Earth Babies Blog

For most people, if you say ‘cloth nappy’ the first thing to spring to mind is ‘nappy rash!’ Contrary to common perception nappy rash is not caused by the type of nappy used – whether cloth, disposables, top of the range or a no-name brand are used, nappy rash occurs.

Research commissioned by HUGGIES® reveals that nappy rash is still a big problem for little people – a massive 57% of all babies experience some form of nappy rash every two to three weeks.

Jean Golding, Professor of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children did research which has shown that “the type of nappy used is not a significant factor in the incidence of nappy rash” (Getting to the Bottom of Nappy Rash, R. Philip, A. Hughs & J. Golding. British Journal of General Practice, August 1997; pp.493-497). The major causes of nappy rash were found to be infrequent nappy changing and ill heath of the child. “

Statistically the most common cause of nappy rash is infrequent nappy change, and a large part of this percentage is due to diarrhoea.

“In 70-80% of these cases, diarrhoea has been found to be the cause: liquid poo spreads over a wide area of the skin and is very irritating”

WHAT IS NAPPY RASH?

Nappy rash is a skin irritation on the nappy area of a baby. Can vary from a mild rash (that baby is unaware of) to an extremely painful raw rash of blisters or pustules. Though most rashes can be effectively and quickly remedied at home, there are cases where the rash is either repetitive or of such an extent that medical treatment is required.
There are 3 basic causes for nappy rash – strong urine, skin infections, chemical sensitivity

COMMON REASONS FOR NAPPY RASH:

(from most common to rare)
1. Nappy changes few and far between
2. Diarrhoea
3. Allergens and irritants (external factors – creams, wipes, detergents etc)
4. Allergies & intolerances (internal factors – mainly food related)
5. Teething
6. Common colds
7. Thrush

THE APPEARANCE OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RASHES

*An ordinary nappy rash is very red, but not bright red. Baby shows no real signs of discomfort apart from when they wee or poo they may react to the sting experienced. the skin between their folds is not red or affected. Rash disappears within a day or few days with normal treatment – airing, using zinc cream and frequent changing. If rash continues visit a doctor.

*A fungal infection is bright red. Redness will affect the skin in the folds as well and spots may spread further over the bum area. Baby will possibly become upset during nappy change and cry. If none of the ordinary remedies such as airing, frequent changing and zinc paste make a difference, contact a doctor.

*A bright red, very warm and swollen nappy rash may be caused by a bacterial infection. . Baby could be feverish or moody and a visit to the doctor will be required and possibly antibiotic treatment.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

*Firstly: Nappy rash is pretty common in babies, so much so that all babies will experience it at some stage. Consequently this is not a negative reflection on your parenting skills.

*Secondly: If or when your baby experiences nappy rash, it is advised to try isolating the cause and not simply treating the symptom. Nappy rash is both uncomfortable and painful to her and taking some basic steps in identifying the cause and finding a specific solution can help avoid future breakouts.

*Thirdly: Though urine does not specifically irritate the skin, if the skin becomes very wet it is more vulnerable to irritation. However when urine and faeces combine OR urine is left too long before changing – ammonia forms which causes a rash on the skin, the longer it is in contact with the skin, the more extreme the inflammation.

The appearance of the skin irritation may differ from one baby to the next (one occurrence to the next), however they all fall under the term nappy rash. Though the treatment for all forms of nappy rash is virtually the same, it is important to not only treat the rash, but to consider the cause and take steps towards future prevention.

HOW TO TREAT NAPPY RASH:

1. Gently cleanse the area by either bathing with warm water or wiping clean with warm water and cotton wool. Do not use any scented soaps or creams that will further aggravate the inflammation. Do not rub dry, rather press or pat. Rinse skin properly.

2. Avoid baby wipes as even those for sensitive skin may contain ingredients that further irritate the skin – rather give a bum bath in the basin with clean water in nappy changes.

3. Treat the inflamed area with a nappy rash cream (preferably one that contains zinc). These creams are specifically formulated for treating inflammation.

4. Leave baby nappyless for a period of time – ideally outside, a little sunshine on the tender area is both soothing and helps with healing.

5. Ensure you only use nappy products that are breathable (porous).

6. In the event of the rash being very extreme or appearing infected (red spots form yellow heads or blisters), consult your practitioner as you may then need an antibacterial ointment.

THINGS TO REMEMBER IF USING CLOTH
– especially if there is nappy rash

1. Take care to change nappies more often – as soon as baby is wet, dont try stretch the time per nappy (it works out to about the same number of changes a day anyway).

2. Washing the skin rather than using wipes is quick and easy and better hygiene for babies skin.

3. Ensure you wash your nappies in hot water for this time (in case the rash is thrush related, the hot water helps sterilize).

4. Always ensure you are rinsing ALL the soap residue out (if your nappies harden on drying they probably still contain soap).

5. Use a fleece liner against babies skin to prevent the sensitive rash skin being in contact with wetness. It is not necessary as a norm but is good practice if baby is susceptible to rash (this works in disposables too)

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