Nappy Rashes: From Cause to Cure

Aside from teething, the other cause of discomfort in a baby’s life is nappy rashes. Nappy rash, also known as diaper rash, is a rash that forms on your baby’s skin around the diaper area. Nappy rashes are accompanied by red splotches or reddish dry, scaly-like skin around your baby’s bottom area or genital area. It is a common occurrence; even with a watchful eye, it’s bound to happen. Unless your bundle of joy goes full-on commando, just about every baby who wears diapers or nappies will get the rash at some stage of their baby lives. A nappy rash can be uncomfortable and deems as an annoyance to your little baby boy or baby girl, much more severe rashes can cause itchiness and even mild pain. Followed by the struggle of dealing with the discomfort from nappy rashes is a whole lot of crying and alarmed parents. Snooze that alarm because we at OETEO have the 101 on dealing with nappy rashes, from cause to cure!

 

The Many Causes of Nappy Rashes

Overexposure to a wet or dirty diaper – Babies are mainly susceptible to nappy rashes because of being in a wet or dirty diaper for long periods of time. The said prolonged exposure causes your baby’s sensitive skin to in contact with stool and urine which irritates the skin. Bacteria in nappy rashes tend to grow and flourish in warm and moist places which makes a baby’s diaper an ideal one.

Chafing – An overly tight fitted diaper can cause irritation when your baby moves around, causing the rash to form around the diaper area.

New products – Introducing your baby to a new product can be the cause of rashes as well. Your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and can react poorly to a certain type of substance. Be it baby wipes or even diapers, the substance found in these products may irritate your baby’s skin and cause a rash-like reaction. 

New foods – The stool that is formed when your baby eats new, solid foods can cause irritation which leads to nappy rashes. A nappy rash can even appear if your baby is still feeding on breastmilk, the reaction is caused in response to the mother’s diet. 

Skin conditions – A baby who already has a skin condition such as eczema or thrush is more susceptible to nappy rashes.

Yeast infection – Warm and moist places are ideal places for bacteria to grow and spread, making a baby’s diaper the perfect place and hence, a baby is more prone to yeast infections followed by nappy rashes.

 

Treating Nappy Rashes

 

Change Your Baby’s Diaper Often

Without missing a beat, get your baby’s diaper changed as quickly as you can. This will keep the diaper area clean and dry, keeping the nappy rash at bay. Do a diaper check every hour or so, this will allow you to be ahead of letting a wet or soiled diaper sit on your baby’s skin for too long.

Keep Your Bundle of Joy Clean

Cleaning your baby after a nappy change is very important, use some warm water and soft cotton pads to wipe your baby’s bottom and the genital area thoroughly, make sure all crevices are wiped down well. Don’t tug away at the skin as this can worsen the rash and avoid using baby wipes as they can further add to the already unbearable irritation. Throughout the period of a present nappy rash, you’d want to skip out on soaps during bath time as soaps, no matter how mild it may be, can dry out your baby’s skin making the rash a whole lot worst; bathe your baby in a gentle, soap-free cleanser instead. 

Keep Your Baby’s Bottom Dry

As we all know by now, bacteria flourish in moist places so ensuring that your baby is as dry as a bone (figuratively speaking, of course) is key to putting an end to nappy rashes. Let your baby air dry after baths and after nappy changes.

Have Your Baby Go Commando

More time without a nappy on will give the skin a little breather, lay your baby on a towel butt-naked and keep them that way for as long as possible; you can even leave them to take naps this way, but you might want to place a waterproof sheet underneath just in case of an accident.

Create A Barrier

Head on over to the pharmacy and get a cream (Vaseline will do just fine) that will keep your baby’s urine or faeces from being in contact with the skin. 

See A Paediatrician

Your paediatrician should have a quick fix in a bottle that will get rid of the rash in a heartbeat, it is recommended to seek medical advice if the rash doesn’t seem to be recovering or for severe cases.