Treating Eczema In The Nappy Area
Posted by Kelly Northey on 22nd Oct 2013
When it comes to helping a child with eczema, one of the worst places for a flare up is in the nappy area. Diaper or nappy rash, wetness, the acidity of urine, and the possible infections from waste can make a bad situation worse – so knowing how to treat this area in the quickest and simplest way possible is a great tool to have.
While eczema can show up just about anywhere, there are some places where a flare up is worse. The nappy area is a real problem because moisture, sweat, waste, and hygiene products are all present in this area all the time making it a particularly delicate place. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to help minimize flare ups around the bottom, thighs, genitals, and lower belly – and treat them fast if they show up.
Dry Is Essential
The most important thing you can do when your child is at risk of an eczema flare up or dealing with one now is to keep them as dry as possible. Eczema loves moisture, so checking nappies more frequently throughout the day and night and changing more often can make a world of difference. When your child does need a change, take time to ensure that the skin is completely dry by gently patting it with a soft cloth and allowing some time for air drying to take place. Adding in drying elements like all-natural baby powders can also help if your child isn’t sensitive to them.
Keep It Clean
Before you change a nappy, take a few moments to wash your hands thoroughly. You’ll also want to make sure that your child is completely cleaned up before putting them in a fresh nappy after a change. When it comes to eczema flare up spots, even the smallest amount of germs or bacteria can cause issues, so keeping it clean is worth the extra effort.
Stay Delicate
If you use cloth nappies, make sure that every part of your cleaning process is meant for delicate skin. Choose detergents that don’t aggravate your child’s skin, and choose fabrics that are soft and can breathe. If you use disposable diapers or nappies, choose those that breathe and are made from soft, safe materials.
Keeping Skin Happy
While the nappy area should be dry, you can take time to moisturize and use various mineral creams as needed. We've found a winning combination to in the Four Cow Farm Nappy Kit containing a beautifully soothing natural & organic nappy cream coupled with a Tea Tree Remedy Balm with natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
A post-bath moisturizing that is given 5-10 minutes to soak into the skin and air dry can help keep skin soothed and cool all day.
Staying dry, clean, and hydrated can help soothe current eczema flare ups and prevent future ones from happening. It’s a little more work, but it could cut down dramatically on how much time you spend dealing with eczema in the future.
If you have any other great nappy rash tips and tricks please share them with us all in the comments below!