How to prevent a nappy rash

Nappy rash or otherwise known as diaper rash is one thing you do not want your baby to suffer from. The name ‘nappy rash’ came from leaving on a wet nappy (diaper). Nappy rash is the area covered by the diaper that has red spots, blisters, and sometimes broken skin. The area may just be very red and sore.

Causes

Nappy rash is caused by usually too much ammonia in the urine and the diaper being left on for long periods. This will cause redness and sometimes be very raw. It is usually worse with cloth diapers, especially when adding waterproof pants, instead of with disposables. The waterproof pants do not let air into the area.

Disposable diapers are much better at pulling the wetness into an inner layer to keep it away from baby. Another factor besides urine may be the detergent being left in the diapers after washing, just because the diapers or nappies go through the rinse cycle of your washing machine does not mean all the detergent is gone. It is best if you rinse the diapers more than once to aid in rinsing them entirely. Some babies have an allergic reaction to this detergent.

Treatment

The treatment is very simple to take care of a nappy rash. If possible, after noticing even a small red area while changing their nappy, clean the area thoroughly and then let the baby run around without a diaper to let air get to this area. If possible, let them take a nap with an adult size bed liner, if not use a cream especially created for diaper rash. This provides a barrier between the baby and the wetness.

Some even have antiseptic to help rid the area of germs. If it is a very bad case or if this does not help then take your baby into your pediatrician and they will prescribe a stronger medicine. They can also give you more advice on how to prevent diaper rash. Some babies just have very sensitive skin and nothing seems to help it.

Prevention is the best medicine. Here are a few tips for to help prevent nappy or diaper rash. Remember the diaper is a help in stopping the bedding from getting wet. It is not a way to stop changing it for hours at a time. You may have to change the baby, especially newborns as much as every hour. Always change before nap or bedtime.

Never let your baby go to bed with a soiled diaper. Clean the area every time with either a baby wipe or warm soapy water. Use soaps especially created for baby not what you use. The soaps adults use are stronger and can cause some babies to break out with a rash. The gentle soaps are made just for their delicate skin. These tips should help you keep your baby’s skin free of rashes.