The R+F Blog

How to treat nappy rash

How to treat nappy rash

What is nappy rash?

Nappy rash, or nappy dermatitis, is a rash in the nappy area. Your baby’s skin may look red, raw and even a bit spotty at the edge of the rash. The severity of nappy rash can range from mild irritation to extremely sore.

While nappy rash is a common baby skin condition that can often be treated at home, seeing your little one in pain is difficult and the problem can be quite persistent. So how can parents best prevent nappy rash in the first place, or best manage it once it appears?

How to treat nappy rash

 Keep the area clean and dry

Prevention is the best medicine in this case. The best and most simple way to keep nappy rash from appearing is to keep your baby in clean, dry nappies. Every two to three hours is a good rule of thumb for change-frequency, but if you find that your little one is messy again after just an hour, make sure to change it right away.

When cleaning the area, pay special attention to any folds in the skin. Bacteria can easily get trapped here, causing rashes and irritation. Use an unscented baby wipe or wetted cloth to clean the nappy area. Rascal + Friends sensitive wipes are pH balanced, made with a 99% natural formula and are dermatologically certified to be safe on sensitive skin.

Applying a gentle, unscented lotion with each nappy change can ensure that the area stays healthy. Just be sure the skin is completely clean and dry before applying any lotions or ointments.

 Frequent change routine

When a nappy rash appears, changes can become more challenging as cleaning the area may cause pain and discomfort for your little one. It’s important, now more than ever, to keep your change routine frequent, so they stay in a fresh nappy with clean skin. Continue to generously apply a nappy ointment, and water can also be a great gentle solution for cleaning the area – just avoid using soap as it can dry out the skin and cause further irritation.

Allow the skin to completely air dry before putting on a new nappy. You may also like to try ‘no nappy time’ to let skin completely dry and breathe.

 Find products that are safe on sensitive skin

Nappy rash can also be caused by a sensitivity to nappy products, whether that be nappies, ointments, or baby wipes. Start by ensuring that all of the products you’re using are unscented, as fragrances are a common sensitivity and could be causing the irritation of the skin. Using sensitive baby wipes, minimum ingredient lotions, and nappies made for sensitive skin can also improve the state of a little one’s rash.

If the problem persists after you’ve taken all these measures or progresses to the point of open sores or bleeding, consult your paediatrician.

 Choose a nappy for sensitive skin

Rascal + Friends premium nappies, eco nappies, nappy pants and sensitive wipes are made with sensitive skin in mind. Certified by world leading organisations to be safe and ultra gentle on sensitive skin, our premium products are made with no nasties, just love.

We are proudly:

  • BioChecked Non Glyphosate Certified
  • Dermatest Guaranteed
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified
  • Certified by PETA as cruelty free and vegan

Learn more about our no nasties policy

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