How To Deal With Nappy Rash?
- by WONDERMOM
- Sept. 19, 2022
Diaper rash is a red, itchy, or damaged region of skin on the bottom of your infant. It occurs when your child’s skin comes into extended contact with damp or soiled diapers. Urine from a new-born that is healthy and free of illnesses is often sterile. However, it may still irritate the skin, so keeping your infant in a wet diaper for too long might result in nappy rash.
Do not be alarmed if your child develops this skin condition; regardless of how well a baby is cared for, nappy rash is inevitable at some point. The majority of infants will encounter it during the first 18 months, regardless of the kind of diaper they use (disposable or reusable). Depending on the child, the skin may be sensitive or insensitive. A child with sensitive skin may also be more susceptible to developing rashes on other parts of their body. Infections, such as a cold or another viral illness, can trigger diaper rash. For some, this is the only circumstance in which they will experience rash.
In most cases, diaper rash can be successfully treated at home with the assistance of a maternal and child health nurse. If you believe that your child’s diaper rash is severe, is making your baby very uncomfortable, or does not clear up within a few days, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
SYMPTOMS OF NAPPY RASH
Diaper rash symptoms can include:
- Your infant’s skin may seem red and wet.
- Your child’s skin may feel warm or hot to the touch, particularly in areas that appear particularly sore.
- Blistering can cause their skin to blister and then peel, resulting in sensitivity, raw patches, or even acne.
- Spreading the rash can easily spread to the entire nappy area, sometimes even toward the abdomen or into the skin folds.
- Small ulcers can occasionally develop on healthy skin near the rash.
In extreme cases, discomfort can cause infants to become distressed. Damage to the skin can be painful and distressing for the infant, especially if urine contacts the rash.
TREATMENT & PREVENTION
There are routine practises that can reduce the likelihood of nappy rash or help to treat it if it occurs. These consist of:
- Use disposable diapers of high quality whenever possible, as they absorb urine more effectively and keep the outer layer (adjacent to the skin) dry.
- If using cloth diapers, they should be changed frequently, and plastic pants should not be worn over them because they impede skin’s ability to breathe.
- Change your baby’s diaper frequently and immediately if they become soiled.
- Avoid wet wipes that contain alcohol. Purchase fragrance- and alcohol-free alternatives
- Remove diapers whenever feasible. This will allow your baby’s skin to thoroughly dry, breathe, and take a break from contact with any substance. Try placing your infant on a towel for tummy time and other floor activities.
- Avoid soaps and wipes with excessive fragrance, since they might irritate the skin.
- Use gentle dabbing motions with soft towels or cotton wool to dry the skin.
Apply a barrier cream to the baby’s skin to protect it