Diaper rash is a very common condition amongst the babies. Medically known as diaper dermatitis, is indicative of any kind of skin irritation that occurs due to the friction of moisture and bacteria under the covered area of a diaper.
Most commonly, when a baby experiences diaper rash, the skin of the baby, covered by a diaper becomes red and inflamed, sometimes even give rise to blisters and pustules.
35% of the Babies Suffer from Diaper Rash
This condition affects about 7 to 35% percent of infants every year, ranging from 9 to 12 months of age. However, there is no hard and fast rule for that.
Cornstarch is an excellent cure for diaper rash. It is an effective remedy for diaper rashes. It helps in reducing the friction that can cause diaper rashes by keeping the skin dry.
Cornstarch for Diaper Rash
A study in the journal named Pediatric Dermatology states that cornstarch has been proven to effectively minimize the friction in the covered area, thus protecting the infant against any kind of irritation. Here are some questions that it arises regarding the use of cornstarch for diaper rash.
- Is cornstarch good for diaper rash?
- Arguments regarding the usage of cornstarch on diaper rashes
- Usage of cornstarch for treating diaper rashes
- Application of cornstarch for diaper rash
- Natural care for diaper rash
Why Does it Work?
Diaper rash, or diaper dermatitis, is considered to be one of the most common types of rashes in babies, resulting from the combination of bacteria, moisture, and friction in the area covered by a diaper. In order to avoid this particular condition in babies, baby powder is commonly used.
The application of baby powder on the affected area helps in the reduction of moisture and friction. However, talcum powders often get mixed with the air and can go to the lungs of the baby and cause certain respiratory problems. This is why many doctors nowadays do not recommend baby powders that contain talc.
While looking for a different solution to treat this particular problem, some of the doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center suggested the use of cornstarch in treating diaper rash(1). Cornstarch is also effective in the treatment of other babies’ rashes found on other parts of the body.
[Also Read: Natural Ways to Treat Diaper Rash]
How to Use It?
The application of cornstarch(2) on diaper rashes and/or other babies’ rashes should be done after thoroughly examining the type of rash the infant has. You need to ensure that the diaper rash is not caused by yeast infection.
Procedure:
- Remove the soiled diaper and wash the affected area with mild soap.
- Pat dry the affected area.
- Now sprinkle or dust cornstarch on the affected area. You can also mix petroleum jelly to cornstarch and apply it.
- Now cover the area with a clean cloth or a diaper. Do change the diapers periodically.
Ensure that cornstarch is not exposed to air as the baby could inhale it and be prone to certain respiratory problems. Avoid the usage of cornstarch on bleeding, weeping or broken skin.
[Also Read: Home Remedies for Diaper Rash]
Other Natural Remedies for Diaper Rash
In case you are worried about using cornstarch for babies’ rash¸ you can opt for other natural ways to take care of your baby’s diaper rash.
- This includes frequently checking your baby’s diaper. In case the diaper gets wet, remove it and wash the area with plain water.
- You can also use a mild variety of soap if you want to. Do not use diaper wipes with fragrance or alcohol.
- Pat the affected area to dry and then let it air dry for a bit. Air and light are considered to be the best natural treatments in case of diaper rash. So, try not to use the diapers frequently.
- You can also use petroleum jelly on the diaper area.
Precautions
In rare cases, Cornstarch could worsen a diaper rash mostly caused by yeast infection. As such
- Do a patch test on the baby’s skin
- In case the rash worsens, discontinue its usage and use petroleum jelly on the affected area. You can also use ointments containing zinc oxide.
- Consult a doctor immediately.
Diaper rashes are not as frightening as you think. However, if your baby develops a diaper rash before he or she is 6 weeks old, it is better to consult a doctor.
Also, consult your doctor if the rashes do not go away after the usage of cornstarch for diaper rash, as well as for the other natural ways as stated above. In that case, it might be a yeast infection that needs medicated ointments for healing.
[ Read: Baking Soda Bath For Diaper Rash ]
FAQs
1. Is it safe to use cornstarch on babies?
Yes, they are safe to use, however, cornstarch tends to cause a little problem if the baby’s skin is wounded or broken, hence it shouldn’t be applied. Also, make sure that you don’t apply it on the baby’s face.
2. How long do diaper rashes last?
Diaper Rashes usually go away within 2-3 days of their occurrence, However, sometimes it can last longer than that.
