How to Prevent Nappy Rash

Nappy rash is a mild to severe skin irritation existing around a healthy baby’s bottom (nappy area). It’s extremely common, but can be alleviated with proper care and attention.

When I first became a mother I struggled with keeping my baby free of nappy rash. By the time my second baby arrived, I was an expert in identifying the causes, and indeed the prevention of this irritation. I had it so well worked out, my third baby never knew it existed.

Mainly, all things being equal, a baby gets nappy rash from being left with soiled nappies, especially if the nappy is also wet. The ammonia in urine, when mixed with the soiled nappy, works together to create a rash on baby’s soft, sensitive skin. This unfortunate mix would also affect an adult’s skin if the same conditions were recreated. 

Causes of nappy rash

Not enough nappy changes

Weaning (sensitivity to certain foods, causing more frequent bowel movements which go unnoticed).

Prolonged contact with bacteria in solid waste

Fungal infection like thrush

Illness

Medication

To prevent nappy rash

After removing solid waste, clean baby’s bottom thoroughly with warm water or a baby wipe. (In the winter you may find it helpful – if convenient – to soak the wipe in some warm water or keep it in a warm place. Babies seem to find the cold wipes very uncomfortable. Try wiping your upper legs and back with a cold baby wipe and you’ll see what I mean).

Wipe front to back. Never the other way around, or you run the risk of spreading infection to your child’s genital area.

Clean all the folds and look at your baby’s back and navel to make sure they’re free of the waste too.

Dry thoroughly

There’s no need to use baby powders and expensive nappy creams. These are the very things I used with my first baby. I never used them with subsequent children – with remarkably better results.

Rub a thin layer of Vaseline on the nappy area, once dry. Remember to tuck your boy baby’s penis down to prevent him weeing upwards and into his clothes. I learned this one the hard way!

Treatment of nappy rash

Clean baby thoroughly and regularly.

Wash your own hands before and after every change so you’re not spreading the infection.

Leave baby without nappy whenever possible and for as long as possible.

Apply Vaseline to prevent more ammonia getting into the rash.

Seek medical advice if baby develops a fever or the rash becomes worse. Normal nappy rashes should get better (after doing the above) in about 2 days.

Different kinds of nappy rashes

Blistered, raised, red patches. This type affects the general area covered by the nappy. This could be caused by allowing solid waste to linger too long on baby’s soft skin. Added to this, the ammonia in the urine will work together to cause this rash. Treatment: Follow above routine to alleviate this kind of rash.

Red patches with white or red pimples on hot skin. This type is mainly around the opening of the anus and affects the creases around the area. This could be caused by thrush, and may also be present in the mouth. Treatment: see your doctor for prescribed medication.

Flaking, weeping and scaly rash. This type affects the nappy area but may also appear on other parts of the skin. This type of rash may be due to ringworm or sensitivity to products used in the wash, food etc. Treatment: If there’s no ring worm, seek medical help.

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