As any parent or health worker will tell you the skin of any baby is very sensitive and even though you follow all the instructions provided to you by your health worker so that they avoid any kind of irritation to the skin it can still occur.
Unfortunately when nappy rash occurs it can be very uncomfortable for your baby and they can often find it very stressful. But don’t worry every baby will usually have one case of nappy rash in their young lives and below are a number of natural remedies which you can use to help stop them suffering from this unwanted rash.
1. Let air circulate. Remove the baby’s nappy and let them lie naked on a towel for a while. This will help to prevent a rash developing. Or if you want why not use a cloth nappy which provides for better air circulation around the genital area.
2. Cloth wipes. Use baby wipes which are readily available both in chemists (drug stores) and supermarkets and which do not contain perfumes or chemicals in them that can be harmful for a baby’s skin. Or if you would prefer why not clean your baby with water and wipes that are made from cloth or just use a soft natural soapy solution instead.
3. Natural Detergents. If you are using cloth nappies then it is best to use a natural detergent for cleaning them rather than a commercial one as these can be quite harsh on not just a baby's skin but children and adults as well. Also if at all possible rinse out the nappies a couple of times in clean water.
4. If you are able to change your baby frequently, I know you may think this seems a bit excessive, but you should consider your baby’s comfort at all times (so don’t just change the nappy when they become soiled). It is important that both urine and fecal matter are completely removed as they are both harmful to a baby especially when they start eating solid foods. It has been found that those babies fed on breast milk often suffer less from rashes than those that are not.
5. Yeast Infection. Thrush or yeast infection can also be caused by nappy rash and if this rash persists then consult your health visitor or doctor who will generally prescribe an antifungal medicine to treat it. However if you want to try something more natural then go for Gentian Violet which is readily available in most chemists or drug stores. But discuss with your doctor prior to purchasing it. Or else you may find by dissolving a tablespoon of baking soda in some warm water and then leave some cotton wool balls to soak in the solution. Then when changing your baby then pat the cotton wool ball that have been soaked in the solution on the baby’s back.
6. Bottom Balm. There are plenty of natural nappy rash creams now available which are good for a baby’s skin and it is important that the cream you use contains such ingredients as Vitamin E, primrose oil and calendula.
However if at the end of the day the rash is persistent then talk to your doctor or health visitor as the underlying cause may be a allergy to certain foods and the doctor/health visitor may recommend a new diet for your baby.