Nappy Rash - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Nappy rash is a skin inflammation. Nappy rash is very common. The affected areas can either be dry or moist and sometimes look pimply. Nappy rash may also be caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis, a condition of unknown cause where there's excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Infection of the skin with the yeast Candida may cause nappy rash, or complicate irritant dermatitis. Very rarely recurrent nappy rash is a sign of a serious underlying condition affecting the immune system or zinc metabolism. The main cause is wetness. Newborns urinate often and have frequent, loose bowel movements. Even the most absorbent nappy leaves some moisture on a baby's delicate new skin. A baby left in a dirty nappy for too long is more likely to develop nappy rash; however, it can still strike the bottoms of babies with particularly sensitive skin, even if their parents are frequent nappy changers. Other cause of nappy rash is the skin being kept wet along with the chemical irritation of ammonia, produced by stale urine. This has the effect of breaking down the protective barrier normally formed by the skin, causing redness and rawness (inflammation) and allowing germs of various types to attack. Chemicals in disposable nappies were a problem for some babies, but this seems to be much less of a problem now. Babies may react to the elastic at the waist and legs of disposable nappies, and also to other components, but this is only rarely a problem. Nappy rash is red swollen skin that looks damp and may have some blisters or ulcers. The whole of the skin covered by a nappy may be damaged, or much smaller patches. It is usually in the area that is covered by a nappy. The skin inside the folds such as between the buttocks may not be so red. Sometimes there can be small patches of red skin on the tummy with healthy skin around them. This can be a sign of an infection on top of the nappy rash.

Many babies get nappy rash when they are unwell, particularly if they have diarrhoea. Their skin seems to become more sensitive. Most common infection of nappy rash to complicate the ammonia-like irritation is thrush (candida). In this event, the rash often has clusters or red spots around the margins of the main red area. Other germs (bacteria) can also infect the area. There may be a little redness, but the area may become very sore and red, with red spots, blister and broken skin. The signs of nappy rash include is inflamed skin - the skin around the genital area and anus looks red and moist. Blistering - the skin may blister, then peel, leaving raw patches (ulcers). Spreading - the rash can spread onto the tummy and buttocks. and Ulcers - small ulcers can sometimes form on healthy skin near the area of the rash. The best treatment of nappy rash Use warm water rather than wipes to clean the skin and reduce irritation, making sure that the nappy area is completely clean and dry before a new nappy is put on. Pat with a towel, rather than rubbing, to dry skin. A barrier cream, such as zinc and castor oil cream, will protect the skin. Avoid talcum powder as it can cake badly and cause even more irritation. Use only soaps made for babies and baby wipes that do not have alcohol in them. (Wipes made for babies do not have alcohol, but wipes made for adults often do have alcohol in them. Alcohol stings badly on damaged skin). Clean your baby's bottom with plain water at nappy changes. If this does not clean the skin well enough, try sorbolene cream, which is a simple and soothing cream. Don't put a nappy on your baby whenever practical. Give pain relief if necessary.

Causes of Nappy Rash

Common Causes and Risk factors of Nappy Rash

Chemical irritation of ammonia.
Wetness.
Irritant dermatitis.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Plastic pants.
Friction.
Thrush.

Sign and Symptoms of Nappy Rash

Common Sign and Symptoms of Nappy Rash

Red spots, blister and broken skin.
Fever.
Allergies.
Candida rash the skin ,called satellite lesions.

Treatment for Nappy Rash

Common Treatment for Nappy Rash

Keeping the nappy area as clean and dry as possible. If possible, let the baby roam without a nappy for a few hours each day, exposing the skin to warm dry air.
Use warm water rather than wipes to clean the skin and reduce irritation, making sure that the nappy area is completely clean and dry before a new nappy is put on. Pat with a towel, rather than rubbing, to dry skin. A barrier cream, such as zinc and castor oil cream, will protect the skin.
Cloth nappies should be washed using a non-biological washing powder, using an extra rinse where possible.
Wash baby's bottom very gently so you don't rub the skin, but make sure that the skin is clean (check in all of the folds).
Using a simple cleanser such as sorbolene rather than soap may be better to wash your baby's bottom.
Use only skin wipes that are made for babies. Skin wipes for adults often have alcohol in them and this can cause pain and discomfort on damaged skin.
Use a barrier cream, to keep dampness away from the skin, every time you change the nappy - eg zinc and castor oil, or zinc and cod liver oil.
Pain relief using paracetamol can help.
Covering damaged skin using a barrier cream gently and often can be soothing.
Clean your baby with good quality baby wipes or warm water and a cloth.
Avoid using plastic pants.

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