subject: Some Common Skin Rashes In Babies. [print this page] Nappy rash is a common skin irritation in babies and toddlers. It is a dermatitis affecting the skin covered by a baby's nappy.Nappy rash can be caused by any number of things including; skin irritation from wet and soiled nappies, nappy friction, detergents, soap, perfumes in wet wipes or any combination of these.The best method of preventing nappy rash is by keeping your baby's skin as dry and clean as possible. As any mum would know this is an enormous task, increasingly so as your baby becomes an upwardly mobile toddler.Nappy rash has become the generic term for any redness on the skin in the nappy area. An adults skin is 2mm thick, whilst an infants is only 1mm, so it is only natural that they are more susceptible to irritants. Whilst true nappy rash is not uncommon it is important to be able to distinguish between that and other rashes that come under the nappy rash umbrella.Can be caused by irritants coming into contact with the skin. Be sure to avoid enzyme-based detergents, rinse regularly and use a sensitive detergent if necessary. Allergy dermatitis is often caused by perfumes and other chemicals involved in the processing of disposable nappies, but the main culprit is the myriad of ingredients in disposable wipes. Use cloth wipes with warm water.
Nappy rash appears when your baby's skin is irritated by wee and poo contained in the nappy area. The skin appears red and raw due to bacteria and germs penetrating the normally protected layer of skin exposed to the irritants.When you change your baby's nappy be sure to clean the area thoroughly with warm water and a soft cloth or cotton wool. After cleaning be sure to dry the area as much as possible as moisture can contribute to the problem.Check for brands of nappy wipes which are perfume and alcohol free for best results and follow the advice given above of ensuring the area is well cleaned and dry after use.Cradle cap is a condition whereby patches of greasy yellow flakes and small pimple-like bumps appear on the scalps of healthy babies. Sometimes it may appear on the eyebrows, ears and other areas where sebaceous glands are located. It can occur in any baby, and appear during the early weeks of life and will clear by the sixth month. Some dermatologists think that high levels of maternal hormones are transmitted to the baby during the final weeks of pregnancy. This makes the sebaceous (oil) glands in the baby's skin hyperactive which trigger overproduction of sebum which not only overstimulates the growth of new skin cells but also binds the old skin cells into flakes and crusts. It often has a mild unpleasant smell and does not cause any discomfort to the baby.
You may find yourself wondering why your child has diaper rash and what treatment will heal the rash speedily. Diaper rash is the red rash caused on your child's bottom and genitals, and is caused from wearing a wet or soiled diaper for a prolonged period of time. Urine itself is sterile however when it comes into contact with the skin and diaper, it causes a chemical reaction to occur, and this is made even worse if combined with feces. The rash can be very red and painful and can also have blistering and ulcers if more severe. Usually the baby's that are most susceptible have got sensitive skin and have come into contact with a trigger for the rash. See your pediatrician if the diaper rash doesn't improve in a couple of weeks.
