Nappy-rash and Egg-white
Natural healing properties of Egg-whites
What is nappy-rash?
Seeing ones baby with an angry, aggressive and painful nappy- rash (NR) is stressful and distressing, not least for the baby! And most parents have experienced it.
Many parents feel guilty when it happens, but it’s worth knowing that sometimes NR cannot be avoided. There are many causes of NR.
NR is a common problem. Most babies will experience NR at some time during their nappy wearing phase, but it’s more common in babies between nine and twelve months of age.
Essentially NR occurs in the area where the nappy sits. The skin becomes inflamed, and a NR can be mild, moderate or severe.
The skin in the nappy area becomes pink or red. This is likely to be mild, but if left for a prolonged time, the NR can become moderate, and red spots can appear. If the red spots become pus-filled blisters, then the NR is considered severe, and infection can enter through the broken skin.
What causes Nappy-rash?
- Baby being left in a dirty nappy for a prolonged time.
- Medication, e.g., antibiotics
- Teething
- Immunisations
- Changing from breast-milk to formula milk;– formula milk increases stool PH.
- Over vigorous cleaning; Babies do not need soaps or any other PH changing products. The skin has its own protective properties, which cannot work against detergents.
- Ill-fitting nappy; e.g., too tight.
How to prevent Nappy-rash
- Regular nappy changes
- Correct size nappy. Looser rather than tight.
- Nappy free time
How to treat Nappy-rash
There are many NR healing creams available. Most parents have their own favourites that they swear by. Some parents use a barrier cream for every nappy change, while others prefer to use a cream only when a rash appears.
The absolute best method for treating NR is nappy-free time. Nappy-free time is usually possible for most babies each day for short periods, but it isn’t really practical all of the time.
And there is the old wives tale of egg whites to treat nappy rash. Let’s explore that…
The magic of eggs and their natural abilities;
Eggs are amazing. They secure the passage of life. Their primary purpose is to protect the yolk from destructive pathogens and infections.
Scientists so far have not managed to emulate the natural abilities of eggs.
Humans, now more than ever before, are looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Natural remedies are becoming the preferred method in our plan to live healthier lives.
Old wives tales are making a comeback. Long before modern medicine, herbs and natural products were used to cure ailments. Who knew that rubbing a cut onion on a fungal infection could cure athlete’s foot?!
So, when we look at the humble egg white and its unique antibacterial properties, it’s worth considering it as a natural remedy for soothing, healing, and repairing a baby’s sore bottom.
It wasn’t that long ago egg whites were routinely used on baby’s bottoms in the special care baby units. I suspect following the allergen evidence that came about in the early 1980’s it was deemed inappropriate, and rightly so. But does that mean that we should forget about egg whites as a natural treatment for nappy rash?
We could use egg whites on older babies that are eating solid foods and have proved to have no egg allergy.
I would like to add my disclaimer here that eggs are an allergen. Before applying egg whites to the skin, be sure the baby has no egg allergies. If your baby eats eggs, you can feel confident that your baby will not likely have an adverse reaction to egg whites being applied to their skin.
How to use egg whites on Nappy-rash
Crack a fresh egg into a clean bowl. Separate the white from the yolk. Gently whisk the white with a fork to blend the egg white. Cover and keep in the fridge.
Clean the sore nappy area and pat dry with a soft clean cloth or cotton wool. Never wipe dry.
Dip a ball of cotton wool into the egg white and gently dab the nappy area. The cold egg white is soothing to the hot, inflamed skin.
Allow to air dry before securing a clean nappy in place.
Do not apply egg white to broken skin. If the skin is broken, seek medical advice. Egg white is an excellent healer for mild or moderate NR, but severe NR should be referred to a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions that may present as NR.
