Expert tips to help protect against nappy rash
Help protect your baby’s skin.
It’s a sight parents never want to see on their precious little one. Yes, we’re talking about nappy rash and it can occur if a wet or dirty nappy is left on for too long.
According to Ian Harrison, Scientific Communication Manager at Ego Pharmaceuticals and the makers of QV Baby, “nappy rash is the most common dermatological condition seen in babies, with peak rates occurring between seven to 15 months of age.”
So, what causes nappy rash? “It’s most common cause is excessive moisture from urine and faeces in the nappy region. This build-up of moisture irritates the skin, ultimately forming what we call nappy rash,” explains Ian.
Help prevent nappy rash by changing your baby’s nappy when it’s wet or soiled.
Frequent nappy changes are key
To help prevent nappy rash, Ian advises parents to keep on top of nappy changes.
“The best thing parents can do is to change their baby as often as required. As nappy rash is caused by a buildup of moisture, making sure your baby is changed and dry as soon as possible after wetting themselves is key.”
Put up the barrier
Ian says another way to help protect against nappy rash is to use a barrier product, like QV Baby Barrier Cream, as it “contains zinc oxide and dimethicone, common skincare ingredients that help to form a water-resistant barrier on the skin and shield it from excessive moisture build up.”
“It is non-sticky, non-greasy, free from common irritants and has a hydrating base to help prevent moisture loss from the skin,” explain Ian, adding that last part is important. “Moisture build up on the skin can be irritating, but moisture loss from the skin can dry it out and be equally as irritating.”
Using QV Baby Barrier Cream at every nappy change can help protect against nappy rash, and keep your baby’s bot soft and smooth.
Nappy-free time is so… freeing
Another method that will help to minimise the risk of your little one having nappy rash is nappy-free time as “it helps to dry out the nappy region and prevent excessive moisture build up. If a nappy is not being worn, it cannot retain moisture on the skin,” reasons Ian.
Rub-a-dub-bub!
When it comes to bath time, Ian says “parents should be aware of common irritants such as soap, fragrance and colourants found in everyday skincare products” and instead choose a product that is gentle on skin.
“Fragrance and colourants are two of the most common irritants found in skincare products. Soap can be especially irritating, as it is alkaline (has a high pH of about 10) whereas the skin is naturally more acidic (with a lower pH or about 4). Putting an alkaline product on the skin can cause irritation and damage the skin’s barrier function,” explains Ian.
“For babies, and for parents too, it would be best to look for a pH-balanced soap-substitute cleanser such as QV Baby Gentle Wash.”
Be aware of common irritants found in everyday skincare products and choose ones which are gentle on skin. (Instagram/@thejibjabs)
Disposable nappies vs. reusable ones
According to Ian, there is no scientific evidence to definitively say if disposable or reusable nappies are best.
“There are many factors that contribute to how a nappy will affect a babies skin, such as the material used and the quality of the brand. However, the key to managing nappy rash – whether you are using a disposable or reusable nappy – is frequent changing to limit the build up of moisture. If parents do not do this, their baby will likely develop nappy rash whether they are wearing a reusable or a disposable nappy.”
When to seek medical advice
“Frequent changing and a good skincare routine should help to manage it, but if parents are unsure of anything or concerned about their baby’s skin or health in general, they should always contact their GP as soon as possible,” advises Ian.
Brought to you by QV Baby.
