NAPPY RASH
At some stage, most babies will suffer from nappy rash. It is generally caused by contact of chemicals in the urine or stools with the baby's skin. It can also be a result of an allergic reaction to soap, washing detergent etc. In most cases the nappy rash will result in the skin being red, spotty and inflamed. This can be both painful and itchy and can cause the baby a lot of discomfort.
In more severe cases, the nappy rash can be complicated by the development of a bacterial of fungal infection (the warm moist environment of the nappy is the perfect place for bacteria or fungus to grow). The most obvious symptom of a fungal infection is a bright red rash with pinpoint spots, which is particularly evident in the crease of the skin. If a bacterial infection is present, the skin will be very red, weeping or there may be signs of yellow crusting.
TREATMENT
Zinc Oxide: has a cooling action on inflamed or broken skin. It is also believed to act as a protective agent.
Silicone (Dimethicone): forms a barrier on the skin, preventing the irritant chemicals coming into contact with the baby's skin.
Benzalkonium, Cetrimide, Calcium undecylenate: These act as antibacterials, helping to prevent the skin from becoming infected.
Cod Liver Oil, Lanolin: work by forming an oily protective barrier on the skin.
Anti-fungal agents: Clotrimazole and miconazole are both anti-fungal agents available in cream form. They help to clear the yeast Candida in fungal nappy rash. They should only be used in the treatment of nappy rash where a fungal infection is present.
Visit your doctor or pharmacist:
- If the baby appears to be in a lot of pain or discomfort
- If the baby is not feeding properly
- If the skin is broken and or bleeding
- If the rash is very severe
- If there are signs of weeping and or yellow crusting
Helpful Tips from Mulligans Pharmacy:
- Leave a baby's nappy off whenever possible to allow air at the skin.
- Nappies should be changed as often as required to reduce contact time of irritants from the stools and urine with the skin.
- At each nappy change it is important that the skin is thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying products. Skin should be patted dry to reduce irritation.
- When applying creams particular attention should be shown to the folds and creases of the skin to ensure these areas are clean and dry.
Shop Baby Skincare >
Ask a Mulligans Pharmacist a question now >