Diaper dermatitis or Diaper rash is a very common problem among infants. Red scales and splotches appear on the baby’s diaper-clad areas. The baby is in great discomfort when this happens. The occurrence of diaper rash does not mean that you are not taking good care of your baby.
Dirty and constantly wet diapers are the primary cause for diaper rash. Blister formation, itching, and tiny pimples are formed. Sometimes, the skin might also peel off.
This redness, irritation, and soreness of diaper rash is caused due to bacterial and fungal infections(1). Too much moisture and warmth in the diaper area, and acids in stools and urine can also be attributed as major causes.
There is no reason to panic as there are easily available remedies right at your home which can treat this condition and the results are almost immediate. They provide great comfort to your baby and relieve the irritation, pain and burning sensation.
These home remedies, natural remedies, essential oils and other methods mentioned here have proven to be very effective and have been followed to provide immediate relief to infants and babies for decades now.
There are a lot of home remedies to treat different ailments of skin, hair and the body. When it comes to baby care, all that is needed is immediate attention. Diaper rash is a very common problem which can leave your baby irritated as it causes pain and burning sensation.
Home remedies for diaper rash provide instant relief. Let’s see what are they and how to use them.
A warm bath is a great way to refresh the mood of your baby. If your baby has a diaper rash, a warm baking soda bath can provide immense relief.
You can do this 2 times a day.
You can even add a cup of baking soda to your baby’s bathtub.
Baking Soda removes oil, dirt, and sweat. In addition to this, it also acts against the bacteria causing infection and reduces inflammation.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Baking Soda]
Epsom salt is known for its high-magnesium content and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt in warm bath water and let the affected area of the baby soak in it for 10-15 minutes. Follow it up with a bathing session and repeat this two to three times a week to keep diaper rashes away.
You can do this 2 times a day
Epsom salt acts against the bacteria causing infection and decreases the inflammation and irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar is very commonly found in many households. Apart from adding taste to foods, it serves as a great remedy in treating some of the body ailments. It is also an effective remedy in treating diaper rash.
Rub on to the affected areas on the baby’s skin very gently
You can apply this mixture 2 times a day
Apple Cider Vinegar contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-3 that promote healthy skin. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar helps to balance the skin’s pH as it cleanses and heals the skin of rashes and minor ailments.
Bananas contain various important nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid which help in producing red blood cells and thus help to prevent anemia in babies. It also develops the immune system to fight any kind of infection.
The norepinephrine and serotonin present in bananas help to lift the mood of your baby and elevate depression. The antioxidants found in bananas also help to protect children from various chronic diseases.
Bananas contain a water-soluble fiber called pectin which aids in digestion and prevents gastrointestinal problems in kids. The pectin helps to break the carbohydrates into simple sugars, and this aids in digestion.
Bananas are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps to prevent urinary infections in babies. Diarrhea and constipation are very common in babies. Bananas help to control diarrhea and supply the baby with the lost nutrients. Mashed banana can help to treat constipation in babies.
Loose stools and gas due to indigestion are two major reasons which create inflammation and irritation which leads to diaper rash. Banana treats these two conditions effectively and reduces the chances of the occurrence of diaper rash.
Olive oil is a remedy that is wonderful for soothing the skin and is even better at moisturizing baby’s skin. It provides a nice barrier against the baby’s tushie and helps to heal quickly. Olive oil is safe for cloth diapers (meaning they typically won’t cause urine to repel). However, too much olive oil can cause the diapers to not absorb as well.
Apply olive oil on to the affected areas on the baby’s skin and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. You can even apply olive oil into your baby’s diaper before you put it on the baby. It deals with the irritation and inflammation very effectively and provides great comfort to your baby.
Olive oil has antibacterial effects. It has natural moisturizing qualities. It is also an Exfoliator.
[ Read: Home Remedies for Diaper Rash ]
Breast Milk is a very effective remedy for treating diaper rashes in less time(2). All you need to do is apply a few drops of breast milk to the rash-affected area and allow it to dry on its own.
After you have followed the above remedy, immediately change your baby’s diaper and put on a new one.
Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months develop a strong immune against any kind of infections, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea.
The list of benefits of aloe vera is quite long. The wondrous plant has some great remedies to treat various skin and health conditions. From nourishing your hair and skin to healing multiple infections, the benefits of aloe vera are many. It is also an effective remedy for treating diaper rash.
A diaper rash irritates the skin of your baby. Aloe vera offers a soothing effect by treating inflammation and burning sensation and relieves your baby from irritation.
Cut a leaf from the aloe vera plant and extract the fresh gel. Gently apply the gel on to the affected area. Repeat the process whenever you feel your baby is irritated from a rash.
Usually, applying it twice a day is recommended for infants.
Aloe Vera has potent anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the quick healing of the skin. It soothes the skin and promotes blood circulation. Further, its antibacterial properties prevent the build-up of bacteria in the affected region.
Cornstarch is another great alternative to talcum powder and offers many benefits. Made from corn kernels, cornstarch is totally natural, highly absorbent and helps keep skin cool and dry. Cornstarch particles are slightly larger than talc and have no side effects or health risks.
[Also Read: Treat Diaper Rash With Cornstarch]
The antibacterial properties of the cornstarch fight against the bacteria causing the infection and decrease pain and inflammation offering almost instant relief.
There are a lot of different remedies for treating diaper rash but coconut oil is one of the best remedies that soothe any skin condition. Using coconut oil for diaper rash is a very healthy and natural way to handle the discomfort, inflammation, and irritation caused due to this infection.
Apply this paste on the affected areas
Apply this mixture generously and let it stay for at least 10 to 15 minutes. You can apply this cream two times a day. Ensure that you wash the affected areas with clean lukewarm water and pat dry your baby before applying this mixture.
Coconut oil is a natural treatment that’s commonly used to treat skin conditions and maintain good skin health. It helps in treating and prevents diaper rash. Using the above mixture helps to relieve inflamed diaper rash and any accompanying redness, irritation, or itching. It gets rid of diaper rash and heals your baby’s skin very quickly.
You must do this once daily.
Green tea contains beneficial polyphenols that protect your skin from free radical damage. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea fight with infections and get rid of them very quickly.
[Also Read: Treat Diaper Rash in Newborns]
You must do this once daily.
Neem leaf extract has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antihistamine properties, which treat skin rashes and their symptoms like inflammation and redness very effectively.
You must do this once daily.
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can be used to treat skin rashes.
These simple but effective home remedies, essential oils, natural remedies, foods and herbs that are mentioned above are perfect for treating your baby’s diaper rashes. These remedies do not have any side effects. If your child’s diaper rash is severe and these remedies seem ineffective in treating the condition within one to two weeks, take your baby to a pediatrician for a medical diagnosis.
Tea tree essential is an excellent essential oil for diaper rash(3). It is widely known to treat numerous skin conditions and improve the health of the skin.
You can apply this mixture on to the affected areas onetime in a day.
Tea tree oil disinfects the skin and prevents infection in the affected areas. Also kills microbes and germs harboring there. It also helps against recurrence of Diaper rash.
Because it is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, it has a soothing effect on the skin. It can be applied directly on to rashes, inflammation, dryness and itching areas of the skin.
A Homemade spray prepared using Lavender essential oil can always be handy.
You can spray this mixture onto the affected areas 2 times a day.
Never use an essential oil without diluting it with a carrier oil.
Lavender essential oil is extremely effective in treating diaper rashes. Lavender oil is extremely healing and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a wonderful remedy for irritated baby skin and the pain that goes with a diaper rash.
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries for treating many skin and body ailments. It is also very effective in treating diaper rash and bringing down pain and irritation.
Apply this mixture on the affected areas of the skin
You can apply this two times a day
Peppermint essential oil reduces inflammation. It has antimicrobial properties and also stimulates the growth of new cells by replacing dead cells in the affected area.
Irritation from stool and urine, Chafing or rubbing, Irritation from a new product. Bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection, Introduction of new foods, Sensitive skin and Use of antibiotics are all the reasons that cause Diaper Rash.
Diaper rash can affect anyone wearing diapers or incontinence briefs, including adults, babies, and toddlers. Diaper rash is commonly caused when the diaper is not changed in time, which leads to irritation from chemicals present in urine and stool. Allergic reaction, or yeast or fungal infection can also be other causes
Generally, a diaper rash goes away within 2 to 3 days with home remedies. However, it can last longer if proper care is not taken.