I S S U E 0 9 - F a m i l y F e a t u re
NAPPY RASH:
prevention and cure
The Skin Health Alliance offers help and advice on dealing with nappy rash.
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aring for a young baby in pain with nappy rash can be distressing for parents. And it can be made worse if the information parents use to help and remedy the situation is inaccurate. For example, the confusion between nappy rash and chemical burns illustrates how seemingly similar conditions can sometimes complicate parents' best efforts to fix things. In its recent research, the Skin Health Alliance discovered that even though more than 90% of parents used disposable nappies, 76% confirmed that their babies had experienced nappy rash.1 “Our skin ensures our body has a delicately balanced ecosystem. However children don’t really develop mature skin resilience until at least around one to two years of age. Up until then, baby skin remains sensitive and delicate. Therefore, striking the right balance between taking care of a baby’s skin and allowing it to mature its
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own defences naturally remains a complicated area for many parents to navigate successfully – especially when it comes to nappies, and nappy rash,” explains Dr Susan Mayou, paediatric dermatologist at London’s Cadogan Clinic. "Nappy rash typically occurs when the sensitive area of skin around a baby’s nappy becomes irritated by contact with urine or faeces. The skin becomes red, hot or sore in patches, which can become confluent and sometimes spots or blisters develop. With proper treatment, it will usually clear up within three or four days.” The Skin Health Alliance survey also found that 52% of parents recognised nappy rash was more likely to occur when a nappy went unchanged for too long. More worryingly, however, was 30% believed that nappy rash is a chemical burn caused by materials used in disposable nappies – a widespread misconception. In order to address these misconceptions and help allay parents fears the Skin Health Alliance surveyed 263 dermatologists about the issue; 93% of them agreed that despite the excellent drying and comfort properties of disposable nappies, it was still possible for babies to develop nappy rash. 76% of dermatologists also reported that when parents presented their children with a complaint of ‘chemical burns’, it was in fact simply nappy rash.2 Pulling together advice from dermatologists and nappy manufacturers, the Skin Health Alliance is seeking to reassure parents that nappy rash is commonplace and educate them as to what they can do to help reduce the risk:
Wet or dirty nappies should be changed as quickly as possible. For newborn babies this can mean as many as eight to 12 nappy changes a day. Gently cleaning a baby’s nappy area with warm water or unscented, alcohol-free wipes at each change is gentler to the skin. As is then patting the skin gently to dry it with a clean towel or, even better, leave them nappy-free to air dry. If possible, allowing babies time without a nappy will help reduce chafing and contact irritation. Applying a very thin layer of barrier cream before putting a nappy on can also help protect the skin. Check the nappy brand’s fitting guidance on the packaging to ensure a good fit. When the skin is sore, avoid fragranced soaps, bubble baths, lotions or talcum powder as they can cause further irritation.
Matthew Patey, managing director of the Skin Health Alliance concludes: “Over recent years, social media reports have incorrectly linked disposable nappies with chemical burns on babies’ skin. By highlighting the scientific facts, we hope to reassure parents as to the safety credentials of disposable nappies and provide some simple steps to avoid their loved ones suffering from nappy rash in the future.” The Skin Health Alliance (skinhealthalliance.org) awards dermatological accreditation to products, services, and brands. It only partners with disposable nappy brands that can scientifically prove skin safety to its independent panel of dermatologists.
SOURCES 1. 2021 Skin Health Alliance Parents Survey. 250 UK parents of children up to 5 years old. 2. 2019 Skin Health Alliance Dermatologists Survey. 263 Dermatologists attending the British Association of Dermatologists Annual Meeting in Liverpool.
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