The best thing parents can do to help avoid Nappy Rash is to change their baby as often as required. As Nappy Rash is caused by a build-up of moisture, making sure your baby is changed and dry as soon as possible after wetting themselves is key. Nappy-free time can also help to dry out the nappy region and prevent excessive moisture build-up.
Another way to help avoid Nappy Rash is through the use of barrier products. These form a water-resistant barrier on the baby's skin to help shield it from the effects of moisture build up. It is also important to look for barrier products with a hydrating base to help prevent moisture loss from the skin. That last part is important; moisture build up on the skin can be irritating, but moisture loss from the skin can dry it out and be equally as irritating.
Parents should also be aware of common irritants such as soap, fragrance and colour found in everyday skincare products. Fragrance and colour are two of the most common irritants found in skincare products2,3. Soap can be especially irritating, as it has a high pH of about 10 whereas the skin has a naturally lower pH or about 4. Putting a product with high pH on the skin can cause irritation and damage the skin's barrier function4. For babies, and for parents too, it would be best to look for a pH-balanced soap-free cleanser.
Knowing how Nappy Rash develops, and also knowing the skincare regimen and products that can help you manage it, will mean you can scratch that one off of your worry list!
