Nappy rash is a common problem affecting many newborns and toddlers and the dermatitis can be both painful and itchy. The redness and inflammation associated with nappy rash may worry most mothers but nappy rash treatment is goes beyond just applying ointments and creams to ease baby’s suffering. In babies with other skin conditions, like eczema, a nappy rash can be compound the skin dermatitis and treatment should be focused more on prevention rather than treatment alone.
The primary cause of nappy rash is dampness on a sensitive skin. As the saying ’soft as a baby’s bottom’ usually implies a delicate skin type, it should be remembered that baby’s skin is not as hardy as adult skin. The air, dust, creams, lotions, nappy fibers and dampness is an enclosed environment is the perfect conditions for any skin inflammation (dermatitis) and nappy rash can quickly get infected with bacteria and fungi.
Common Causes of Nappy Rash
- Prolonged exposure to dampness
- Poor hygiene when cleaning baby’s skin, excrement or urine from the skin
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infection (thrush, Candida albicans) of cut or inflamed skin.
- Allergic reaction to perfumed creams, lotions or the nappy fabris.
- Aggravation of other skin conditions like eczema.
Nappy Rash Treatment
- Most cases of nappy rash can be treated effectively with topical applications and a corticosteroid, antibacterial or antifungal cream may be necessary in certain cases.
- In cases of eczema, a corticosteroid cream and good emollient will assist with treating the eczema.
- Frequent nappy changes with good cleaning of baby’s bottom genitals and surrounding skin is necessary.
- Alum powder and talcum powder will absorb any excess moisture within the nappy.
- Petroleum jelly will seal baby’s skin from prolonged moisture and dampness.
- If baby is allergic to the nappy or perfumes within the nappy, try to change the nappies you are using on baby. Expensive nappies are not necessary the best and a cheaper nappy may sometimes be better tolerated by baby’s skin.
Natural Nappy Rash Remedies
- A fungal infection is common due to the deal environment for a fungus to thrve (darkness, dampness and warmth). Exposing baby’s bottom to air and light for as much as possible will assist with reducing the fungus spread. Do not use tea tree oil, cream or soap on baby’s skin to treat the fungal infection as baby’s skin is too sensitive for tea tree applications.
- A calendula (marigold) gel, cream or soap may assist with soothing baby’s skin and reducing the chances of bacterial and fungal infections.
- A homeopathic anti-itching remedy can be administered to baby in liquid form within baby’s drinking water or through a small dropper.
- If alum powder or talcum powder is not reducing dampness on baby’s skin, you can try corn flour sprinkled into baby’s nappy. This is just as effective as alum or talcum powder but should not be used if baby has allergic skin conditions like eczema.
- Remember that a skin rash may occur when baby is teething and can occur on baby’s bottom although it is not common.
It is always advisable to consult with a pediatrician before undertaking any nappy rash treatment.