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“As smooth as a baby’s skin!” That’s one expression that one often hears.
It’s best appreciated on sighting a baby’s tender, soft and smooth skin. The impulse to reach out and feel that smoothness is almost irresistible. It’s no wonder the expression was coined. Mums love the look and feel of their baby’s skin and anything that blemishes that skin is often a source of alarm. Unfortunately, there are many lesions that may cause a baby’s skin to become altered and lose that wonderful glow. Diaper rash is one of them.
Diaper rash also called Nappy rash gets its name from where it is sited and distributed. It occurs over the skin of the genitals, buttocks and upper parts of the thighs. It appears as reddish, small areas of raised skin. It may be itchy and may even peel. Diaper rash is common in babies in the first year of life, with the peak occurrence between nine and twelve months of age.
The most common cause of Diaper rash is prolonged contact of the baby’s skin with urine or faecal matter. The ammonia in these waste materials reacts with the baby’s skin and results in these unwelcome skin changes. Diaper rash may also result from local fungal or bacterial infection. Sometimes, an allergy may also be sometimes responsible. It is often precipitated by bouts of diarrhea resulting in constant and prolonged contact of faeces with baby’s skin. Diaper rash is preventable especially if a baby’s diaper is promptly changed after the baby must have had a bowel movement.
A clean and dry diaper area is a deterrent to diaper rash. Mums should change diapers as soon as they are filled and use clean water to wash the diaper area. Wipes can be used in the absence of water. Light application of barrier creams also helps to reduce contact of moisture with baby’s skin. Ensure baby is dry in between diapers. A few hours of diaper free time is also advocated for older babies as long as a hygienic surrounding can be ensured.
A baby who already has diaper rash will also benefit from following the measures outlined above. If the rash does not clear in four to five days, further evaluation by a Paediatrician is strongly advised.
In summary,
- Change your baby’s diaper frequently
- Clean soiled skin with water as often as you can
- Apply a thin layer of cream to act as a barrier between baby’s skin and moisture
- Allow some diaper-free time
- Use a diaper that absorbs moisture well like Pampers Baby Dry
Remember that there are other causes of Diaper Rash besides that caused by ammonia. Mums need to consider the possibility of other causes and consult a Paediatrician.
About Dr. Ronke Akinola- Pampers Paediatrician.
Dr. Ronke Akinola is a General Paediatrician and a fellow of the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinologists with experience and skills in paediatric dermatology, endocrinology, cardiology, oncology, etc. She resides in Lagos with her husband and children.
About Pampers
For more than 50 years, Pampers has been helping to improve life for babies, toddlers, and the parents who care for them through a complete line of diapers, training pants, and wipes designed for every stage of baby’s development. The Pampers line of quality products in Nigeria includes Pampers Premium Care, Pampers Baby-Dry and Pampers Wipes. Please visit www.pampers.com.ng for in-depth information on baby care and advice from Pampers.
| Do you have any question for our Paediatrician – please feel free to connect with her through our Facebook platform at www.facebook.com/PampersAfrica or visit the Pampers website on …Pampers.com.ng to get general baby care tips. |
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