Almost all babies develop some form of nappy rash during the first 12 months of their life.
Nappy rash is linked to wet or infrequently changed nappies, diarrhoea, new foods and antibiotics.
Nappy rash is usually called diaper rash in the USA. It is also known as irritant diaper dermatitis.
Nappy rash is normally harmless, albeit distressing for baby and mother. Sometimes it can become infected, which requires medical attention.
What causes nappy rash?
Nappy rash occurs when the faeces and urine irritate the delicate skin around the baby’s buttocks and genital area.
In general, nappy rash occurs due to the following:
- When the nappy (together with the urine and/or faeces) have been on the baby for too long. The ammonia in the urine and the bacteria in the faeces may inflame and irritate the baby’s skin
- When the baby has diarrhoea due to a stomach bug or when the baby’s diet is changed (weaning onto solid foods or weaning from breast milk to formula milk)
- The strong chemicals in some soaps used to wash the baby’s skin can irritate it and cause nappy rash. Always use gentle, certified organic soap specifically for baby’s skin to avoid irritating it by toxic chemicals
- The chemicals in bubble bath and baby wipes are quite toxic to baby’s skin and can often cause nappy rash, especially since they have direct contact with the skin and can irritate it. Use ones that are chemical free and gentle on baby’s skin
Symptoms of nappy rash
Nappy rash causes:
- redness
- inflammation
Sometimes there can also be blisters, pimples and spots.
Treatment of nappy rash
change the baby’s nappy as soon as it becomes soiled or wet. Newborn babies generally need nappy changing about 10-12 times a day, while toddlers (up to 12 months old) usually require 6-8 nappy changes.
A calendula based barrier cream can be an effective and natural remedy. The calendula is very gentle, yet it is also an antiseptic, which promotes healing and helps to reduce inflammation. The barrier cream should provide a barrier between the urine/faeces and the baby’s skin.
Doctors will prescribe a nappy cream for nappy rash.
References
- ACD A-Z of skin – nappy rash. The Australasian College of Dermatologists. Accessed 7 July 2024
- Kid’s health information: nappy rash. The Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia. Accessed 7 July 2024
- Nappy rash. DermNet USA. Accessed 7 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 7 July 2024
