Why does my baby have nappy rash

Your baby’s skin is very delicate, especially in the first few months after birth. The skin is likely to be irritated by some things such as washing detergent, bathing soap, certain types of fabric, jelly, etc.

The baby should be changed as often as she soils her nappies. If after birth your baby does not pass urine in the first 36 hours, then you need to take her to hospital. Sometimes babies do not urinate when they have a fever, or diarrhoea because they have lost fluid from the body.

One of the most common causes of skin irritation, is the effect of the cloth napkins or diapers. A baby is likely to develop dermatitis of the buttocks, genitals, lower abdomen, or thigh folds. This is a condition that is commonly referred to as diaper rash, or what many of us call nappy rash.

It is worth noting that nappies and diapers themselves, are not the cause of the rash but because the baby uses them- she may develop a rash depending on the care she gets.

The outside layer of skin normally forms a protective barrier, that prevents infection. One of the primary causes of dermatitis in the diaper area, is prolonged skin contact with wetness. Under these circumstances, natural oils on the skin are stripped away. The outer layer then gets damaged, which increases the susceptibility of the skin- to infection by bacteria or yeast.

Diaper rash is a term that covers a broad variety of skin conditions, that occur on the same area of the body. Some babies are more prone to diaper rash than others.

Why does my baby have nappy rash?
If a baby’s skin is exposed for prolonged periods to; high levels of moisture, little air, a host of chemical irritants and infectious organisms present in the urine and faeces, diaper rash develops. This is likely to be the case, if your baby’s diaper or nappy is not changed promptly after the baby has passed urine or stool. Friction caused by the rubbing of the nappy against baby’s skin may also cause a rash.

The skin first gets irritated by the chronic moisture, and is further weakened by the friction caused by the chafing of the nappy. Irritating substances and infectious organisms in the stools and urine facilitate the development of the rash.

Other causes include: aggressive and frequent cleaning of the nappy area using harsh soaps, dressing the baby in tight nappies, using rubber pants, or other poorly aerated fabrics over the diaper area.

The ammonia found in urine can also aggravate the condition. Ignoring these rashes may lead to a secondary infection, that is more difficult and costly to manage.

……continued in June 2007 issue of Pregnant.

END: PG MAY 07/61