Dealing with Nappy Rash

Most babies will suffer nappy rash as some time.  However, there are plenty of things you can do to soothe your babies skin and help protect and prevent nappy rash from occuring.

The best thing you can do to protect the bottoms delicate skin is apply a barrier cream during each nappy change.  Gently rubbing it in to your baby's skin. Make sure you change your babies nappy often to avoid prolonged contact with urine and faeces.

Nappy rash is likely to occur at vulnerable times such as when:

* They're premature

* They are teething

* They are unwell, have a tummy upset or have recently had a vaccination

* They are on a course of antibiotics.

* Their skin is sensitive, or there are skin conditions such as eczema in the family.

* They have begun weaning or there has been a change from breast fed to bottle fed milk.

To help prevent nappy rash here are some prevention tips:

1) Change the nappy often. Prolonged contact with a wet or dirty nappy is the main cause of nappy rash.

2) Allow as much air to get to your baby's bottom as possible. When you can , allow your baby to go nappy free. This is also a great way to quickly get rid of nappy rash as it's aids the healing process.

3) Use a protective barrier cream.

4) Wash you nappies in non-biological washing powder to prevent irritation.

5) Clean the area thoroughly. The whole area should be cleaned and allowed to dry before a fresh nappy is put on.

On the whole most cases of nappy rash will clear up on it's own. If the skin remains sore however there may be an infection. You should make an appointment with the doctor to determine if treatment is required when:

* The rash is spreading outside the nappy area or the skin is broken and weeping

* Your baby is feverish or unwell.

* The rash does not clear after a few days of treatment.