Diaper rash is a common among infants and babies which is very uncomfortable and unpleasant. It appears on the skin under a diaper. Typically, it happens in infants as well as young children less than 2 years, yet the rash could even be seen in those people with incontinent or paralyzed.
It is estimated that nearly most every baby suffers from diaper rash at least once during their 3 initial years of life. The majority of suffered babies are from 9 to 12 months old. It is because this time the baby sits most of the time and eats solid foods that might change the acidity of their bowel movements.
In general, diaper rash is usually related to infrequently changed or wet diapers, chafing and skin sensitivity.
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I. Symptoms Of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is featured with some common signs and symptoms, which are:
- Changes in the disposition of the baby. You might notice that your infant seems more unpleasant than normal, particularly during the diaper changes. The baby with problem usually fusses or cries as the diaper area is touched or washed.
- Skin signs like tenderness or redness in the diaper areas, including thighs, buttocks and genitals.
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II. What Are Causes Of Diaper Rash?
- Frictions: the majority of diaper rash cases are caused by friction which develops as the sensitive skin of a baby is rubbed by the wet diapers. It results in a shiny, red rash on the exposed areas.
- Irritation: the skin under diaper will get red from common irritants, like urine, feces, or cleaning agents. The irritation could be caused by the acid in urine, the diaper or the bowel movements.
- Candidal infection: the yeast or fungal infection often has a beefy, bright red appearance and is extremely common after using antibiotics.
- Allergic reaction: this diaper rash could be a reaction to diapers, diaper wipes, laundry detergent, lotion, soap or the plastic pants.
- Seborrhea: this yellow-colored, oily rash might be seen in other body parts, like the head, face and neck.
Despite less common, this condition could be resulted from bacteria such as staph.
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III. When To See A Doctor
It is necessary for you to get your baby seeing a doctor when the skin of your baby does not improve after several days of home remedies for diaper rash, consult a doctor to get the prescribed medication for diaper rash if necessary.
If the rash has the following signs, have your baby examined:
- Bleeding, oozing, or itching
- Being severed or unusual
- Getting worse regardless of home treatment
- Causing pain or burning with a bowel movement or urination
- Being associated with a fever
Now, after having some basic information about diaper rash, including causes and symptoms, you may wonder how to treat this condition at home, right? Do not go anywhere because here we from Healthy Guide list down 24 out of the best home remedies for diaper rash pain in babies. Check them out!
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IV. 24 Effective Home Remedies For Diaper Rash Are Revealed
1. Yogurt
Not many people know that yogurt can help them treat their baby’s diaper rash naturally and effectively. But, warrant that you resort plain yogurt without sugar.
- Put plain yogurt on the affected skin area of your baby. Try to apply a consistent layer of yogurt
- Whenever you change the diapers, reapply this routine and you will see the improvement in no time.
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2. Vinegar
Being alkaline in nature, stale urine may burn the soft skin of your baby. Using vinegar is one of good home remedies for diaper rash because it helps balance out the high pH level.
If you use cloth diapers or reusable diapers, you should rinse them with vinegar solutions. Make that solution by mixing ½ cup of white vinegar with a half a bucket of plain water. Use that solution to rinse the diapers of your baby to remove any soap buildup and urine smell as well.
Alternatively, you could make a weak vinegar solution made from vinegar by mixing 1 teaspoon of this ingredient with 1 cup of water. Then, use this mixture to wipe the bottom of your baby upon changing diaper. This will make the bum of your infant resistant to yeast.
3. Baking Soda
Thanks to healing properties, baking soda can treat diaper rash effectively. Follow these steps to take advantage of baking soda as one of home remedies for diaper rash.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 4 cups of plain water.
- Wash the bum of your baby with this solution whenever you change the diaper.
- Lightly pat your baby’ skin using a dry washcloth
- Put on another clean diaper rash
As an alternative, you can apply the following method:
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm bath tub of water. Give your infant a bath in that rub. Let him / her be in that tub for about 10 minutes, for 3 times per day. Make sure that you pat his / her skin dry after bathing.
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is famous for what it does for the skin health. Yet, not everyone knows that it is one of the effective home remedies for diaper rash in babies. Having strong anti-fungal properties, shea butter could make a big difference in the skin of the baby. It can reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process naturally.
- Use an easygoing soap to wash the infected area of your baby
- Let the skin dry on its own prior to applying shea butter over
- After several minutes, apply another fresh diaper
5. Petroleum Jelly
A lot of pediatricians advise parents to apply a thin layer of the protective coating on the soft skin of their baby whenever they change a diaper. This ingredient is great for this goal because it protects the diaper area from irritating effects of feces and urine.
- After eliminating a soiled diaper of the baby, clean the bum with water
- Dry it well using a cotton cloth or towel, apply petroleum jelly after that
- Do this when your baby requires a change of diaper, the rash will quickly disappears.
6. Cornstarch
Using cornstarch will help absorb the moisture, thereby treating diaper rash symptoms easily. Also, it will make the skin dry, decrease diaper friction and prevent the development of diaper rash. In fact, this is among the most effective home remedies for diaper rash that everyone should make use for good!
- Remove the old diaper, wash the bottom of the baby with tepid water
- Blog the skin dry using a cloth. Let the skin to dry naturally for a few seconds.
- Sprinkle cornstarch on the skin before applying another clean diaper.
- Do this whenever you change the diaper till your baby’s skin heals fully.
Warning: Some people say that using cornstarch might be not safe for your little one because the baby may inhale the powder and then get irritated lungs.
7. Oatmeal
Thanks the high content of protein, oatmeal could soothe the soft skin of your baby and preserve the natural protective barrier of the skin. Also, it has chemical compound named saponin which can remove unwanted dirt and oils from skin pores.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried oatmeal to the bath tub
- Soak your baby in that solution for 10 minutes. This will soothe your baby’ skin naturally.
- Lightly dry the baby’s skin using a clean soft cloth
- Apply this method two times per day till the problem disappears
8. Coconut Oil
Whilst coconuts are among favorite sweet foods, they also come with astonishing effects for skin care routines and treatments, including treating diaper rash. This home remedy is extremely simple to apply.
- Apply the virgin coconut oil over your baby’s irritated skin.
- Repeat the process when necessary till the problem goes away.
9. Mommy Milk
Believe it or not, the mommy milk can be one of the safest home remedies for diaper rash. It is not only free but also lets you rest assured that your infant will not get any allergies.
- Apply several drops of the breast milk to the bottom of your baby
- Let it dry on its own upon changing diapers
10. Egg White
A reliable and fast solution for diaper rash is eggs white – it’s perfect for infected baby skin. What you need to do is:
- Whisk an egg white quickly
- Apply it to the diaper rash gently
- Store what remains in the fridge for the next times of using
- Notice the delightful results in a few hours
11. Change Diaper Brand
Sometimes, the culprit of diaper rash is nothing from the diaper used. The brand of diapers that you are using for your baby may be the cause why he / she develops diaper rash. Each diaper producing company uses different material as well as substances in their products. Maybe, your infant is allergic or sensitive to that material. Most people admit this when having changes in diapers and tried all alternative home remedies for diaper rash and did not get any positive results. Hence, sometimes just simply changing the brand of diaper can also do the trick.
12. Plantain Oil
According to many health experts, plantain oil can relieve the pain associated with diaper rash. This oil is very effective in treating diaper rash causing by an allergic reaction.
With anti-allergic properties, plantain oil can soothe and then relieve the inflammation accompanied with diaper rash. You can take advantage of either plantain oil or herb form.
- Crush the fresh, clean plantain leaves using your hands
- Put them to the skin of your baby whenever you change diapers
- Or, you can apply plantain oil directly on the bottom of your baby before changing another diaper.
13. French Green Clay
Usually sold as an effective facial mask, French green clay is another effective treatment among many home remedies for diaper rash caused by yeast infections. The mineral-based ingredient could even prevent the spreading of diaper rash and promote the healing process of your baby’s skin.
In order to make use of French green clay for diaper rash relief, sprinkle it over the infected area during each diaper change.
14. Cranberry Juice
Using cranberry juice can help prevent diaper rashes effectively by preventing the bacteria causing this problem. You should give 2-3 ounces of cranberry juice to your baby on a regular basis. But, make sure that your baby is old enough for the consumption of this ingredient.
15. Olive Oil
Similar to coconut oil, the moisturizing properties of olive oil will quickly soothe the skin and cure diaper rashes efficiently. Take the following steps
- Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of water
- Apply the mixture over your baby’s bum.
16. Cod Liver Oil
Despite this remedy is rather little known among home remedies for diaper rash, it can work wonder.
- Cut the tip of 3-4 cod liver capsules
- Apply the extracted oil over the bum of your baby
- Rub it gently before changing another fresh diaper
17. Oil Massage
Some natural essential oils like almond oil, jojoba oil, and sesame oil can be helpful in treating diaper rash redness and blisters.
- After giving a bath to your baby and let the infected area dry on its own, apply your chosen oil onto the area
- Wait for a few minutes to let the oil work its wonder
- Apply another fresh diaper onto.
18. Aloe Vera
Being a good solution for almost skin disorders, aloe vera can treat diaper rash naturally. Application of the gel of aloe vera onto the infected area will give a quick soothing effect.
19. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Another one out on the list of the most effective natural home remedies for diaper rash that we would like to expose in the entire article today and encourage readers to learn and make use as soon as possible is to use grapefruit seed extract. With powerful anti-fungal properties, grapefruit seed extract can soothe the skin baby in a natural way.
- Dissolve 3-4 drops of grapefruit seed extract in just 1 teaspoon of plain water
- Apply the mixture over the infected area
However, do not apply it directly over the baby skin when it is not diluted
20. Tea Bags
You can make use of the tea bags for diaper rash in babies. Within 2 hours, it will give positive effects. It will release some chemicals when being in contact with the urine, thereby assisting in treating diaper rash. What you have to do is:
- Putting 3-4 bags in the diaper area of the baby by using a cotton ball
- Wash the bum of your baby regularly with it.
21. Maalox
Using Maalox is among lesser-known home remedies for diaper rash, but it does work. Maalox can soothe the skin by neutralizing the acids causing diaper rash.
Steps to take:
- Use a cotton swab to apply Maalox over the bottom of your baby before putting on another fresh diaper
- Let the skin dry naturally before dressing the little one with loose clothes
22. Arrowroot Powder
This is an old time remedy for diaper rash. Arrowroot powder is the starch extracted from arrowroot. It is safe and natural to apply on babies and children. The combination between arrowroot powder and coconut oil can do the trick for diaper rash relief.
- Rub coconut oil over the bottom of your baby, and then sprinkle a proper dose of arrowroot powder.
- That way, the powder will stick to the coconut oil.
- Apply this method till the rash is removed. But, stop using it if the diaper rash gets worse.
In fact, coconut oil and arrowroot are safe alternatives for people who use cloth diaper because they will not stain the diaper. Wash the diaper as usual.
23. Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
You can always make your homemade diaper rash cream by applying this recipe:
- Prepared ¼ cup of each beeswax, coconut oil, and non-nano zinc oxide powder.
- Melt the beeswax plus with coconut oil in a saucepan
- Mix them together and let the mixture cool
- Add zinc powder after that and stir it well
- Keep it in the glass jar and apply the solution over the diaper rash a few times per day.
24. Diet Change
Sometimes, the diet can be blamed for your baby’s problem. Consider changing what your baby is fed. Babies are often just fine with breastmilk / formula milk alone till 6 months, or 9 months. Also, improve the overall gut health of your baby if diaper rash recurs, by taking advantage of probiotics and removing gut-wrecking foods such as sugar, gluten, processed foods and certain grains. In fact, this is the last but not the least one out on the list of the best natural home remedies for diaper rash we want to encourage readers to make use!
V. Things To Do When Treating Diaper Rash
- Keep the bottom of your baby clean and dry. The most important tip to prevent as well as treat a diaper rash is to keep the area clean and dry. Lay the baby down on a soft towel when he does not wear a diaper. Give him sometime without using diaper during the day to keep the area dry. When applying diapers, do not wrap them too tightly. When changing the diaper, clean the area with a soft towel. Wipes are acceptable but try to be gentle. Do not rub the skin hard or use alcohol to wipe the area. Instead, use mild soap. Pat, not scrub the area.
- When changing the diaper for your baby, be vigilant about it. It is the best to change the diapers often, especially as soon as it is soiled. Use superabsorbent disposable to keep the skin dry.
- Do not use talcum powder because it might be harm to the lungs of your baby as he could inhale it, resulting in allergy to the skin.
- You can also use barrier creams having zinc to help soothe the skin and prevent contact with some irritants like feces. Jellies like Vaseline can help with diaper rash. It is inexpensive and does not contain too much dyes or perfumes.
- If the rash keeps remaining, use a different brand of detergent, diaper or soap.
- Wash the hands carefully after changing the diaper to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
VI. Things Not To Do When Treating Diaper Rash
- Do not use highly fragranced products like fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic are less irritating to your baby.
- Avoid scented diaper wipes
- Avoid wrap the diapers too tightly or avoid over-tight ones such as tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This will create the friction between the diaper and skin, creating rashes.
- Put the baby in breathable clothes. Rubber pants can promote a hot, moist environment.
- Refrain from using the baby powder on your little one
If after following the home remedies for diaper rash mentioned earlier for 1 week, the condition does not improve, then it is better to consult a pediatrician.
To conclude, there may be many more other home remedies for diaper rash which are alternatives to conventional creams for diaper rash than the 24 remedies listed above. However, these home remedies for diaper rash are easy to find, easy to do and very efficient.
Just simply do your own research, experience and decide which remedies are suitable for your baby. You baby might be a little fussy and in need of more attention upon going through a diaper rash. Thus, try your best to bond with and comfort your baby to help them feel pleasant.
If after reading this entry of home remedies for diaper rash, you have any comment about the content, do not hesitate to drop your words below the post. We appreciate and will feedback as soon as possible.
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