Families For Life | Nappy Rash-Babies

Diaper rash is one of the most common skin conditions in babies and toddlers, affecting most children at some point during their early years. While it can be distressing to see your little one uncomfortable, the good news is that it is usually mild and easy to manage at home.

What is diaper rash?

If the skin around your baby's diaper area looks red and irritated, he might have a case of diaper rash. Possible causes are wet diapers—when urine and faeces mix, the resulting ammonia can cause rashes—and chafing. Other contributing factors include infrequent diaper changes, sensitive skin, or the introduction of new foods, which can change the composition of your baby's stool.

What does it look like?

Diaper rash typically appears as red, puffy, or tender-looking skin in the diaper area — including the buttocks, thighs, and genitals. In mild cases, the skin may just look a little pink. In more severe cases, the skin can become raw or develop sores.

What can you do?

Here are some things you can do to help ease diaper rash:

• Change your baby's diaper frequently and keep the area dry and clean.

• When drying the area, pat it dry instead of rubbing.

• Apply a layer of barrier cream at each diaper change. Make sure the cream is suitable for your baby's sensitive skin.

• If the rash does not improve, consult your doctor to rule out any fungal infection, which would require medication to improve.

Giving your baby some diaper-free time each day can also help. Letting the skin breathe and stay dry goes a long way in speeding up recovery.

When should you see a doctor?

Most diaper rashes clear up within a few days with proper care. However, you should seek medical advice if the rash spreads beyond the diaper area, is accompanied by fever, or if your baby seems to be in significant pain.


Contributed by:
HealthHub (adapted)