What is nappy rash?
Nappy rash (also known as diaper dermatitis or diaper erythema) is a common skin inflammation that develops in young children, creating redness and burning in the area covered by the diaper.
What does nappy rash look like?
Despite being sometimes confused for candida dermatitis, nappy rash is rather easy to spot due to the localisation of the erythema exclusively in the area that the diaper touches. The area becomes inflamed and painful, causing great distress to the child.
What are the causes of nappy rash?
The direct causes of nappy rash are mainly due to:
- Frequent washing with harsh detergents
- Use of oily creams or ointments that promote skin maceration
- Inconsistent diaper changing, which allows fluids to stagnate and remain in contact with the skin for a prolonged period
How to treat nappy rash
To soothe redness and burning:
- Cleanse the area with Eudermic Cleansing Base. This is a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that washes and softens the skin without removing the skin’s natural defenses.
- After washing, meticulously dry the affected area
- Apply a small amount of Lenitive Cream and massage until absorbed. Lenitive Cream is astringent and absorbs quickly, helping to immediately soothe inflammation.
It is important that the diaper be changed frequently. Traces of urine or feces combined with the moist heat of the area encourage the development of acidifying bacteria that can ‘burn’ the skin.
Let the baby’s skin breathe as much as possible in between nappy changes by leaving the infant with bare skin for a few minutes.
Once the inflammation has subsided, continue using Eudermic Cleansing Base for washing and Lenitive Cream for protective and astringent action. Avoid fatty ointments and creams, and products containing petroleum jelly or strong powders, as these could worsen nappy rash
