How to deal with nappy rash

Nappy rash is quite common in babies, but can be worrisome. We have some helpful tips on how to deal with it, in this collaborative post.

One could say that nappy rash is just a part of growing up. When babies wear nappy, wetness is trapped against their skin. This wetness can lead to irritation, red bumps, pimples, or swelling.  Most diaper rash is normal, and to be expected. If you take simple precautions to keep your baby’s skin dry, such as leaving his diaper off for fifteen minutes after changing him, applying a layer of barrier cream after each changing, and changing his nappy frequently you should be able to stop most cases normal diaper rash. Sometimes, however, the rash won’t go away. Then you need to try severe nappy rash treatment to get back the smile on your baby’s face.

Severe nappy rash is classed as a rash that doesn’t go away after a week of trying simple drying methods.  At this point, you may want to make an appointment with your child’s doctor, but he will probably recommend one of the following methods to treat what’s going on.

First, it may be that your baby’s sensitive skin is having an allergic reaction to his wipes, nappies, or nappy cream. Try switching brands one at a time to see if there is any improvement. Your baby might also be having an allergic reaction to something in his diet. If he is already on solid foods, eliminate acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus. If he is still breast feeding, eliminate those things from your diet. Food allergy nappy rash is generally more concentrated around the anus rather than spread out across the entire diaper area.

If it isn’t an allergy, a severe nappy rash can sometimes be caused by a yeast infection.  A yeast infection will look bumpy and scaly in addition to be being bright red. This can occur if bacteria from the urine or feces in the nappy infect a normal diaper rash.

You could see your doctor, and he would most likely prescribe an anti-fungal cream.  However, you can also purchase an over the counter variety called Clotrimazole that most people say works just as well. After changing your paper and patting him dry, apply the anti-fungal cream, then white petroleum jelly over the top before putting on a clean nappy. You might also try feeding your baby a little plain yogurt mixed with his food or milk, as that can help eliminate any yeast that has built up in his intestines.

Treatment for severe nappy rashes caused by food or yeast can effectively be treated at home. However, if your baby’s nappy rash starts to ooze or moves out of the nappy area and onto the abdomen, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

This means that you are probably dealing with a bacterial infection that is too strong to be treated with over the counter medication alone.  Don’t panic, there are plenty of prescription creams that should clear up the infection in no time. Engaging in severe nappy rash treatment is a common occurrence for most parents.