Ever heard the expression “soft as a baby’s bottom?” A baby’s skin is extremely delicate and one of the most common challenges faced by mothers is nappy rash. Although it is usually not serious, it can be very uncomfortable for baby – and distressing for mom!
A type of dermatitis, nappy rash affects the buttocks, genitals, and thighs. It usually lasts a couple of days, but in some cases, it may be persistent and turn into a secondary skin infection. The skin may be red or raw, shiny or tight and in severe cases, there may even be a little bit of bleeding.
Wearing a nappy creates a hot and humid environment that may encourage irritation of the skin. A nappy rash can be caused by anything that irritates a baby’s skin, but the most common cause is when urine or stools are in contact with the skin for too long.
While it is inevitable that most babies will develop nappy rash at some point, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the symptoms (or avoid it altogether):
- Change baby’s nappies frequently.
- When changing baby, rinse and dry the skin in the nappy area and avoid using baby wipes as they may spread infection or burn the skin if they contain alcohol.
- When possible, let baby go without a nappy.
- If you use cloth nappies, wash them with a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
- Use a good quality, trusted baby bum cream to keep the delicate skin soothed and moisturised. We recommend the iconic Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream.
Sudocrem has been trusted by mothers for over 90 years. Did you know that Sudocrem’s journey dates back all the way to 1931? Pharmacist Professor Thomas Smith blended a unique formula of active ingredients that brought together the best of nature and science to effectively soothe and help to heal baby’s nappy rash as well as other skin conditions. He developed Sudocrem in a Dublin pharmacy and the formula has withstood the test of time as it remains unchanged today.
Sudocrem is clinically proven to soothe and protect your baby’s delicate skin and works in three simple ways:
- It contains an emollient that soothes sore or irritable skin;
- Its cooling properties help ease pain and irritation;
- A water-repellent base forms a protective barrier, helping to stop any irritants (urine and faeces) coming into contact with the skin.
The key ingredient in Sudocrem is Zinc oxide, a multi-functional ingredient that reduces the loss of tissue fluid, thereby protecting the skin’s barrier function.
Sudocrem is gentle yet effective and can be applied at every nappy change:
Step 1: Ensure your baby’s bottom is clean and dry.
Step 2: With clean and dry hands, place a small amount of Sudocrem on the tip of your finger. Remember a little goes a long way.
Step 3: Gently massage Sudocrem into the skin using light, circular movements (try to avoid rubbing, especially if the skin looks sore).
Step 4: You want to create a thin, translucent film on the skin. If the white cream is still visible, you may have put too much on (don’t worry if this happens, just use a little less next time).
Step 5: Repeat as often as you need to.
While Sudocrem works wonders in treating and preventing nappy rash, it has plenty of other uses for the rest of the family too. It can be applied to cuts, grazes, and minor burns to reduce the risk of infection and soothe discomfort. It’s also great for soothing skin irritations like eczema and acne.
Sudocrem’s formula has remained unchanged for over 90 years because it works. Give it a try and see the difference in your baby’s skin.
Sudocrem is available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, and other major retailers and pharmacies in four handy sizes:
60g – R57.99
125g – R94.99
250g – R164.99
400g – R209.99
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