Identifying True Nappy Rash and Essential Preventative Strategies

Not all skin conditions that occur in the nappy area are true nappy rash and it is vital that one identifies a rash correctly so that pertinent action could be taken for resolving it.

The various skin conditions that are no true nappy rash are:

Ammonia Dermatitis

It appears as a general reddishness that starts surfacing around the genitals instead of the anal area. One could spot a strong stench of ammonia. In extreme cases, it could spread to areas like groin, thigh and bottom and causing ulceration in case untreated.

Cause and Treatment

Ammonia dermatitis develops due to irritation from ammonia. In case treatment outlined below does not appear to improve the situation then it is important to seek prompt medical advice.

Heat Rashes

These are tiny blister formations that arise all over the infant’s nappy area in addition to rashes on another area of the body.

Cause and Treatment

In case plastic pants are being used then they should be stopped immediately. Leaving the infant’s nappy off at every occasion would also be helpful. The infant could be cooled down by making use of lesser clothing.

Reddish, broken skin

Reddishness and broken skin develops in the leg folds of the baby.

Cause and Treatment

This develops due to the skin been inadequately dried. The baby has to be dried thoroughly and avoid using talcum powder on that area.

Seborrhoeic eczema

Brown-red and scaly rashes start appearing on the genitals and skin folds particularly in the groin area and elsewhere in the body where the skin is oily – for example the scalp area.

Cause and Treatment

This form of skin condition rarely develops in babies and the physician would prescribe an ointment for treating it and lotion to be applied on the affected scalp.

Thrush

Spotted rash formations which start surfacing around the anal area and eventually spreads to the butts and thigh area. One could additionally observe whitish patches within the infant’s mouth.

Cause and Treatment

This skin condition is caused due to yeast infection. It is imperative to seek doctor’s advice who would most likely prescribe the use of anti-fungal topical treatments.

Preventing Nappy Rash

The fundamentals are keeping the infant’s skin dry and well-aired and ensuring that nappies are always meticulously washed and cleaned.

• Starting off with the use of nappy rash cream at the foremost instant a broken skin has been noticed. Nappy rash creams that have titanium salts as one of the constituents are particularly helpful. Stopping the use of plastic plants should also be done in case one uses them as they could prevent urine from evaporating.
• One must avoid washing the infant’s bottom using soap and water as they defat the skin.
• Single-way nappy liners or disposable nappy having a single-way lining are ideal for keeping the infant’s skin dry.
• Using a somewhat thick-consistency barrier cream that could be applied topically in liberal amounts. These creams must not be used with single-way nappy liners or disposable types as they could cause clogging of single-way material.
• Ensuring to always remove all trace parts of ammonia from the nappies by meticulous wash and rinse methods.
• Airing the baby’s bottom wherever doable.

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