Nappy rash - how to spot and treat it
If your baby has a red or blotchy bottom, find out if it could be nappy rash and what to do next
Identify if it really is nappy rash...
1. Nappy rash - a red inflamed rash usually made up of spots or blotches but it can develop into a combination of dry, cracked, broken or blistered skin.
2. Eczema - this will probably appear in folds and creases and if left untreated can result in the skin flaking. It may also spread beyond the nappy region and needs to be treated separately.
3. Thrush - bright red and normally in the folds of the skin. There may also be white scaling on the red area and it may appear glazed or shiny. If you suspect this, methods for nappy rash won't be enough and you'll need to see your GP for some anti-fungal treatment.
To limit nappy rash... try this
1. Give her lots of nappy-free time either outside if it's safe, or in a room with an easy-clean floor.
2. Try a barrier cream like Sudocrem, as this will protect the skin from getting irritated - apply a thin layer on her bottom, especially at night time.
3. When drying your baby's bottom, pat it dry rather than rub it, as rubbing irritates the skin more.
4. Rinse reuseable nappies well to get rid of all traces of ammonia, and use non-biological powder too.
5. At the first sign of nappy rash stop using plastic nappy covers as they keep the wee close to the skin.
6. When starting your baby on solids, introduce one new item at a time and wait a few days, to determine whether any nappy rash is due to a food allergy.
To beat nappy rash... try this
1. Wash your baby's bottom with just warm water (soap can irritate the rash), and avoid talcum powder as it can become caked in the skin creases.
2. At night put extra padding in a reuseable nappy for extra absorbency.
3. Use a nappy rash cream and if the problem gets worse and/or your baby develops a temperature, talk to your GP as she may have an infection.
Check out MFM's nappy rash cream reviews to find the best for your baby's bottom.
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