Re: nappy rash?
Asked by tassiebiarch

Question:

hi just wondering if nappy rashes can spread?this is my youngerst,i have never had to deal with rashes!

I changed nappy brands this week for the first time and i am presuming that,that is

the cause. It started on his bottom and has spread down his legs and a few up his back and under his arms i really don't no what it is?

Ps i also changed washing powder

Oh man i hate this not knowing what a bloomen nappy rash is?

All you great members please help!!!!

My Advice:

Nappy rash is very common. No matter how careful you are most babies will get it one time or another in their nappy lives.

It is caused by your babies skin being wet or dirty for too long, but the problem is too long is different with each baby. Some need to be changed immediately while it happens to some babies overnight.

What Does It Look Like?

Nappy rash does not spread. It will appear where the nappy sits. Its red and looks swollen and can sometimes be blistered. It may appear on the tummy or back and this is what will happen if it gets infected.

What Can Trigger Nappy Rash?

Having a wet or dirty nappy on for too long can cause nappy rash. Nappy rash might happen when your baby is sick. Any illness like infections and especially diarrhoea  can cause nappy rash. It is thought that this happens because when they are sick their skin is more sensitive. New foods can trigger this too. Skin infections like thrush can make it a lot worse.

What Can Cause Nappy Rash?

Babies urine is sterile, but there are lots of germs on the skin and in the poo. The germs can make ammonia and this burns the skin. Also cloth nappies can be worse because they can be stiff and a lot of parents put plastic pants over the top to stop it leaking, but this also stops air flow, causing the skin to stay wetter for longer.

How To Fix and Prevent It

• Changing nappies reguarly and more often when they do have nappy rash will help it heal faster.
• Lots of nappy free time especially on babies who are more suseptable to it.
• Wash your babies bum a few times during the day and dry it really well. This will get rid of the germs and stop the nappy rash.
• Only ever use BABY wipes on babies bum. Never use other types of wipes as they may contain alcohol or other additives and will dry their bums.
• Use barrier creams like Bepanthem, Zinc (sudocream) and Cod Liver Oil to prevent the moisture from hitting their bums.
• Avoid plastic pants
• If you are using cloth nappies, wash in soap washing powder for sensitive skin and dry in a drier if possible to make them as soft as  possible.

Pain Relief for Nappy Rash

Babies with nappy rash will be more irritable because it hurts a lot. Panadol will help and so will soothing creams (make sure they have NO alcohol in them as this will burn them more causing severe pain) and of course lots of loving and cuddles.

Never use corn flour as this is what thrush feeds on and they might end up with thrush.

Always get nappy rash checked out by your doctor or health nurse. Not all rashes on their nappy area is nappy rash!