Nappy Rash: How To Treat & Prevent It

Nappy Rash is unfortunately common for babies, no matter how hard you try to prevent it.

1 in 3 babies suffer with it, and it can be caused by a number of little things, making your baby pretty uncomfortable.

My kids have never really suffered with day-to-day nappy rash, but they certainly do when they are experiencing an allergic reaction. Their poor little bottoms really suffer, and it’s so painful for them to experience.

I’ve tried all the usual high street treatments, and they always seem to bring the rash down, but what is key is preventing it before it strikes.

What Is Nappy Rash?

It’s is an inflammation of the skin, which can present itself as a red and patchy rash around a baby’s nappy area.

It is commonly seen on the baby’s bottom and sometimes on the baby’s genitals.

What Is The Cause Of Nappy Rash?

A baby’s skin is 40% thinner than adults, causing it to be more sensitive; it can get irritated by the slightest thing.

If your baby is premature, unwell, recovering from vaccinations, weaning, suffering from diarrhoea (hence my allergy comment above), or prone to hereditary eczema, nappy rash can be more common.

Familiar causes of nappy rash are:

• Irritation caused by the wetness of the contents of their nappy
• Spending a prolonged period of time in an unchanged nappy
• Left over dampness from baby wipes or a bath
• Prescribed antibiotics causing imbalances affecting delicate skin
• Allergic reaction from baby products such as wipes or creams

What Does It Look Like & When Does It Need Treatment?

It can look red and sore, and it can spread from the genital area to your baby’s bottom. Most of the time it does not sting and it’s not as irritating as it looks; sometimes fading in a few minutes.

If the skin becomes swollen and small wounds form (like broken skin), it is always best to ask your baby’s health visitor or pop to a pharmacist for the best way to treat the nappy rash.

How To Prevent Nappy Rash

Although having nappy rash is a relatively normal occurence for babies who wear nappies, here are a few tips to prevent it:

• Wash your baby in water regularly, and try not to use any harsh skin products
• Change your baby’s nappies every 4 hours at least
• Use water and cotton wool to clean the nappy area
• Avoid rubbing the nappy area when cleaning or dying your baby
• Try to allocate some nappy-free time to give the nappy area some fresh air
• Use a product such as Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment to protect baby’s delicate skin between nappy changes. It acts as a barrier for the skin, and because it contains natural ingredients and is free from fragrances, colours, antiseptics, parabens and preservatives, it’s a caring, and clinically proven prevention method

This post is an entry for the #BepanthenProtects Challenge, sponsored by Bepanthen. Learn more about how to protect baby’s sensitive skin at https://www.bepanthen.co.uk.

Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Lucy Clarke