Canesten for Nappy Rash

This article has been medically approved by Pharmacist Sumaiya Patel - GPhC Reg No: 2215078

Identifying Nappy Rash

Nappy Rash is a fairly common problem and one that most babies will experience at some point before they are 12 months old. The nature of a baby’s bottom is soft, smooth, and very sensitive. It has a higher pH level and is thinner and much more delicate than an adult. A baby’s bottom has slightly harsh conditions being wrapped all day long in a warm, damp nappy and is in regular contact with chemicals from urine and faeces.

Nappy Rash is mostly caused by chemicals from urine and faeces irritating the skin and is made even worse by the constant rubbing of a tight nappy and little air circulation. Most Nappy Rash cases are mild and look like small pink spots or blotches which cover less than 10% of the nappy area. These areas will sting, especially when the baby fills the nappy.

More severe Nappy Rashes will cover more than 10% of the nappy area and appear as bright red spots, broken or cracked skin, ulcers, and blisters. In some cases, more severe cases of Nappy Rash will spread down the legs or up as far as the abdomen.

When the skin is damaged by irritants it is more likely that Candida (yeast which naturally grows in the skin) will overgrow and cause a Candidal Nappy Rash. Candidal Nappy Rashes account for up to 75% of nappy rashes that last for 3 days or more and can be very painful. Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if your baby gets a fever or shows any signs of infection of severe inflammation.

Choosing the best treatment for Nappy Rash

Nappy Rash should be treated with the help of a good antifungal cream. This is where Canesten steps in to help! Canesten Solution 1% is used to treat a wide range of skin infections caused by fungi. These include infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch and infections with yeasts such as fungal nappy rash or sweat rash. It is also ideal for fungal ear infections.

Tips for preventing Nappy Rash

• Plastic pants can trap moisture and lead to nappy rash.
• Use a breathable nappy care ointment to protect your baby from the causes of Nappy Rash. These ointments seal the skin’s natural moisture by forming a long-lasting, transparent layer that will protect your baby’s delicate skin from irritants and rubbing.
• Change your baby’s nappy regularly. Stale urine and faeces in contact with delicate skin are what causes Nappy Rash.
• Use disposable liners to further protect your baby’s skin.
• Dry your baby’s skin by patting rather than rubbing, as this may damage the skin and worsen the rash making it prone to infection.
• Give your baby more time to move around without a nappy. Doing so will allow the skin to breathe. The best time for this is after a bath in a warm room.