Today’s post covers a few diaper rash home remedies for moms to explore. Diaper rash is something that parents will experience at least once or twice during your child’s first development stages.
Different Types of Diaper Rash
Irritant Dermatitis
This is the most commonplace diaper rash which usually occurs when your baby was wearing his or her nappy for too long, when the skin is irritated by feces or urine in the diaper. The areas of the skin that are covered by the diaper will have pink or red patches. It doesn’t normally appear in skin folds.
Yeast Diaper Rash
Everyone has natural fungus in their digestive systems. When there is an overgrowth of fungus, your baby develops pink or red patches on his or her bum. It almost looks like tiny bumps or pimples, visible in the folds of the skin found on the legs, genitals and around the groin area. In severe cases, the skin might be sore, bleeding, or cracked.
Bacterial Diaper Rash
This condition is also called Impetigo and is caused by bacteria like strep or staph. Signs to look for are red skin around the anus, oozing or crusty yellow pimples in the diaper region.
Allergic Diaper Rash
Although uncommon, substances like dyes or perfumes in laundry detergent, baby wipes, or soap can result in an allergic reaction. A red rash appears where your baby’s skin comes in contact with the product.
Treatments for Diaper Rash
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby’s bum dry and clean. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Gently rinse the nappy area with warm water – don’t rub, just pat it dry.
- For stubborn poop that doesn’t come off, use baby wipes or baby soap.
- If the area is really painful, instead of wiping or washing, use a squirt bottle to clean the bum area.
- Dry to air-dry instead of using a towel.
- Apply bum cream or ointment.
- Change his or her nappy.
1. Bum Cream
- Creams help to form a protective barrier on your little one’s skin to keep poop or urine from irritating it. Creams contain less oil than ointment and spread easier.
- Most bum creams like Sudocrem or Clicks Made 4 baby bum cream contain zinc oxide which promotes skin healing and form a waterproof layer.
- Steer clear from steroid creams (hydrocortisone) unless prescribed by your doctor. Steroid creams can further irritate the skin, and do more harm than good.
2. Ointment for Diaper Rash
Diaper ointments have a heavier consistency than bum creams and contain more oil. They don’t spread as easily as creams, but provide a stronger barrier. Another downside to them is that they don’t permit air flow through the skin. White petroleum jelly is often a better option than diaper rash ointments.
3. Prescription Treatment
If all else fails, your pediatrician might prescribe the following:
- Antifungal cream for treating fungal infections.
- Oral or topical antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- A mild steroid cream to promote skin healing.
5 Best Diaper Rash Home Remedies
Before opting for shop-bought remedies, you can give these home remedies a go. Not all of them might be effective, some might even exacerbate the problem. If you are unsure, first check with your pediatrician before trying these home remedies.
However, in the old days, our parents and grandparents tried some of these home remedies and swear by them.
1. Breast Milk
Yes, you’ve heard right! Breast milk is not just the best way to give your baby the nutritional value he or she deserves. It can also work as a remedy for diaper rash.
2. Cornstarch
Many moms use cornstarch for diaper rash. However, it is not recommended, as it can hold moisture in, and irritate the skin further.
3. Coconut Oil
I always refer to coconut oil as one of nature’s gems. It is very gentle on the skin and acts as a natural moisturizer. Not only does it help for eczema, anti-aging, or dry skin, it can also clear up diaper rash. If it doesn’t help, then it’s best to opt for zinc oxide-based or petroleum-based products.
4. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a herb found in some ointments and can help with clearing up diaper rash. However, for a baby’s sensitive skin, do not use distilled witch hazel directly on the affected area. It is quite acidic and can irritate the skin further.
Related: 7 Best Potty Training Tips For Parents
5. Baking Soda
If the diaper rash is severe and your baby’s bum is raw, you can use a mixture of warm (not hot) water with two tablespoons of baking soda, and apply it to your baby’s bum for a few minutes before applying an anti-yeast ointment. Don’t apply baking soda directly on the diaper rash. Always dilute it with warm water.
Diaper Rash Complications
The two major complications to look for are:
- Changes in your baby’s skin. For babies with darker skin, the affected area might appear lighter than the surrounding skin.
- Infection – it doesn’t happen often, but it can cause a more severe infection that will not respond to treatment.
The Best Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash
- Always wash your hands before and after nappy changes to prevent bacteria from spreading.
- Check your little one’s nappy regularly and change it as soon as it is soiled or wet.
- Try not to use too much soap – clean the bum area with only water. For stubborn poop, use a mild cleanser.
- Use mild baby wipes or wipes for sensitive skin – try to avoid wipes that are fragranced or contain alcohol.
- If your baby is prone to getting diaper rash, apply bum cream with every nappy change.
- Don’t fasten nappies too tightly to allow the air to flow through.
- Let your baby go without a nappy whenever possible to allow the skin to air-dry and breathe.
Laundry Tips and Nappy Switches
- If the issue persists, try to use a different nappy brand. If you’re using cloth nappies, give disposables a try.
- When washing cloth nappies, try switching laundry detergent. Switch to a hypoallergenic, mild type, or add half a cup of vinegar to every rinse cycle.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! I hope this information and diaper rash home remedies will help you with clearing up your baby’s nappy rash.
What home remedies are you using? Feel free to share them in the comments.
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