First things first. What does a mother or any parent have to know about nappy rash? A nappy rash or diaper rash is a common skin irritation which happens when skin is exposed or comes in contact with wet and or dirty diapers for a long period of time. Although urine in itself is not an irritant, a chemical reaction between the germs found on the skin's surface converts the chemicals found in urine into ammonia which burns the skin therefore causing irritation.

There are also factors which contribute to nappy rash aside from water in urine and stool. These include the frequency diapers are being changed, skin trauma commonly caused by friction between the diaper and the baby's skin, irritants found in household detergents and soaps, baby wipes and even in napkin powders and creams.

Signs that your baby may have nappy rash commonly include red and inflamed skin especially in the diaper areas or areas that are covered by the diaper or nappy. Although most cases of nappy rash may be mild and can be treated easily, there are also cases which are severe and cause pain and discomfort to your baby. In these cases, the skin may tend to blister then peel, leaving ulcers on the skin area. It may also tend to be covered in red or pink blotches or spots. Still, on other cases, the skin may be dry, cracked or broken. These signs all cause damage to the baby's skin. It is also because of these signs that the baby seems unsettled or uncomfortable. They also are a cause of sleepless nights when babies are awakened often because of pain.

Now the obvious question is, how do you treat your baby's nappy rashes? Here are five suggestions to do just that.

• Always keep your baby clean and dry. Change his diapers frequently. It should be necessary to utilize disposable diapers because they are often made of special materials that trap the urine, keeping it away from the skin and thus keeping your baby dry and safe from nappy rashes.

• You may also opt to keep your baby nappy-free for awhile or whenever practical. That way, your baby's skin avoids contact with urine or feces. It can also speed up the healing process as the skin is allowed to breathe.

• Use only soaps and baby wipes that are specially made for babies when cleaning your baby. These often have no alcohol in them which can add more irritation to your baby's infected skin. It is also best to use plain water when changing your baby's nappies. You may also use disposable towels soaked in water or olive oil to cleanse the area. If the skin is not cleaned that well another option would be to utilize sorbolene cream.

• It may also be essential to apply a barrier cream or ointment in between nappy changes. Zinc paste, petroleum jelly or white soft paraffin often works best. Barrier creams are necessary to help the skin reduce contact with urine or feces.

• If your baby's nappy rash persists, you may want to consult a doctor. Oftentimes, nappy rashes may be infected with thrush. It is necessary for a doctor's recommendation for your baby's skin to heal faster.