Beat the burn

A fiery little bum is no fun for Baby – or for you! Get to know the symptoms, so that you can nip nappy rash in the, er, butt in no time.

Your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive. Plus, it’s moist in the nappy, which contains your little one’s wee and poo and all kinds of chemicals that can irritate her skin. The chafing of the nappy itself can also become irritating. No wonder this area is prone to skin problems from time to time.

PREVENTION

• Change nappies regularly, especially after she’s had a dirty one.

• Wipe her skin properly to remove all residue. Clean water is fine, or use fragrance- and alcohol-free wipes. Dry the area well before putting on a clean nappy.

• Make sure the nappy fits snugly and comfortably, so it doesn’t gape, pinch or chafe. • Avoid strong soap, fragrances and chemicals that may irritate Baby’s skin. Keep nappy changes and bath times as simple and irritant-free as possible for her.

• Apply a bum cream that can form a protective layer between your baby’s skin and the urine in the nappy. Petroleum jelly is a popular everyday precaution against nappy rash, as it’s not sticky or messy. White zinc oxide is thicker and stickier and perhaps a better option for babies who are prone to nappy rash. Baby powder is not used so much nowadays, as there is concern that it irritates the developing lungs. Some use mealie meal, but it’s not recommended, as it can cause fungus growth.

• Always keep the skin around the nappy area healthy with a cream that works efficiently. Once the skin has cracked or is irritated, it’s more vulnerable.

WHEN TO WORRY

A light nappy rash could maybe make your baby niggly, but it should disappear quickly when treated. Complications could set in when the skin, already damaged through the rash, is penetrated by bacteria or yeast. This is when the rash becomes worse, and it becomes tougher to get rid of it. When you’re faced with a stubborn and more worrying nappy rash, remember that they’re not all the same. Their causes differ, and each one is treated differently. Some subtle differences will help you to identify the specific nappy rash, so that you can pick the right treatment.

Here’s a guide for the most common types of nappy rash, their causes, symptoms and treatment.

■ CONTACT NAPPY RASH is the common, light nappy rash referred to above.

LOOK FOR flat red irritated spots on the skin. When the rash is extreme, the skin will peel or blister and fall off. TREATMENT Keep the area clean, well dried, and apply a good nappy rashcream.

■ INTERTRIGO is a rash that originates in the folds of the skin around the nappy area, where skin rubs up against skin.

LOOK FOR The rash appears red and looks like burn marks in the folds. TREATMENT Simple white ointment with a petroleum base.

■ YEAST RASH This rash, also known as thrush or Candida, occurs when fungus particles penetrate the cracked skin. It’s a common aftereffect when Baby was on antibiotics, or when normal nappy rash lingered for longer than usual.

LOOK FOR a raised red blotchy rash with an obvious edge, mostly around the genitals, but with satellite spots distributed around the nappy area. It starts off as small red dots that multiply and eventually inch closer together. This rash can make Baby’s skin extremely sensitive and also make her feel unwell.

TREATMENT An anti-fungal is necessary to control the rash. Nystatin and clotrimazole are two agents available over the counter. Apply the cream twice daily as indicated, and then add a layer of bum cream. A natural option is acidophilus powder that counters yeast infections. If you’re breastfeeding, and your baby has thrush, you’ll also have to treat yourself. What often happens is that fungal infections pass from Mom’s nipple and Baby’s mouth and back again. You’ll both need treatment to shed it completely.

■ IMPETIGO occurs when certain bacteria (strepto- or staphylococcus) penetrate cracked skin. It’s fairly aggressive and can quickly spread to other parts of Baby’s body. The rash can scar if it’s not treated immediately. LOOK FOR blisters or raised red marks that result in a honey-coloured crust. TREATMENT Consult your doctor as soon as possible. They will prescribe the necessary antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.

■ SEBORRHOEA is a skin infection that can affect any part of the body, but it can be particularly aggressive in the nappy area.

LOOK FOR a clearly demarcated big red mark over the genitals, loin and lower belly. It could be more raised, coarse, thick and oily than other rashes, and can cause yellowish scabs.

TREATMENT Ointment with 1 percent hydrocortisone is very effective against seborrhoea. Apply twice daily, but don’t use for longer than a week, as it can end up damaging the skin.

■ A RING RASH can be caused by some food types when it comes out in your baby’s poo. Acid-forming food such as citrus and sauces with a tomato base are some of the biggest culprits. You might have heard differently, but a burning bottom has nothing to do with food allergies – so don’t start cutting food groups when your baby presents with nappy rash. Rather consult your doctor if you notice a rash.

LOOK FOR a red ring around Baby’s anus. TREATMENT Avoid any food you suspect might be to blame. If you’re breastfeeding, you might have to cut some things from your own diet, but ring rash is very rare in breast babies. It’s more common in bottle babies and when solids are introduced. ●