Nappy rash is a form of contact dermatitis that causes skin irritation in the nappy area of infants.
The skin around the genitals, rectum, and abdomen becomes infected.
Nappy rash can affect any infant or young child who wears nappies.
Signs and symptoms
Moist, painful, red, spotty and itchy (sometimes) skin in the nappy area. The skin may be cracked and fissured.
Causes
Nappy rash results from skin irritation caused by substances in the urine or stool.
Allergy to soap, detergent, fabric softener, lotion, powder or other chemicals may also be the cause.
It may increase with infrequent nappy changes, incorrect washing of nappies, family history of skin allergies and hot and humid weather.
Prevention
Change nappies frequently. Don't use waterproof nappies at night.
Ensure correct cleaning techniques - after washing, rinse them twice to remove detergents and other chemicals.
Treatments
Expose the buttocks to air as much as possible. Change nappies frequently. Don't use soap to wash the rash area.
Cleanse with cotton dipped in mineral oil. Discontinue using baby lotion, powder, ointment or baby oil unless prescribed for you.
Don't use packaged wipes that contain alcohol. (They can cause overdrying of the skin making it susceptible to irritants.)
Don't use waterproof pants during treatment, either in the day or at night. They keep skin wet and subject to rash or infection.
Apply small amounts of non-prescription petroleum jelly, lanolin-based ointment or zinc oxide ointment to the rash at the earliest sign of the rash, and two or three times a day thereafter.
Use a specially made antiseptic product to wash cloth nappies. Avoid fabric softeners as they may cause the rash.
If you use disposable nappies, switch to cloth nappies for awhile. This may help.
Avoid foods that can make stools irritating like breads, pasta, tomatoes and acidic fruit.
If home treatment fails, send your infant to a physician so he can monitor the condition and prescribe medications if necessary.