Fast help on extreme nappy-rash (from IV antibiotic runs)

[Elibean]

dd2 ended up in A&E on Friday with suspected septicaemia - thankfully, it turned out to be a virus so all is well, but three nights of super strong IV antibiotics have left her with diarrhoea and the worst red, raw, nappy area I've seen

The worst part is actually on her labia, right up near the top - almost peeling. But its all over. I'm using Vaseline and Metanium, which worked in worst case scenarios with dd1, but changing nappies (which I have to do often, obviously) leaves her screaming and sobbing hysterically...any ideas?? I'm already giving her Calpol for the virus symptoms.

I've found Bepanthan (sp?) to be good. Poor little thing - how old is she?

Oh and are you using wipes? If so stop - that will definately sting more than say cotton wool and water.

Thanks, will try tomorrow - she's 15 months.

And yes, was using wipes (the non perfumed, non wotsits in type) but she screamed when I tried putting her in tepid bath tonight, so I just washed her down with cool water and she screamed blue murder. Possibly in anticipation as much as pain, hard to tell

I think water will hurt as well - just not as much as anything that is on the wipes. The other thing that's supposed to help is nappy free time - but that's tricky with the dodgy tummy isn't it

Yes, though I'd do it if she got relief...! Its bedtime though, so into nappy she goes for the next (hopefully) ten hours or so. Do you think I should check her nappy in the night?

Just read raw egg white might help...

If it is this extreme, I would go at it head on. Take off nappy. Let her lie/sit (if she will!) on a towel, on top of a changing mat - or if necessary a polythene sheet/shower curtain, for as much time as you can entertain her there - and clean up as necessary. You might be surprised how infrequently anything comes out!

Mine had a raw area when he was only 2 weeks old, it was awful - the ONLY thing that made any difference (I tried everything for a week and it didn't heal) was egg white, and also just using warm water, and nappy free time.

It won't last long if the air is getting to it - I'd rather sit and clean up poo than have the screaming go on for a week!!

Good luck and glad she is getting better x

Ooh if it is bedtime, leave it off! Leave it off and clean as needed - at least, while you are still up. Maybe put nappy on when you want to sleep, but maximise the air time, iyswim - leave it off as long as possible, now while she is not racing around.

fwiw my newborn was pooing or weeing every few minutes - it was great fun

I would change her at night if you think she'll settle again resonably quickly. I've heard that about egg white as well - maybe worth a go!

Tis true Northernlurker! You're meant to whisk it I think, but I didn't - just kept a pot by the mat, and added as necessary

The wound started to granulate around the edges after a day or so and was soon gone.

Miracle or possibly just coincidence...

Wow, thanks NL and Flora. I'm sorry I missed most of that whilst putting dd to bed (she's perfectly happy whilst nappy is on, its the changing times that are awful, and now bath) but have taken it on board for tomorrow.

I hate to wake her up if there's no suspected poo, because she's had four nights of being woken up to go to A&E (IV had to be given 24 hourly, and it was 3am the first time ) and is really tired. But if I sniff the slightest hint, I'll do it.

And tomorrow is eggwhite and bare bums all the way......

I appreciate the (very fast!) help, thank you both.

You must be exhausted!!! Poor you, get some rest while you can xx

Hope egg white works

Thanks - yes, I am, and think I'm starting D&V (or hopefully just D) bug which I probably picked up in A&E

And its my birthday! Outrage, eh