Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is an inflammation of the skin beneath the nappy that results from contact with urine and feces. Heat also builds up beneath the nappy, which worsens this condition. There are two different types of rash. One is a contact rash and the other is a fungal infection.
Symptoms
Contact rash looks red, irritated and swollen or the skin may be dry and scaly. The rash may appear spotty or blotchy. A fungal infection will cause the skin to be shiny and red. The baby may be irritated by the rash or not. Some are quite painful, while others look like they should be painful but elicit no response from the child at all. Some rashes may be itchy, as is seen when the baby tries to itch the nappy area. Some babies will refuse to wear a nappy due to the irritation.
Causes
Nappy rash is usually caused by contact with wet or soiled nappies for a length of time. Urine and feces break down within a fairly short time and release ammonia. When the ammonia is absorbed by the skin, it causes irritation. Some babies will develop a rash from the chemicals in disposable nappies or from detergents used to clean cloth nappies. Some babies may get a rash from food reactions. If you think this is the cause and your baby is breastfed, go over anything that may be different in your diet to find the cause.
Cautions
A straightforward rash that is left untreated can worsen until the skin is cracked and bleeding. This offers bacteria or fungi the opportunity to enter the bloodstream and begin an infection. Fungal nappy rashes caused by Candida albicans can take advantage of this situation. If you notice your baby has a fever along with their rash, it may have developed into an infection.
Herbal Treatments
External Applications
- Black tea – add a couple tea bags to your baby's nappy. When the baby relieves himself, the tea will release tannins that will help heal the skin. The baby's skin will be tea-stained, but healed.
- Oats – add powdered oatmeal to a bath for your baby to help relieve rash.
- Calendula – a cream made of calendula may ease the discomfort and swelling of nappy rash. Apply liberally to the affected areas every time the nappy is changed.
- Chickweed - relieves irritated skin and may be useful in treatment of nappy rash. Apply as cream, ointment or apply to skin using a poultice. To make poultice, mix 200 grams chickweed leaves with small amount of boiling water and grind to a paste. Apply paste to skin using clean cotton strips and leave until it cools.
- Manuka honey – apply just a tiny amount to afflicted areas for fast healing.
- Lavender – the essential oil of this herb can be added to a bowl of warm water to make a gentle wash for baby's bottom.
- Chamomile – use the essential oil in a bowl of warm water. Apply it to baby's bottom with a soft cloth or cotton wool.
- Aloe vera – apply the gel to the nappy rash as needed to soothe the irritated skin.
- Comfrey – apply comfrey oil or salve to the affected areas. Comfrey is very good for the skin and will promote fast healing in most cases.
- Plantain – the oil made from steeping plantain leaves in olive oil is very good at treating skin irritations like nappy rash. It is also very gentle.
- Vervain - apply topically as a compress. To make compress, add a handful of dried herb and infuse in 150 ml boiling water. Soak a cloth in the infusion for 10 - 15 minutes and allow to cool before applying to the affected area 2 - 3 times a day.