It is quite common to notice redness on your baby's bottom. Although they are often harmless, they can be a source of discomfort and itching. Some simple daily actions can help prevent nappy rash. How can you avoid redness on the infant's bottom? Here are the keys.
How to prevent baby's nappy rash?
Summary
Published on April 11, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
How does infant diaper rash present itself?
Red bottoms are among the most common skin discomforts in babies. Generally benign, these irritations are nevertheless a source of concern for parents. They are characterised by the presence of itchy red patches on the baby's bottom and inner thighs. Some simple actions can soothe the baby's skin within a few days. However, if the inflammation persists, it is essential to consult a paediatrician to prevent any infection.
Redness on the buttocks is a sign of dryness in the delicate skin of your baby. Often caused by contact with a substance they cannot tolerate and friction, thenappy rash, or diaper dermatitis, can also follow prolonged exposure to the moist environment of the nappy. Indeed, this environment is conducive to bacterial and fungal colonisations, phenomena that exacerbate irritations and prolong redness.
Preventing baby's nappy rash: practices to adopt.
A good hygiene is essential in preventing diaper rash, but also in preventing its worsening.
To preserve your baby's comfort and prevent nappy rash, it is imperative to keep their bottom clean and dry as much as possible. This includes regularly changing their nappies so they do not remain in a soiled one for a long period. Paediatricians also agree that it is better to use disposable, super-absorbent, and breathable nappies rather than cloth nappies to prevent nappy rash.
Furthermore, just like adults, babies need to be washed every day. For this, favour gentle products and soaps, free from perfumes, alcohol derivatives and essential oils, compounds that can be irritating and cause redness, itching and skin dryness. Also, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before bathing your child or giving them a bath. Lastly, it is recommended to clean a baby's bottom from front to back and to dry by lightly patting to avoid irritating the skin.
Following your child's bathing routine, we recommend thoroughly moisturising their skin. You may choose to use a vegetable oil, such as camelina oil or grape seed oil, both renowned for their nourishing properties and suitability for infants. It is also possible to use a balm, milk or a rich moisturising cream like our replenishing balm. Suitable for the whole family, this care product formulated for dry to very dry skin provides continuous hydration for 24 hours. Concentrated in replenishing and soothing active ingredients, it nourishes the skin, restores its hydrolipidic film and rebalances the skin's microbiota.
Finally, to prevent nappy rash, it is advisable to avoid dressing your child in irritating and overly tight fabrics. The loose clothing made from soft and flexible materials such as linen or cotton reduces friction, and consequently redness.
Do not feel guilty if, despite all your efforts, your baby suffers from redness on the buttocks. This condition is very common and can easily be treated by a paediatrician.
Sources
KANTI V. & BLUME-PEYTAVI U. Prevention and treatment of nappy rash. Paediatric Dermatology (2018).
MICETIC-TURK D. & al. Diagnosis and management of nappy rash in infants with a focus on skin microbiota in the nappy area. International Journal of Dermatology (2018).
CICCONE A. & VARBANOV M. Diaper Rash, Advice and Treatments. Pharmaceutical News (2020).
