrier crème such as zinc | | | | Use a mild camomile tea in your wipes solution. |
| oxide or zinc and castor oil. Intertrigo is extremely | | | | Chamomile is calming for the skin and promotes |
| painful, so avoid rubbing the skin. | | | | healing. |
| Seborrhoeic Dermatitis | | | | To make chamomile solution: Boil up one cammomile |
| If the rash is scaly, yellowing and appears elsewhere, | | | | teabag in 1 ½ cups water for 5 minutes. Allow to |
| such as behind the ears or under the arms it may be | | | | cool. |
| seborrhoeic dermatitis. See your doctor for treatment. | | | | You can also make a chamomile compress. Soak a |
| Nappy Rash Proper | | | | face washer with chamomile solution and place over |
| True nappy rash is caused by exposure to urine and | | | | the red area. Then put on the nappy to keep the |
| faeces for too long. How long is "too long" will depend | | | | compress in place. Remove after an hour or so - you |
| on your baby and his skin's sensitivity as well as his | | | | should be able to see a difference in that time. |
| overall health. Urine is sterile until it mixes with bacteria | | | | Use a barrier crème. This protects the skin |
| on the skin, in faeces, and in the nappy itself. This | | | | from burning chemicals. |
| changes the chemical composition and produces | | | | Give extra cuddles! Nappy rash is painful and your little |
| irritants which can cause nappy rash. | | | | one needs comfort. |
| Ammonia | | | | If the nappy rash does not get better in a couple of |
| With its very high pH is one of these chemicals. Using | | | | days, or if it spreads, get advice and treatment from |
| a liner over the entire nappy area will wick the | | | | your doctor. |