Nappy Rash: Nappy rash is a skin problem that develops in the area beneath an infant's nappy. Nappy rashes are common in babies between 4 and 18 months old and may be noticed more when babies begin to eat solid foods.
Nappy rash can be caused by:
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prolonged contact with urine (wee) or stools (poo)
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sensitive skin
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rubbing or chafing
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soap, detergent or bubble bath
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baby wipes
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diarrhoea or other illness
Nappy rashes caused by infection with a yeast or fungus called Candida are very common in children. Candida grows best in warm, moist places such as under a nappy. A yeast-related nappy rash is more likely to occur in babies who are not kept clean and dry, are taking antibiotics or whose mothers are taking antibiotics while breast feeding and, have more frequent stools.
Symptoms include bright red rash that gets bigger, fiery red and scaly areas on the scrotum and penis in boys, red or scaly areas on the labia and vagina in girls and pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps or pus-filled sores in the child's nappy area:
Older infants may scratch when the nappy is removed. Nappy rashes usually do not spread beyond the edge of the nappy. To avoid infection, wash your hands after changing a nappy and before doing anything else.
If the rash doesn’t go away or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples, which spreads to the folds of the skin, they may have a thrush infection. Always seek professional medical advice to determine the cause of nappy rash before beginning treatments or remedies.