Let’s face it, EVERY baby gets nappy rash at some point in their early years! So what exactly is nappy rash and how can we treat it?
As the name suggests, nappy rash is a red rash that appears around the buttocks and genitals of babies and can range from sparse red bumps to an extensive covering. There are a few different reasons why babies develop nappy rash:
1) Teething: I often hear mother’s talk about the correlation between teething and nappy rash…well it’s true. Not every baby going through the teething process will develop nappy rash however some will due to their immune system reacting to the rapid change.
2) Infrequent nappy changes: Bacteria breaks down the contents of a soiled nappy which leads to a skin irritation from ammonia, therefore the longer the contents is in the nappy, the more likely your baby will develop a rash.
3) Reaction to chemicals in creams/laundry powder: Many babies are hypersensitive to chemicals and dyes found in bottom creams and laundry powder so get to know what ingredients are in your babies products and use natural, organic products where possible.
4) Introduction to new foods: When an infant is exposed to new foods through the nursing mother, a skin reaction like nappy rash can occur. This can be seen in foods that the mother is eating like citrus fruits, onions, garlic, leeks and gluten.
5) Candida: As you all know candida loves moist, warm environments so what better place to take up residency than your babies bottom!
6) Antibiotics: If the mother or baby is taking antibiotics than there is a chance that the baby can develop a nappy rash. This can be due to candida developing or from antibiotic associated diarrhoea.
My Top 5 Tips to Help With Nappy Rash
1) Air time: Allow your baby’s bottom to breathe and completely dry before putting on the next nappy. Keep some toys handy as this will encourage play time while you wait. If you can manage some gentle sun exposure at the same time even better!
2) Change nappies regularly: The less time your baby’s skin has in contact with urine and faeces, the better chance they have of the proliferation of bacteria.
3) Use cloth wipes: Using baby wipes will further irritate the skin as most (even some organic, chemical free ones) contain some sort of perfume. I use Cushie Tushies cloth nappy wipes for Sophia unless she has done a poo and then I use Wot Not natural baby wipes.
4) Hygiene: Wash you hands before and after you change their nappy as this will prevent transfer of bacteria and yeast.
5) Calendula: This is a ‘must have’ herb to have at home. Not only can you wash inflamed skin with an infusion of calendula but it is also a great herb to add to a lotion for a bottom ointment. A study looked at the use of aloe vera and also calendula in the treatment of nappy rash, while both herbs were deemed effective, calendula proved to be the most successful in treating nappy rash. I use Weleda’s Calendula Ointment.
