One third of all babies who wear nappies are in danger of suffering from nappy rash which is a condition manifesting through redness, blotches or spots in the area covered with nappies. This condition usually takes place due to the contact of urine and feces to the skin of the baby. Also, nappy rash is most likely to appear once the baby is between 9 and 12 months old. What Causes Nappy Rash?
First of all, nappy rashes can be successfully treated with a good skin care routine. Rest assured that this condition will cause no pain or discomfort to your baby. Yet, if the rash is left untreated, it can get worse, evolving into a severe rash potentially caused by a bacterial infection. These kinds of rashes are usually painful for the baby and demand immediate medical assistance and treatment.
In many cases, the nappy that the baby is wearing cannot absorb all of the urine and the feces. Then, the baby's skin gets exposed to ammonia, created from the feces, leading to skin inflammation and pain. Also, if your child stays damp for a longer period of time, this can result in a fungal infection, better known as candida, irritating the skin even more.Other Triggers of Nappy Rash
Sometimes, an underlying condition may be behind the nappy rash. For example, if the rashes spread outside the nappy area, these might be eczema, leading to discomfort, despite your efforts to maintain the child's hygiene.
On the other hand, the rash may be triggered by bacteria. If this is the case, the condition will need to be treated with antibiotics. Alternatively, allergies to soap, cosmetics, detergents, oils, powders and other chemicals you expose your baby to can lead to nappy rash and possibly cause allergic dermatitis. If this happens, change the soap or the chemical used, preventing new breakouts of the allergic reaction.
When the allergic reaction remains persistent despite your efforts to counter it, seek medical help and have the baby undergo allergy tests. This way, you will know the exact trigger of the allergic reaction.
Finally, psoriasis may lead to nappy rashes. Even though this phenomenon is rarely seen in babies, when it affects them, it appears in the nappy area, manifesting through red, scaly patches of dead skin, forming on a rash. This condition usually strikes children who are two months old and lasts from two to four months.
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