What is Nappy Rash?
Nappy Rash is a fairly common problem for babies, but is one that can be easily treated and also avoided. It can be caused by a baby being left for too long in a dirty nappy. If your baby has sensitive skin that can happen quite quickly. The bacteria from stools breaks down the urine and ammonia is released, leading to irritation of the skin. It usually begins with a blotchy rash on the genital area, which spreads to the buttocks. The skin may look red and shiny, almost as if it has been burned. In more severe cases blisters can form causing a great deal of discomfort. Nappy rash can sometimes be complicated by a secondary infection such as thrush or even impetigo. If thrush is present the baby may also have a sore mouth with white patches on the inside of the cheeks. If impetigo is present there will usually be crust formation and a tendency for the eruption to spread beyond the nappy area. If nappy rash is particularly severe or resistant to treatment with the methods outlined below see your own therapist for further advice.
Natural Treatments
Naturopathy
The Naturopathic approach would be first to change the nappy more frequently, and then to wash the nappy area thoroughly during each change with cool boiled water. An ‘air bath' is usually recommended and this just means allowing the baby to kick without a nappy on for as long as possible. Another Naturopathic tip is to apply egg white to the nappy area then dry it using a hairdryer, this should be repeated three times so that a layer of albumin is built up, this will form a barrier and protect the skin between nappy changes. The use of egg white used to be a standard hospital treatment for bedsores.
Topical Help
Barefoot Botanicals' S.O.S rescue me face & body cream can help soothe nappy rash and speed up the healing of the skin. Its blend of natural ingredients works on soothing the redness and inflammation and helps to prevent secondary infection. It will ease the discomfort and help to calm the child who may be fretful due to pain.
Homeopathic Remedies
There are a few helpful remedies. The remedy that you select should be given in 6c potency three times a day until improvement is seen. The tablets can be crushed between two clean teaspoons.
Sulphur
The child needing Sulphur may be prone to a dry skin in general. The nappy rash may be hot red and dry and may extend beyond the nappy area. The Sulphur child generally does not like being bathed.
Graphites
This remedy is useful if the eruption is moist or weepy. It is particularly recommended if there is rawness between the cheeks of the bottom. Petroleum The eruption may be more concentrated on the genital area and not be so severe on the buttocks themselves, the skin may look as if it will crack and there may be small blisters present.
Rhus Tox
The cheeks of the bottom may be red and raw, possibly blistered, the baby will not like the nappy being removed, but will be soothed by warm bathing and the application of creams.