Nappy Rash- Cause, Treatment and Prevention
Nappy rash is a self explanatory term, meaning a rash in the area covered by a baby’s nappy. More often than nappy rash can be related to the use of certain soaps, creams, and even certain nappies. Such products can interfere with the skins protective barrier, making it vulnerable to infection. The rash may be minor in which case you’ll observe red and inflamed skin, but in some severe cases ulceration can occur.
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Irritants include:
- Common irritants include Fungus, namely the same fungus that causes thrush infestations. Such irritants enjoy the moist environment provided by the nappy, and therefore effort should be focused toward ensuring this environment is kept relatively dry. Fungal infections often present with white, flaky areas. Dermatitis and ezcema are also common causes of nappy rash. Essentially however soaps are the main offenders.
- Less commonly, bacteria may be the cause of the infection. Viruses such as herpes are also less common.
What can you do to prevent and treat Nappy Rash?
The use of irritating chemicals on the skin, breaks down the skins protective layers, making them more vulnerable to breakage. Once the skin is broken, bacteria and other chemicals from the babies faeces may enter the area, irritating it further. Such as environment is welcoming for fungal infections.
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Prevention:
Make sure you use highly absorbant nappies, whether they be dispoable or cloth nappies. Change the nappies every 2 hours, this will ensure the area stays dry. You should also avoid using soap, instead use alternatives such as Cetaphil and QV products, which are soap and fragance free. Due to the potential irritants in baby wipes, you should void these and instead use damp cloth baby wipes.
To reinforce the skins natural barriers, you should also apply a barrier cream, which contains zinc and castor oil, this is available from the local pharmacy.
If the nappy rash is more severe and the above measures don’t seem to be helping, you should visit your doctor or your pharmacist who may recommend a 1% cortisone containing cream along with an antifungal (Hydrazole is product containing a combination of less concentrated hydrocortisone 1% and Caneston).
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If the inflammation persists you best seek advise from the doctor, who may recommend a stronger medication, if bacteria or more resistant fungi are present.
Tags: baby, barrier cream, fungal infection, Nappies, nappy rash