Download Nappy Rash

EarNappy
Infections
Rash
Delivering a Healthy WA
Powders
Powders are not necessary. There is concern
that talc powder and other powders may be
breathed in by a baby, and this may cause some
health problems. The yeast that causes thrush
feeds on cornstarch powder, so this powder
should not be used either.
What to do if nappy rash does
not go away
Sometimes the rash does not clear up
because there is an infection on the
damaged skin. Thrush can make nappy rash
worse as can some bacterial infections.
A baby may have an underlying skin problem
such as eczema. In this case the baby may
have rashes on other parts of the body (such
as the face). The rash may be inside the skin
folds, while nappy rash mostly does not affect
skin that is not in contact with the nappy.
nappy
rash
For more information contact:
Local Community Child Health Nurse
Local Family Doctor
Ngala Family Resource Centre Helpline
8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. 7 days a week
Telephone (08) 9368 9368
Outside metro area – Freecall 1800 111 546
www.ngala.com.au
Parent Help Centre/Parenting line
Telephone (08) 9272 1466 (24 hour service)
Outside metro area – Freecall 1800 654 432
© Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, reproduced
with permission. The South Australian Government does not
accept responsibility for the accuracy of this reproduction.
The original version is published at http://www.cyh.com
Warning
This document is published as general information only. You
should always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis
and treatment of any health condition or symptoms.
See the doctor or child health nurse. Creams
Disclaimer
The advice and information contained herein is provided in
good faith as a public service. However the accuracy of any
statements made is not guaranteed and it is the responsibility
of readers to make their own enquiries as to the accuracy,
currency and appropriateness of any information or advice
provided. Liability for any act or omission occurring in reliance
on this document or for any loss, damage or injury occurring as
a consequence of such act or omission is expressly disclaimed.
HP 8861 JUNE’06 21436
that treat thrush or eczema may be useful.
They can be spread on the clean dry skin,
left for a few minutes, then covered by the
barrier cream. If it seems likely that thrush
is part of the problem, oral drops which
lower the amount of thrush in the gut may
be useful too.
Nappy rash happens when a baby’s skin is
covered by a wet or dirty nappy for too long.
How long is ‘too long’ varies a lot with different
babies, and varies for any one baby depending
on, for example, whether the baby is well
or unwell.
What does nappy rash look like?
Nappy rash is red swollen skin that looks
damp and may have some blisters or ulcers.
The whole of the skin covered by a nappy
may be damaged, or much smaller patches.
It is usually in the area that is covered by
Nappy rash is very common and can happen no
matter how careful you are. Some babies with
the best care still get a lot of nappy rash, while
others hardly get it at all so a lot depends on
how sensitive the child’s skin is. It is said that
in places in the world where young children run
around without nappies there is no nappy rash.
Alert!
A rash or sore red skin in the nappy or diaper
area is not always just nappy rash. It can be
caused by eczema, allergies or infections. It is
important to see your doctor for any rash to be
sure what it is and how it should be treated.
a nappy. The skin inside the folds such as
between the buttocks may not be so red.
Sometimes there can be small patches of red
skin on the tummy with healthy skin around
them. This can be a sign of an infection on
top of the nappy rash.
What triggers nappy rash?
Many babies get nappy rash when they are
unwell, particularly if they have diarrhoea.
Their skin seems to become more sensitive.
Starting a new food seems to trigger the
rash for some babies.
Having a wet or dirty nappy on for too long
(‘too long’ is very variable).
Chemicals in disposable nappies were a
problem for some babies, but this seems to
be much less of a problem now.
An infection on the skin, such as thrush,
can make the rash worse. Thrush normally
lives in the gut and on skin without causing
any problem, but when the skin is damaged
thrush can make the damage worse.
What causes nappy rash?
A baby’s urine is sterile (there are no germs in
urine), but there are germs on the baby’s skin,
in poo and on clothing (including nappies).
These germs make ammonia when wet with
urine or poo.
Ammonia can burn the skin.
The nappy can rub on the skin (especially stiff
cloth nappies).
Plastic pants over the nappy prevent airflow
around the nappy, and they also hide a nappy
which may be very wet or dirty, so the skin
stays wet for a long time.
What to do about nappy rash
Change nappies often so that the skin is dry
Use a barrier cream, to keep dampness
away from the skin, every time you change
the nappy – e.g. zinc and castor oil, or
zinc and cod liver oil. Note: these creams
stain clothes and nappies. Many people use
disposable nappies to avoid stains.
If you are using cloth nappies, change them
often and wash using soap powders which
are labelled for sensitive skin. Drying them
in a tumble dryer, if you have one, may
make them softer than drying in the sun.
Avoid using plastic pants whenever possible.
Some parents find the following helpful
although we know of no research to support
the ideas. For washing buttocks - a solution
of bicarbonate of soda - one teaspoon to 600
mL of water. Use a cup of vinegar in the rinse
water when washing nappies.
most of the time.
Having time when there is no nappy on can
also help the skin to dry fully.
Disposable nappies with linings, which absorb
the urine and keep the skin dry, seem to help
a lot of babies.
Wash baby’s bottom very gently so you don’t
rub the skin, but make sure that the skin is
clean (check in all of the folds). Using a simple
cleanser such as sorbolene rather than soap
may be better to wash your baby’s bottom.
Use only skin wipes that are made for babies.
Skin wipes for adults often have alcohol in
them and this can cause pain and discomfort
on damaged skin.
Pain relief
Nappy rash is painful.
Most babies with nappy rash will be more
irritable than usual, and may sleep poorly.
They often need more attention, holding
and comforting.
Pain relief using paracetamol can help.
Make sure the dose is the right one for your
baby (check the label on the bottle).
Covering damaged skin using a barrier cream
gently and often can be soothing. You could
talk with the local pharmacist (chemist) to
help choose one.