<b>How To Tackle A Nappy Rash</b>

Shop Departments

Home

Baby Bag
Baby Bath
Baby Bedding
Baby Changing
Baby Christening Shoes
Baby Clothing
Baby Clothing and Baby Linen
Baby Feeding
Baby Gift
Baby Mattress and Mattress Protector
Baby Record Books
Baby Rug and Toddler Rug
Baby Shoe
Baby Sports Clothing
Baby Walker
Bouncer and Walker
Breast Pump
Burberry Baby Gift
Car Seat
Carrier
Carry Cot
Changing Bag and Changing Mat
Christening Gift
Christmas Gifts for Baby Boys
Christmas Gifts for Baby Girls
Cot
Cot and Bed
Cot Toy
High Chair
Jewellery for Mum
Leather Baby Shoes
Maternity Clothes
Monitor
Moses Basket
Mummy Gifts
Musical Baby Toy
Nursery Furniture
Pamper Yourself
Play Mat
Pushchair
Pushchair Accessory
Rattle
Safety Gate and Guard
Storage for Baby Food
Toilet Training
Treat Yourself - UK Spa Break
Womens Fragrance
Yummy Mummy
Yummy Mummy Survival Guide
mummy-network Articles

How To Tackle A Nappy Rash

Nappy Rash is the term used to describe a rash or irritation in the area covered by the nappy. The first sign of nappy rash is usually redness or small bumps on the lower abdomen, buttocks, genitals and thigh folds – surfaces that have been in direct contact with the wet or soiled nappy. This type of nappy rash is rarely serious and usually clears in three or four days with appropriate care.

The most common causes of a nappy rash are:

Leaving a wet nappy on for too long. The moisture makes the skin more susceptible to chafing. Over time the urine in the nappy decomposes, forming chemicals that can further irritate the skin.
Leaving a stool-soiled nappy on for too long. Digestive agents in the stool attack the skin, making it more prone to a rash.

Regardless of how the rash begins, once the surface of the skin is damaged, it becomes even more vulnerable to further irritation by contact with urine and stool. While most babies develop nappy rashes at some point in their infancy, it happens less often in babies who are breastfed. Nappy rash occurs more often at particular ages and under certain conditions;

among babies eight to ten months old.
if babies are not kept clean and dry.
when babies have frequent stools and especially when they are left in their nappies overnight.
when a baby starts to eat solid foods
when a baby is on antibiotics.

To reduce your baby’s risk of a nappy rash, follow these tips:
- Change the nappy as soon as possible after a bowel movement. Cleanse the nappy area with a soft cloth and water after a bowel movement.
- Change wet diapers frequently to reduce skin exposure to moisture.
- Expose the baby’s bottom to air whenever feasible.
If the nappy rash develops in spite of your efforts use a nappy rash ointment or Vaseline. If the rash does not improve in three to four days consult your G.P.