Nappy rash on the other hand is skin inflammation that usually affects infants and young children wearing diapers. It usually develops when skin in the nappy area is exposed to frequent rubbing, friction, or chemicals in urine, and feces. Here is everything you need to know about nappy rash and some tips for how to fully deal with it.
Causes of Nappy Rash
- Moisture: Weariness and interaction with wet soiled diapers may cause the skin to become irritated.
- Friction: Friction against it may lead to rashes while the baby is moving.
- Irritants: Sensitizers or allergens in the wipe solution and the soap formulation or even the diaper material can cause allergies.
- Infection: Bacterial infections or Candida create infections in warm and moist areas causing nappy rash
- Dietary Changes: New foods also make urine or stool to become acidic or to develop some acidic material which may irritate a child.
Visit a dermatologist for a detailed checkup and treatment for all types of rashes.
Symptoms of Nappy Rash
- Irritation, red rash on the skin in the area covered by nappy.
- Dry or scaly patches
- Blisters or bumps
- Gassy or crying during the diaper change
- Occasionally, the rash may spread to the thighs or the abdomen.
Prevention of Nappy Rash
- Frequent Diaper Changes: Attend bedwetting and diaper soiling right away so as not to allow the baby’s skin to get in contact with moisture or any rough substance.
- Gentle Cleansing: Wash the diaper site with a mild soap and water or use alcohol free tender wipes. Processing should not involve soaps that have strong soapy content, or any scented products which cause skin irritation.
- Air Exposure: As much as possible let the baby’s bottom dry up on its own. Among the causes is not allowing the skin to breathe, and this could be avoided.
- Choose the Right Diaper: Since babies’ skin is sensitive, choose diapers that are washable, hypoallergenic and help the baby skin to breathe by removing moisture from the skin.
- Barrier Creams: Use a protective barrier during the diaper change especially when applying creams containing; zinc oxide or petroleum jelly.
Treatment of Nappy Rash
Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Wash the affected area with water and mild soap then rinse well to avoid deterioration of the skin before starting treatment.
- Use Barrier Creams: They should continue to use barrier creams in order to prevent extra damages to the skin. Especially effective are those which are based on zinc oxide.
- Limit Use of Wipes: It is advisable when to use a soft cloth wet in water in cleaning the body instead of wipes since wipes contain contents that may worsen the rash.
- Over-the-Counter Treatments: If the rash is bad or lasts for long, it is advisable to use over the counter cream such as hydrocortisone. Please consult with the healthcare provider before using this product.
- Seek Medical Attention: If the rash has not started to clear in a few days or starts to appear infected (red, swollen, oozing, warm to touch, increasing in size), then it is advised to visit a healthcare provider such as a Best Skin Specialist in Islamabad.
Conclusion
Nappy rash is not an unusual occurrence and in most cases, it can be prevented, controlled and treated. For one, even without medical knowledge, caregivers can successfully prevent the occurrence, as well as promote the healing process of nappy rash since their key predisposing factors as well as the symptoms are well understood. It is always advisable to take your child to a healthcare provider if you have issues with your child’s skin or the rash does not clear up.
