Small babies have different kind of ailments, which a mother or the one nursing the baby is well aware of. One of such recurring ailment is the nappy rash. In today’s world, one cannot imagine handling a baby without a nappy. But this can lead to a number of ailments. Nappy rash is the occurrence of rash or irritation in the nappy wearing area, and can be a cause of irritation and pain for all children. In the UK this is called nappy rash, whereas the US alternative for this is the diaper rash.

Causes of Nappy Rash

Nappy rash is an infection of the skin, occurring in the nappy area. Several conditions, from general causes, to lack of care and consciousness, and even to the extent of improper diet can lead to nappy rashes. They are as follows:

Irritants like dermatitis

Contacts of the skin with chemicals in the urine

Micro-organisms also increase the contents of alkalies in the urine that might lead to further infection

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, or an excess in the production of the sebum, by sebaceous glands.

Infection with yeast Candida

Wetness for a long time

Skin PH increase due to urine or bowel

Bad diet leading to increased production of enzymes in the faeces

Symptoms of Nappy Rash

The symptoms of nappy rashes are easily detected as the baby starts showing signs of irritation. The baby starts itching the nappy area, experiences pain and discomfort in sitting or lying down, irritation while passing urine or bowel, or even refuse to wear a nappy. Some of the commonly observed symptoms in the nappy area, sometimes down the leg or spreading in the abdomen are as follows:

Redness of the skin in the nappy area

Spots or blotches on the skin

Itching of the skin

patches of erythema

scaling in the skin folds

Discomfort in passing urine or bowel

Problem in sitting or walking

Secondary infections

Though no direct proof of any secondary infection caused by nappy rashes has yet been found out, still since the nappy rash leaves the skin in the nappy area particularly vulnerable and prone to infections, a secondary bacterial or fungal infection might occur. This can make the situation worse.

Diagnosis of Nappy Rash

It is easy to detect nappy rashes and differ it from other similar infections like Seborrheic dermatitis and Atopic dermatitis, that is eczema. This can be either don by the person nursing the baby, by the symptoms, or can be taken to the doctor. Once the disease has been detected, immediate treatment is needed to avoid secondary infections, and also to give relief to the child.

Treatment of Nappy Rash

Since nappy rash is common occurrence with every child, most of the time the parents, or the ones who are nursing the child tend to ignore it. They also treat nappy rashes with common talcum powder to make the place dry. This can further complicate the situation. As soon as the nappy rash has been detected, immediate treatment is to be rendered. This treatment includes the following:

Keep the infected area clean and dry

Let the baby use nappy as less as possible

Expose the infected skin area to dry and warm air

Zinc crème ointments

Steroid crème in severe cases

Anti-fungal ointments for Candida rashes

Application of water repellent barrier creams before putting on a nappy

Prevention of Nappy Rash

Nappy rash can be easily prevented with a little bit of care. Certain advises regarding the prevention of nappy rashes are as follows:

Don’t ignore the baby if it start showing irritation with the nappy

Keep a close watch on the hygiene of the baby

Change diapers regularly

Do not keep diapers for a long time even if it is clean

Use antiseptic powders

Go to the doctor if needed.