Nappy rash, or something else?

[DonkeyTeapot]

Hello. DD is 6mo and mostly wears Pampers disposables, although I use some re-useables when we're at home. A couple of weeks ago some red blotches appeared on her bottom, and I'm struggling to figure out what it is.

At first I assumed nappy rash, but she's my first and I don't know what it looks like - I used metanium, gave lots of no-nappy time, and used re-useables as I heard they're better for nappy rash. It didn't help so I googled nappy rash, but the images that came up don't look like it.

They start out as a small red smudge, that looks a bit sore. The patch then sort of spreads, and is red on the edges but paler on the middle. It's not raised. Most of the marks are on her bum cheeks, but she does also have one on her tummy, where the front of the nappy would be.

I asked my HV about it, she had a look and said it's not thrush, and has prescribed Epaderm, which we've been using since Tuesday night, but it doesn't seem to have done much.

So, if it's not thrush, and it's not a nappy allergy, and it's not general nappy rash, what is it? Any ideas, anyone? HV said to ring her after a week, which will be on Tuesday. I will take her to the doctor if HV has no other ideas, but our GP is worse than useless.

Forgot to mention, since this started I've been cleaning her with water and cotton wool, no wipes. Hope someone has some suggestions.

Bump...

ringworm maybe so could need an anti-fungal cream

Thanks for your reply. I don't think it's ringworm though, it is purely in the nappy area, worse along the elastic line around the leg. I've bought some different nappies in case it's an allergy to pampers, I don't think it is as it hasn't changed when I've used reusables, but it's something to try. I've let my HV know that the cream hasn't helped, will see what she suggests.

you'd check the rash with your GP as it could be a bacterial infection (e.g. strep, staphylococcus). The GP'd take a swab and send it to the lab. An antibiotic should help.

In the mean time you could try Baby Nature nappies. They are great for sensitive skin. You'd buy them in Waitrose, Mothercare.

I remember my kid used to have a sore bottom when I ate chocolate. I was breastfeeding.

Thanks abc, those are the nappies I've bought. The redness does seem to calm a bit but then it'll suddenly be worse again, I can't find a pattern. Worth looking out for chocolate though, I don't eat lots of it but have had some recently. If no improvement with the Baby Nature nappies I'll take her to the doctor, I'm hesitant as my GP is just useless.

I think it is better for the Dr to take a swab to be sure. You should insist on it. My GP was refusing to take the swab for weeks insisting it was nappy rash or worms and it was a bacterial infection. DS was in pain. I changed GP and the other one immediately took the swab. I have no idea how did my DS get it but GP said it is common among little children.

I do not like Pampers. Just smell them. DS used to get rash from them.

You could give your DD chamomile tea or chamomile granules or sachets from boots. They are in the teething section and granules in the homeopathic. Chamomile is good for calming. Another thing is sugar as bacteria loves sugar (e.g. Candida).
Good luck with your Dr.

P.S. Breastfed kids to have sometimes rash on their bottoms and face. With my DS it was chocolate; not some cheap stuff though :)