In episode 5 of Mother Doctor Nurse – ‘Girl Bits’ we covered everything from discharge, labial adhesion, and worms, to tips on how to get wee samples, and how to avoid/treat nappy rash – all from great questions submitted by you!
Deb had a fantastic trick to remember how to avoid and treat nappy rash, and we think it’s something every new parent needs to know.
“I call it my ABCD”
One submission we had was asking what we recommend for recurring nappy rash and at what point is medical attention necessary.
“I’ve got a little simple trick for parents with this one… ABCD. And this is about how to avoid as well as treat any nappy rashes.”
A – Avoiding Irritants
As Sarah mentions early on in the episode, we are talking about a very sensitive area here, which can be prone to irritation – “the vaginal area is really, really sensitive. So it’s one of those things, particularly in little ones, that the skin can be quite thin and easily irritated” In response to a question about proper wiping, she goes on; “urine can actually be quite irritating as well. It’s not just about the poo.”
Deb later adds that chemicals are also something to be mindful of when it comes to irritation – “If you’re using, you know, sometimes those disposable diapers your child may be reacting to or whatever, creams, lotions, and potions you’re using.”
B – Bare that bottom!
Nappy free time is the key here. Let that little bottom breathe! And Deb’s tip? “Time it safely (in terms of after a poo so that it’s less likely they’re going to do a poo) when they’re bare.”
C – Creams
Parents would be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed with the number of products out there! Deb suggests choosing a good quality, simple barrier cream – “I have a few preferences. I like the ones that have a bit of calendula in them. That’s nice and calming on the skin. But otherwise, you know, a simple straight barrier cream”
D – Doctor, doctor.
Last but not least… when is it time to take bub to see someone about their nappy rash? Deb notes that she tends to see parents/carers come in with their little one if the nappy rash is severe in terms of either pain, discomfort, or the appearance of the rash itself.
“It’s if they’re becoming very severe, either severe in terms of the pain and discomfort
your child is experiencing or severe in terms of the actual rash.”
“With those few simple measures that I’ve already given [ABC], usually that’ll settle down most mild nappy rashes, the ones that are a little bit angrier, a little bit more irritated, or perhaps even
have a secondary infection, which can either be from a yeast-like Candida or a bacteria,
those ones aren’t going to settle down. They’re going to probably be more painful, red, and a bit more extensive. So those are the ones that I would recommend seeking medical attention for and also nappy rashes that seem to just linger or they’re coming back all the time. Because then my question is always, well, why? And do we need to look at another underlying cause for it?”
And be sure to listen to the full episode of Mother Doctor Nurse – Girl bits, wherever you get your podcasts + don’t forget to subscribe to Feed Play Love.
Episode 6 of ‘Mother Doctor Nurse’ will answer your questions on ‘poop’. Submit your questions here now!
Further reading
