Most babies are likely to get nappy rash at some time during their nappy-wearing stage. It’s a common condition affecting around one in three nappy wearing infants at any one time*.
Nappy rash is usually caused by the baby’s delicate skin coming into contact with urine and faeces in the nappy. Most symptoms are quite mild, and a pink or red rash appears around the nappy area. The rash may consist of small spots or blotches, but the baby will otherwise be well. In more severe cases the symptoms are likely to be painful and make the baby distressed and uncomfortable.
Nappy rash is most common when a baby is between 9 and 12 months old. Outbreaks often coincide with teething, antibiotic use, loose stools, sleeping through the night, starting on solid foods, catching a cold orswitching from breast to formula milk.
Looking out for nappy rashThere are times when your baby might be more prone to getting nappy rash, so it’s worth being on the lookout for the tell-tale signs of redness and irritation around the nappy area. The trigger times can include:
 Teething
When baby first sleeps through the night
Common cold
Starting on solid food
Changing from breast milk to formula
An attack of diarrhoea or runny stools
Antibiotic use
TeethingParents often notice that nappy rash can be linked to teething and sometimes the rash appears followed by the first tooth. This may be because large amounts of saliva are produced and swallowed during teething which can cause runny stools and lead to nappy rash.
When baby first starts sleeping through the nightIt’s not surprising to be pleased when your baby first starts sleeping through the night. It can be the first time you’ve had a good night’s sleep for a long while and you’ll be keen to make the most of it. Nappies still need changing regularly to help avoid nappy rash caused by the stools and urine in contact with your baby’s delicate skin.
Common coldBabies and young children who develop a cold often suffer from a bout of nappy rash at the same time. So if your child gets a cold, it’s also worth looking out for any signs of a pink rash and irritation around the nappy area.
Starting on solid foodA change in diet often increases the number of times your baby passes a motion and stools may become runny leading to nappy rash. This can happen when you start introducing solid foods to your baby or when new foods are added to the diet.
Changing from breast milk to formulaBreast fed babies seem to get nappy rash less often than formula fed ones, so when you start switching from breast to formula milk, it’s worth taking extra care to prevent nappy rash. Often it’s the change of diet which leads to more watery stools being passed which can irritate your baby’s delicate skin.
An attack of diarrhoea or runny stoolsIf your baby has loose, runny stools or an attack of diarrhoea, the nappy cannot quickly absorb all the waste, meaning that your baby’s delicate skin is in close contact with urine and faeces. This can turn into ammonia which may irritate your baby’s skin, causing it to become sore and inflamed.
Antibiotic useAntibiotic use may sometimes be linked to the development of nappy rash. This is probably because antibiotics can cause diarrhoea, particularly in infants, which can lead to nappy rash. If you are breastfeeding and are prescribed antibiotics, this may affect your baby, so it’s worth reminding your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Metanium – gentle on the skin, tough on nappy rashMetanium Nappy Rash Ointment is licensed specifically to treat and heal nappy rash, whereas barrier creams are used as a preventative measure once it has been treated. Its unique, gentle formula contains titanium salts to help form a non-occlusive barrier film on the skin, allowing the skin to “breathe” whilst protecting it from further irritation.
Metanium should be used at the very first signs of nappy rash to help bring rapid and soothing relief from itching and chafing. Metanium is lanolin free, so is suitable for babies who may be prone to allergic reactions to lanolin. Only a pea sized amount of Metanium is needed to treat the sore areas and it can be used from birth onwards. Always read the label. A recent survey showed that 8 out of 10 mums who had used Metanium would recommend it to other mothers.
Metanium has just introduced a Baby & Toddler Club with lots of free goodies including a Metanium Busy Baby Planner and a booklet with hints and tips on dealing with nappy rash. Visit: www.metanium.co.uk for more information.
Metanium 30g costs around £3-49 and can be bought from most pharmacies and online at www.boots.com
Metanium’s top tips to prevent nappy rash: Leave the nappy off as much as possible
Change your baby’s nappy regularly
Only use water to wash your baby’s bottom
Dry your baby’s bottom by patting rather than rubbing with a towel
Avoid using tight-fitting elastic pants over nappies
Avoid using powders like talcum powder when changing the nappy
Use Metanium at the first signs of nappy rash developing
Reference
* NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk
August 2010
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How To Change A Nappy
