Prevention of diaper rash (nappy rash)

Diaper rash is a common condition seen in babies between 9 to 12 months of age. Although mild cases may be easy to treat, more severe cases may become secondarily infected and lead to recurrences and long term therapy requirement.

Good skin care and hygiene often prevents occurrences of diaper rash and may also prevent recurrences. These methods are applicable for treatment of mild cases of nappy rash as well. Skin care regimen and routines for prevention of diaper rash include (1-6):-

  • The baby should be kept off the nappy for as long as possible. This keeps the skin dry and helps prevent nappy rash.

  • The baby should be placed over an absorbent towel without the nappy and the towel needs to be changed each time the baby soils it. While asleep the nappy may be avoided.

  • The baby should be allowed stomach time without the nappy to dry the buttocks and area around the anus.

  • Nappy should be changed frequently and the baby should not be allowed to remain in a soiled diaper. This is especially true if the nappy is soiled with faeces.

  • Only water should be used to wash the baby’s bottom. Soap can leave the skin dry and lead to increased risk of nappy rash.

  • After each wash the skin needs to be patted completely dry with a soft towel or cotton cloth.

  • A barrier cream containing zinc oxide or simple petroleum jelly may be applied after each nappy change. The barrier cream needs to be applied in a thin layer. This preserves the breathability of the skin while protecting it from the wetness.

  • Lotions, oils that may contain perfumes or other additives should be avoided.

  • Tight fitting plastic pants should not be put over nappies

  • Talcum powders are not recommended when changing nappies. Unlike a barrier cream the powders do not protect the skin from wetness, urine and faeces. In addition it may also cause friction and irritate the soft skin. Talcum powders in addition may also be breathed in by the baby leading to irritation of lungs.

  • All cloth nappies need to be washed in mild detergents and they should be rinsed thoroughly to remove the traces of the detergent completely. Fabric softeners, bleach, presoaks etc. should be avoided as they may remain on the clothes causing irritation.

  • In case the stools are loose fruit juices, apple juice etc. should be avoided. These are acidic and may irritate the skin around the anus and lead to diaper rash.

Disposable versus cloth diapers

It is believed that babies who never wear disposable diapers are not the ones who never get diaper rashes.

Both cloth nappies and disposable diaper wearing babies are equally susceptible to diaper rash. The advantage of cloth diapers is that they can be worn without plastic pants.

Further Reading

Last Updated: May 29, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, May 29). Prevention of diaper rash (nappy rash). News-Medical. Retrieved on October 13, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Prevention-of-diaper-rash-(nappy-rash).aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Prevention of diaper rash (nappy rash)". News-Medical. 13 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Prevention-of-diaper-rash-(nappy-rash).aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Prevention of diaper rash (nappy rash)". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Prevention-of-diaper-rash-(nappy-rash).aspx. (accessed October 13, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Prevention of diaper rash (nappy rash). News-Medical, viewed 13 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Prevention-of-diaper-rash-(nappy-rash).aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.