Do you know how to protect your baby's skin from the discomfort of nappy rash?
Nappy rash, or nappy dermatitis, is a skin irritation which occurs when the skin barrier is impaired due to contact with faeces and urine, triggering inflammation.
It is a common problem with newborn babies and can be caused by several things:
- continuous contact with nappies
- rubbing, especially when baby learns to sit up
- a warm and damp environment, in particular if nappies do not allow the skin to breathe
- use of aggressive cleansing products (rinse-off or wet wipes)
How to prevent nappy rash
Follow our advice to prevent and treat nappy rash, as well as reddening and irritation of the sensitive skin of babies’ bottoms.
- Good hygiene is essential: change your baby’s nappy often and clean your baby’s bottom and genital area very carefully using products that have been specially formulated for babies or a neutral soap.
- If possible, don’t use disposable wipes: substances they contain linger on your baby’s skin.
- Keep skin dry: a damp environment only encourages the onset of irritations and nappy rash. At every nappy change, make sure the skin is dry, patting it gently with a towel (and not rubbing).
- Don’t fasten the nappy too tightly: nappies rubbing against the skin is the main cause of nappy rash.
- Apply a soothing and protective cream formulated for sensitive and delicate skin, preferably one that is fragrance-free.
- If the skin is irritated, leave your baby’s nappy off for as long as you can to let it breathe.
- If the irritation persists, ask your paediatrician for advice. It may be an allergic dermatitis.
Treatment for sore bottoms
Sometimes, despite all your best efforts, your baby’s bottom can become reddened (for example if he has diarrhoea).
Red patches are the first sign of irritated skin but they don’t necessarily mean it is nappy rash. If you notice the nappy area is red, you can try applying a soothing zinc oxide cream.
Zinc oxide is extremely effective at protecting and soothing skin irritated by external agents.
It is best to avoid products with a high percentage of oils and fats because they could clog up the skin, making the situation even worse.
If your baby is suffering from nappy rash, you could use medical products to repair the skin barrier, treating the cause of the problem.
As a general rule, always use products which contain safe and effective ingredients which are specially recommended for baby’s delicate skin.
The above information is not medical advice. It is given purely as an indication and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.