Ever wondered why your baby appears unsettled, crying more than usual, off their food and not sleeping well? A sore bottom and nappy rash could be the answer! Nappy rash is very common in almost all children who wear nappies, from the early baby years through to the toddler stage. 

Nappy rash typically forms when the sensitive skin around your baby’s nappy area becomes irritated, often by being in contact with urine and poo for long periods. It can make the skin on your baby’s bottom become red and patchy, hot and sore in places and in severe cases spots or blisters can occur. Nappy rash can become incredibly uncomfortable and cause a lot of distress and upset for your baby. You may even find that your toddler avoids the potty because it is so sore. 

Ilex skin protectant is formulated to be gentle and soothing to the skin whilst creating an environment that helps the healing process. It creates a waterproof, protective barrier over your baby’s skin to allow for complete healing of your child’s nappy rash. Use it as soon as you see sore skin on your baby’s bottom and it will give instant protection! Ilex can be used on both mild and more severe nappy rash.

Understanding how nappy rash develops can help prevent sore skin from occurring:

• Babies’ skin being in contact with urine or poo for long periods of time
• Not cleaning baby’s bottom thoroughly when changing the nappy
• The nappy may rub against your baby’s skin causing soreness
• Using alcohol based-baby wipes
• Your baby might have experienced recent episodes of diarrhoea due to being unwell, teething, weaning, recent vaccinations, antibiotics or a change in diet

Most cases of nappy rash clear up following the simple skin care routine, which will help protect their skin. Follow these tips to maintain healthy soft skin:

• Change any wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible
• Wash the whole nappy area with warm water with cotton wool or fragrance free/water based baby wipes. Make sure you pat-dry the area completely with a soft towel. 

When washing the bottom area, always wash from front to back

• If you can let your baby or toddler spend approximately 30 minutes each day, lying on a towel without wearing a nappy, this will help the fresh air to soothe and dry the skin
• Bathing in warm water on a daily basis is enough to clean the skin. More frequent baths can dry their skin out too much.
• Don’t be tempted to use any soap or bubbles in the bath as it can cause discomfort to the sore area
• Do not use talcum powder as it can cause irritation

Using Ilex paste to protect your baby’s skin:

Ilex paste forms an occlusive barrier or a complete seal over sore or damaged skin, repelling harmful fluids and bacteria. It contains zinc oxide which is well known for its wound healing properties. Ilex paste is soft, flexible and very easy to apply. It is non-toxic and does not contain any alcohol or latex and therefore perfectly safe for your baby’s skin.

Application of Ilex Skin Protectant:

The application of Ilex paste can be done after the nappy area has been cleaned. It is soft, flexible and easy to apply. Apply a thin layer of paste onto all affected areas of nappy rash. The skin should still be visible beneath the paste.

Leave to dry for a minute and then dab a thin layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around the edges of the Ilex paste, remembering another layer of Vaseline directly on top of the Ilex paste to prevent the nappy or under garments from adhering directly to the paste on the baby’s skin. This will also help when removing the nappy for a change later. 

The paste does not need to be re-applied at each nappy change as it is occlusive and water repellent and will remain on the skin continuously providing protection. The longer it can stay on the better! Wash the any faeces off the skin and apply another layer of Ilex paste, followed by Vaseline, only if needed. If using any antifungal or antibacterial creams or powders to the nappy rash, apply these first and allow drying for 30 seconds before applying the Ilex paste over the top. 

Ilex can be removed using a good amount of mineral oil/baby oil so as not to inhibit the healing process and a further application of Ilex may be applied.

When to see a Healthcare Professional:

If nappy rash is left, it can become more extensive and spread to further areas such as your baby’s buttocks, groins and tops of thighs. With this, comes more discomfort and misery, especially when the affected skin is touched. If your baby’s skin does not improve within a week, or the rash starts to blister, spreads higher up the body or your baby develops a temperature, it is time to seek advice from a Healthcare Professional. You may be given a prescription for a topical antibiotic or antifungal cream which will help your baby’s skin. Remember to follow the instructions given with this treatment. Ilex paste is compatible with both of these treatments.

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