Nappy rash Health Dictionary

An inflammatory skin disorder around the anus and genitals caused by urine reacting with faecal bacteria to produce ammonia. By nature it is a chemical ‘burn’ and is aggravated by monilia, a wet nappy, or detergents used to wash the nappy.

Causes: nappies sealed in plastic pants for hours on end. Eggs.

Seborrhoea is a common type.

Treatment. After soiling, the nappy area should be washed in warm water and powdered with cornflour (cornstarch); this may be used as a substitute for talcum powder for reducing friction. Nappy rash is rare in Greece where it is a mother’s habit to clean a baby’s soiled bottom with a stream of warm water from a mixer tap, holding the infant over the left arm in the washbasin, and washing with the right hand. Topical. Emollient herbal creams: Comfrey, Marshmallow, Chickweed, Slippery Elm, Aloe Vera, Marigold (Calendula). Evening Primrose oil. Zinc and Castor oil ointment. A paste made from Slippery Elm and teaspoon Vitamin E oil. Fresh juice of Plantain or Comfrey.

Tea Tree oil: 10 drops in glass warm water. Saturate handkerchief or sterile dressing and apply.

Diet. Slippery Elm gruel. Avoid eggs. 

Common skin inflammation in babies that is caused by irritant substances in urine or faeces. Occasionally, the inflammation is severe. An ointment containing a mild corticosteroid drug may be prescribed to suppress the inflammation.

A common form of irritant contact DERMATITIS in the nappy area in babies under one year old. Wetting of the skin by urine, abrasion, and chemical changes due to faecal contamination all play a part. Good hygiene and use of disposable absorbent nappies have much reduced its incidence. An ointment containing a barrier, such as titanium dioxide, may help; other medications such as mild CORTICOSTEROIDS or antibiotics should be used very cautiously and only under the guidance of a doctor, as harmful effects may result – especially from overuse.