Nappy rash - treatment

- The most effective treatment, although not always the most practical one, is to temporarily discontinue use of nappies, allowing air to get to the affected skin.
- Commonly recommended remedies include oil-based protectants, which often contain petroleum jelly and cod liver oil or zinc oxide based ointments.
-If the rash is not settling after a few days, or is very raw, discuss with your health visitor, nurse, or doctor. There are also other types of rash such as Seborrheic (similar to cradle cap) and Atopic (allergic reaction characterised by itchiness), which require special treatment.

Other possible actions you can take:
- Discontinue the use of wipers. Wash baby with warm water using a gentle soap and cotton wool.
- Change detergent, or use less
- Try to make an extra rinse cycle.
- Consult your doctor if there are skin problems, eg eczema, in the family.

Nappy rash - prevention

- Change the nappy as soon as it is wet or soiled. It may be as often as hourly in newborn babies. - When possible, allow the baby to lie in a warm environment without a nappy for a while, before putting on another one.
- Use a barrier cream at nappy changes. Some barrier creams have antiseptic properties, which can help to deal with any germs.
- Wash your nappies with non bio-detergents and use less detergent than the quantity recommended by the detergent manufacturer.