A Nasty Nappy Rash and Birthday Thoughts

Cezanne's developmental milestones for the year '10
POLIE'S FIRSTS:
from top left: photo-opt when he's still in mommy's womb, birth, bath,
sunny day, grocery shopping, cerelac meal, biscuit day, bottle day,
banana day, trick or treat, mall day & first to stand upon his own     

It is often said that it's mandatory to have a grand birthday bash on the 1st year of age. It's customary, especially in our culture (and you know how we, Filipinos, put so much effort in planning celebrations). But do you know the medical reason behind it? Infant mortality rate is defined as the number of infant deaths (one year of age or younger) per 1000 live births. Just the thought of surpassing the most crucial stage of an infant's life is reason enough to have a big celebratory event. Makes sense, eh?

This was after telling Polie's pedia that I don't see the point of having a grand 1st birthday bash. Personally, I think that the 1st birthday is more for the parents than the child (your one year old isn't going to remember anyway). But then again... Oh well... 

Rotavirus on Day 6: So I've read that the incubation period for Rotavirus is about two days. Vomiting and diarrhea may last from three to seven days. It's a good thing Cezanne only vomited on the first day. His poop is almost close to normal since yesterday. We're still waiting to see that his poop passing frequency lessens. But, he's now suffering from a nasty nappy rash. Because liquid poop spreads over a wide area of the skin, it makes the skin more susceptible to irritation and bacterial growth. Now, I regret not using a barrier cream as a preventive measure. I can see from his face how agonizing it is to have his bottom cleaned. :(

Important reminders when taking care of a child with stomach flu:

1. Make sure your child is properly hydrated. Especially if there's a recurrent vomiting.  

2. If you're using cloth nappies (lampin), stash these away as it will inhibit nappy rash. Use disposable nappies for the time being until the diarrhea subsides. 

3. Wash your baby's bottom with lukewarm water and a mild soap every time he needs a nappy change. And make sure the skin is completely dry, especially in the creases (while baby wipes might come in handy, it's not enough to clean your child's bottom). 

4. Make sure to replace bedding everyday to avoid spreading the virus.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after giving your child a nappy change.

6. On the onset of diarrhea, put a barrier cream on your child's bottom to protect the skin from irritation. Calmoseptine is a multi-purpose moisture barrier ointment which protects, soothes, and helps promote healing of skin irritations. Effective and very cheap.

7. Sanitize, sanitize and sanitize some more!          

And remember, prevention is always better than cure. It seems that my OC-ness isn't enough in keeping a germ-free and healthy household. Have your child vaccinated to avoid the dreary Rotavirus disease. Believe me, you wouldn't regret it.