Ammonia dermatitis
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Thrush
Most babies experience nappy rash at some point in their nappy wearing career. Family, friends and professionals will invariably have an opinion as to why your baby's nappy rash has occurred, and how to fix it. However, the use of a particular type of nappy, or plastic pants is not usually the cause, and leaving your baby's nappy off for most of the day is not a practical solution! Be aware that nappy rash usually has nothing to do with what you are doing (or not doing). It just happens!
Nappy rashes during the first 3 months after the birth are usually short-lived, and often clear up easily with simple treatments. However, nappy rashes during this time can sometimes be confused with heat or hormonal rashes (which do not require any special treatment). Some babies are more prone to nappy rashes as they grow older, no matter what creams are used, and how often the nappies are changed. Occasionally, the rash will be caused (or aggravated), by certain creams, washing powders or nappy liners, and changing these may make a difference.
Ammonia dermatitis
The standard form of nappy rash is known medically as ammonia dermatitis. This can appear on the baby's bottom, genitals, thighs or lower abdomen (or all of the above), wherever the nappy sits against the skin. The rash can range from looking mild, to very red and angry, and as it spreads, may worsen, looking 'thicker' and possibly making the skin look wrinkled. Occasionally, the skin can crack (or even blister), meaning that the skin may sting when urine comes in contact with it.
Ammonia dermatitis develops due to a combination of normal factors. A baby's skin is almost continuously being exposed to urine and poo, as well as the increased humidity caused by wet, or soiled, nappies. Freshly passed urine contains a body waste substance called urea (pronounced 'you-ree-a').