Those pressing bottom rash questions now answered
Rashes are inflammations that babies catch, specifically because of a reaction to an element, or if they are going through a development stage.
What causes rashes?
Developmental spurts such as teething, which causes irritation, can result in a rash; also, baby’s new diet, more so when they he is weaned from breast milk. The acidic content of a certain drink may react with their skin when they pass urine. This often happens when they wear a nappy which does not absorb as well. The skin gets contact from the urine contents directly. With the diaper this is avoided as fluid is drained to the storage core of the diaper therefore it does not interact with the baby’s skin at all.
What can a mother do to prevent the cause of the rashes?
It is important for a mother to see a paediatrician immediately to rule out the cause of allergy to certain diets.
A mother should make sure the baby takes fluids that are not too acidic such as tea and soft drinks. Instead shop for baby friendly drinks’ that have low acidic content if any. She can also dilute the acidity by adding water. However, the best drink for a baby is breast milk.
It is also important for mum to use a quality diaper that absorbs well. This means that the diaper should be very fast in absorbing baby’s urine to the core, immediately the baby pees.
Having said that, no matter how good a diaper is a mum has to keep it within the time the core can absorb urine. If a diaper is on for more than 12 hours, then the risk to the baby catching a rash is increased because the capacity within the core to absorb the urine is over used.
The correct use of diapers is essential in preventing rashes. the caregiver should dispose after using it once as opposed to washing and re-using.
Should a mother apply jelly or lotion before diapering their baby?
It isn’t necessary to apply powder or an ointment on the baby’s bottom before putting on a diaper. In fact, mothe:s are discouraged to do so because this affects the diaper’s effectiveness. Any lotion or oil applied mixes with the urine. This mixture blocks the pores of the diaper, and thus the urine does not go down to the core for absorption as it is trapped. As a result, the trapped urine gets in contact with the baby’s skin and causes a rash.
After wiping the baby’s bottom with baby wipes, does the moisture left thereon cause a rash?
Baby wipes contain antibacterial ingredients that clean the baby’s bottom effectively. When you use a cloth or toiler paper you may not see with your naked eye the germs which have not been cleaned up. The moisture from wet tissue is perfectly safe and harmless. By the time the diaper is put. on, the moisture has dried completely, leaving the baby’s bottom treated and sufficiently supple. Cotton, water and baby soap can suffice, but the mother needs to ensure that she meticulously cleans baby’s bottom.
Can a diaper cause nappy rash to a newborn?
Newborns have the most sensitive skin. Nevertheless, diapers will not cause a rash because the core traps any fluid and will not allow any moisture to be in contact with the baby’s skin. Therefore it is important for a mother to report any anomaly to the paediatrician if she is using the diaper correctly and the baby is still getting a rash, for it may be an isolated case.
If my baby is heavier than the weight range indicated on a diaper package, can It ” lead to a nappy rash?
As the baby grows, his urine content increases. The bigger the diaper (maxi), the more urine it can hold. However, the catch is that the bigger the diaper size the less the number of diapers in the package. So most mothers stick to a smaller size and get more diapers. Therefore, they squeeze their young ones on smaller diaper sizes so as to ‘save’. And at the end of it all, they end up using more because urine retention is fast exhausted in a smaller diaper, and obviously the need to change more often.
How is a rash treated?
If the reason the baby has a rash is because the mother overestimated the time the baby should have the diaper on, then she needs to take note and change it regularly. Change the baby’s diet if it is acidic or causes an allergy. See the paediatrician for advice. And as you rectify the problem, remember to always diaper the baby.
END: BL 26/4