What is nappy rash and how to treat it ?

What is nappy rash?

Here’s a list of telltale signs that you can identify:

• Baby’s bottom is red, irritated and sensitive (you might see rashes and/or red patches)
• Baby’s bottom is pink to fiery red and these patches form W or Y shapes covering the inside of the thighs , buttocks, and genitals (skin folds are usually exempt from it)
• Your baby is suddenly upset at night and/or cries when you change the nappy.
• Some of these signs seem right to you but you are still unsure of what’s affecting your baby?

Why is baby's skin easily irritated?

Nappy rash is a very frequent skin condition of babies. Between 3 and 20 months, 50% of babies will have had such irritations. Find comfort in knowing that you are not alone out there!

Nappy rash occurs due to irritation from nappy friction and macerations of stools and urine.

It’s been observed that nappy rash occurs generally between 6 and 12 months. That’s when your baby starts to sit upright: friction between skin and nappy are at an all time high!

That apart, nappy rash can be caused by teething, fever, diarrhoea, or changes in baby’s diet.

It is very painful for babies but if taken care of early enough, it can be soothed rapidly.      

How to get rid of nappy rash? 

Quick actions to soothe the skin will ensure that the rash will go away rapidly - often in a matter of days!

To achieve this, your baby’s bottom need to breathe a lot and you need to soothe these red patches

1. Keep baby's bottom clean and dry 

To prevent and treat a rash, the essential step is to ensure your baby's nappy area is kept dry and clean. When changing the nappy, use a soft cloth or squirt water from a bottle to clean the area gently. It's okay to use baby wipes, but be sure to handle them with care.

Avoid rubbing the skin too hard and refrain from using wipes containing alcohol. You could even go for a zero waste cleansing routine with Mustela's Eco-wipes. Reusable and washable, our wipes are made of 100% certified GOTS* organic cotton.

Additionally, allowing your baby to go nappy-free for some time can be beneficial. You can place towels or disposable waterproof pads down to create a nappy-free zone. 

2. Change nappies often 

It's best to change your child's nappy as soon as possible. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can irritate the skin and cause nappy rash. Therefore, it's recommended to change slightly wet nappies right away, especially if your child has an active nappy rash.

3. Switch to disposable nappies

While cloth nappies have several benefits, they may not be the most suitable option when your child has a nappy rash. It can be helpful to switch to super-absorbent disposable nappies until the rash heals. These diapers can keep your child dry and promote faster healing.

4. Check the size of your child’s nappy

Wearing a nappy that's too small can increase the likelihood of developing a rash and hinder the healing process of rash on the bottom. On the other hand, a diaper that's too big can cause friction and irritation, worsening your baby nappy rash.

Make sure to check your baby's current diaper size and consider switching to a different size if necessary.

5. Nappy rash treatment

Barrier creams, also known as nappy creams can be applied to the skin to protect it from moisture, friction, and irritants. When it comes to nappy rash, using a barrier cream can offer several benefits, including:

1. Preventing further irritation: Barrier creams or ointments create a protective layer between the baby's skin and the nappy, reducing the risk of further irritation from moisture and friction.
2. Soothing the skin: Many barrier creams contain ingredients that can soothe the skin and relieve discomfort, such as zinc oxide. Mustela Vitamin barrier cream contains an exclusive complex of patented natural active ingredients which guarantees a triple effect on nappy area skin discomfort and irritation - in any circumstance, even during diarrhoea and teething.
3. Promoting healing: By protecting the skin and reducing further irritation, barrier creams can help promote healing of the rash and prevent it from getting worse.
4. Preventing infection: In some cases, nappy rash can become infected with bacteria or yeast. Barrier creams can help prevent this by creating a barrier that prevents these organisms from entering the skin.
5. Keeping the skin moisturised: Some barrier creams contain ingredients that can help keep the skin moisturized, which can be especially helpful for babies with dry or sensitive skin. It is always best to avoid products that can potentially harm your little bundle of joy, like hydrocortisone. Whenever possible, opt to treat your baby’s delicate skin with natural, baby-safe products. 

How to apply nappy rash cream?

Apply a thin layer of nappy rash cream to the affected area. Make sure to cover the rash completely and apply the cream generously. It's important to use a cream that's specifically designed for nappy rash, as some other lotions or creams may contain ingredients that can further irritate the skin.

What to do to avoid recurring bottom's rashes?

Prevention is better than cure. Here are a few tips to avoid little redness going bad:

• As a rule of thumb, change baby’s nappy as soon as is it soiled with stools or urine
• Always check that baby’s skin is dry before fastening the nappy (always pat and not rub)
• Protect as often as possible baby’s skin with a fragrance free cream before putting on a fresh nappy (and especially those little skin folds)
• Thoroughly wash your hands before and after changing nappies

Now that you know all about nappy rash, your baby’s bottom will soon again be as soft as can be, and you : a relaxed parent.

Always seek medical advice if condition remains unchanged after one week, or if there is oozing discharge from the rash at any stage.