Newborn babies are delicate creatures, and their skin is particularly sensitive. While the arrival of a new child brings immense joy, it can also be a time of worry for parents as they navigate the various challenges of caring for a little one. This article explores three of the most common baby concerns, namely nappy rash, thrush, and cradle cap. We look at their causes, recommend some treatment options and lastly investigate the impact these concerns have on both parent and baby.
1. Nappy rash - causes, symptoms, treatment options and impact
Nappy rash is a very common skin irritation that affects most babies at some point. It typically appears as patches of red, inflamed skin within the nappy area, sometimes with small spots or blisters. While uncomfortable for your baby, nappy rash is usually quite manageable and simple to treat.
- Causes: The moist, warm environment within a nappy is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Irritants like infrequently changed nappies, urine, faeces, soaps, or wipes can all contribute to nappy rash. Sometimes, introducing new foods or a change in the mother's diet (if breastfeeding) can also trigger a rash. Biofilm is the primary reason for the continued inflammation experienced during nappy rash. Biofilm is a sneaky way bacteria and fungi protect themselves against human onslaught. It is an invisible slime layer secreted by the germs, under which they hide. It is this biofilm that causes the inflammation seen in nappy rash.
- Symptoms: Look out for bright red, shiny skin in the nappy area, particularly in the creases. Your baby may seem fussier than usual, especially during nappy changes. Severe cases might have blisters, sores, or bleeding.
- Treatment Options: Keeping the area clean and dry is key.
- Change your baby’s nappy frequently - every two hours while the baby is awake, and at least once during the night. This will help keep the skin under and around the nappy clean and dry, which is how nappy rash gets better. This also prevents it from happening again in the future. You might want to look at a more absorbent nappy type.
- Consider letting your baby spend time without a nappy on, or, put the nappy on loosely. Exposure to air will help the rash to heal.
- Avoid using nappy wipes while there is a rash. Instead, use warm water and mild liquid soap, and then pat (do not rub) the area dry after you have rinsed the area well. We don’t recommend the use of powders as your baby can inhale these.
- Spray Trifectiv® Plus Wound & Burn Care onto the affected area and allow it to air dry before you apply a barrier ointment (please don’t use a waterproof jelly). Trifectiv® Plus dissolves the biofilm, making it so much easier to reach and kill the bacteria that are hiding underneath it.
- Impact: Nappy rash can be very uncomfortable for your baby, causing fussiness and sleep disruptions. While mostly a minor annoyance, untreated severe nappy rash can lead to bacterial or fungal infections.
2. Thrush in babies - causes, symptoms, treatment options, and impact
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. It's common in infants and usually harmless. Thrush often appears in the mouth but can also affect the nappy area.
- Causes: Yeast is naturally present in small amounts, but an imbalance might lead to thrush. This imbalance can be caused by recent antibiotic use (by mother or baby), a weakened immune system, or sometimes even breastfeeding (yeast thrives on breast milk sugar).
- Symptoms: Look for white, creamy patches that resemble cottage cheese inside the baby's mouth (cheeks, tongue, roof). These patches don't wipe off easily and might bleed if scraped. Thrush in the nappy area looks like nappy rash, with redness and sometimes white patches.
- Treatment Options: Mild oral thrush often clears on its own. For nappy area thrush, see our guidelines above for nappy rash.
- If you suspect you or your baby has a thrush infection, you may benefit from using our Trifectiv® Plus spray. The active ingredient in Trifectiv® Plus is hypochlorous acid. This is a naturally occurring molecule in our white blood cells. Its job is to fight infection and heal wounds. It is also anti-fungal. The active ingredient (medical grade hypochlorous acid) is completely safe for use on mother and baby. Spray into baby’s mouth and onto your nipples after each feed.
- Good hygiene is key. Make sure to sterilise bottles and pacifiers and wash your hands before and after feeding.
- Impact: Thrush might make feeding painful for your baby and can cause fussiness. Nappy area thrush adds to the discomfort of diaper changes. In rare cases, thrush can spread if the infant has a very compromised immune system.
3. Cradle cap - the causes, symptoms, and impact
Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) is a common infant skin condition. It presents as greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on a baby's scalp, although it can appear on other areas like the face or body.
- Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but it's thought to be due to an overproduction of skin oils and possible hormonal fluctuations from the mother. It's not contagious nor caused by poor hygiene.
- Symptoms: Thick, oily, yellow or white crusty patches on the scalp are the hallmark of cradle cap. Occasionally you might find similar patches on the eyebrows, behind the ears, or in skin creases.
- Impact: Cradle cap is completely harmless and painless for your baby. It may look a bit unsightly, but it causes no discomfort.
- Treatment: Cradle cap usually resolves on its own within a few months. Gentle washing of the baby's scalp with mild shampoo can help. Cradle cap responds well to Trifectiv® Plus, spray it onto the affected areas four times per day and it should clear quickly. Consult a doctor only if the patches become very red or seem infected.
Why use Trifectiv® Plus Wound and & Burn Care?
Trifectiv® Plus Wound & Burn Care is known as our “First Aid in the Bottle”. It is ideal for baby care because it is gentle yet effective. The anti-pathogenic and anti-inflammatory actions stop any inflammation or infection in their tracks. It also quickly stops any pain your baby may be feeling in the area of concern.
How does it work? The active ingredient in Trifectiv® Plus is hypochlorous acid. This is a naturally occurring molecule in our white blood cells. Its job is to fight infection and heal wounds. This means that Trifectiv® Plus rapidly kills all the germs that are on the skin, without affecting the natural healthy biome. And it is as effective against bacteria as it is against fungi and viruses. It also quickly destroys biofilm.
It has a powerful anti-inflammatory action, which reduces the inflammation responsible for the sensitivity and pain that your baby is enduring. Trifectiv® Plus Wound & Burn Care quickly soothes and calms the affected area the moment you spray it onto the skin.
Trifectiv® Plus is so safe, that it will do no harm if it gets into your baby’s eyes!