Nappy Rash Prevention and Treatment Tips -
Prevention is better than cure!
Your beautiful baby’s skin is so perfectly huggable that you’ll want to keep it that way. Unfortunately most infants will suffer nappy rash at some point in time and as a parent it is easy to panic.
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to soothe your baby’s skin and with a little extra care you can help protect your baby and help prevent nappy rash from occurring.
A simple skin care routine can help treat nappy rash and prevent the problem developing in the future:
Change your baby’s nappy frequently – it is important to stop urine being in contact with the baby’s delicate skin.
Clean your baby’s bottom well at each nappy change and allow it to dry completely before putting on a clean nappy.
Use water and cotton wool to clean the bottom, not wet wipes which can contain chemicals that can aggravate skin that is already irritated.
Use a protective ointment – coat your baby’s bottom with a thin layer of protective ointment such as Bepanthen® at every nappy change and especially at bedtime. This reinforces the skin’s natural barrier and helps stop the irritating chemicals in urine and faeces from penetrating.
Don’t use talcum powder as it does not offer the protection of barrier preparations and can instead cause friction and skin irritation.
Allow the skin to breath – allow for the baby to kick their legs without a nappy as much as possible, before a bath is an ideal time. Make sure the room is warm and there’s a towel or nappy mat for any little leaks!
Loosen the nappy – absorbent disposable nappies can keep the skin dry but make sure they are loose enough for air to circulate.
Avoid plastic pants and tight clothes as they stop the area breathing.
If the rash is spreading outside the nappy area or the skin is broken or weeping or your baby is feverish or unwell or the nappy rash has not responded to your treatment within a few days you need some expert advice – Consult your pharmacist or doctor.
It is also important to be aware that there are times when your little one is more vulnerable to nappy rash. Take extra care to protect your baby’s delicate skin when your baby:
Is premature.
Is teething.
Is unwell or recovering from a vaccination.
Is taking antibiotics; these can upset the delicate balance in the body and make such infections more likely.
Is particularly sensitive, or there is eczema in the family.
Has a tummy upset.
Diet has changed, particularly during weaning or changing from the breast to the bottle.
Nappy Rash Prevention and Treatment Tips -
Prevention is better than cure!
