Is your baby’s diaper rash worrying you? It can be really difficult to see one’s child in pain despite giving the best care possible. Your baby’s diaper rash is not a sign of poor care, but if a diaper rash is not cured immediately, it can result in a bacterial infection, which is really bad. But now you need not worry, we have you covered. With these home remedies for diaper rash, you can comfort your baby and cure the rash in a jiffy.
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Most babies get diaper rashes, but just because it is common, it does not mean that you neglect tending to it.
Suggested read: 12 Amazingly Effective Home Remedies For Skin Rashes
Symptoms of diaper rash
The most common warning signals of diaper rash are an inflamed skin and soreness around the thighs, genitals and buttocks of the baby. Red skin and blisters are likely to appear due to diaper rash.
Causes of diaper rash
If a baby is kept in a dirty diaper (especially one soiled) for a long time, it is sure to cause a diaper rash. It can, however, also be caused by food allergies, yeast infections, problems in digestion, sensitive skin, or even poor washed nappies.
If and when your kid develops a diaper rash, remove the diaper immediately and let him or her remain bare bottom for plenty of time. This will give some time for the skin to breathe and get rid of the excess moisture.
Apart from this, try these home remedies to comfort your baby faster.
Home remedies for diaper rash
Here are the 10 best natural remedies you can rely on to get rid of a diaper rash quickly.
1. Vinegar
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Kids usually develop diaper rash because of wearing a diaper soiled with urine for too long. This urine is extremely basic in nature. As a result, it inflames the baby’s sensitive and soft skin.
The only way to cure it is to neutralize the basicity and to balance out the Ph. As a result, vinegar is a perfect remedy for this problem.
To use it as a remedy, wash reusable diapers (if you are using them) with diluted vinegar. All you need to do is add half a cup of vinegar to the bucket you will be washing the diapers in. Now add three mugs of water. Clean the diapers in the solution. This will not only ensure that your baby does not develop diaper rashes, but will also prevent soap buildup and the urine smell.
Alternatively, you can take a cup of water, and to it, add half a tablespoon of white vinegar. Mix to form a very diluted vinegar solution. With this solution clean your baby’s buttocks. Every time you change a diaper. Do not rub the solution it. Just dab. This will protect the area from developing a yeast infection.
2. Baking Soda
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
The next natural therapy for diaper rash involves baking soda. It neutralizes the pH level of the affected area, thus treating the rash.
In five cups of water, add four teaspoons of baking soda and let is dissolve. Now every time your baby’s diaper is changed, use the diluted baking soda to clean his or her buttocks and other affected areas. After cleaning, use a washed cloth to pat the skin dry. Now put on the new diaper.
On the other hand, you can also use baking soda while drawing your baby a bath. To the tub water, add four teaspoons of baking soda. Bath your baby in this water for about 10 minutes. This should be done three times a day for best results.
After the bath, use a clean and soft washcloth to wipe your baby’s body dry.
3. Petroleum Jelly
The third natural remedy on our list is petroleum jelly which when applied lightly on the area that might develop rashes, prevents the occurrence of one. This makes petroleum jelly one of the best treatments for diaper rash.
The annoying effects of stale urine and feces is prevented by petroleum jelly.
Every time you change your baby’s diaper, use lukewarm water to clean your baby’s buttocks and genitals. Now use a clean and soft washcloth to dry your baby’s skin and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
You should do this treatment every single time you change the diapers as the jelly will heal the rash quicker.
4. Cornstarch
The extra moisture absorbing properties of cornstarch make it an amazing treatment for rashes caused by diapers.
Cornstarch also reduces the friction between the baby’s soft skin and the diaper which usually causes the rash or at least aggravates it.
With some lukewarm water wash your baby’s diaper area. Now pat the sky dry with a soft and clean cloth. Once the skin air dries, then sprinkle some corn starch on the fresh diaper before you putting it on your baby.
You should do this treatment every time you change your baby’s diaper to relieve the pain caused by diaper rash and to also reduce the occurrences of these rashes.
Suggested read: 12 Most Effective Home Remedies For Treating Candida Infections
5. Oatmeal
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
The fifth remedy on this guide is oatmeal. Oatmeal is a rich source of protein and that calms a baby’s soft and sensitive skin.
The chemical compound saponin in oatmeal helps get rid of the unwanted dirt and oil that blocks the baby’s skin pores, making it difficult for the skin to breathe.
You can add two teaspoons of dried oatmeal while drawing a bath for your baby. Let your baby paly in this water for about 15 minutes. The oatmeal is sure to soothe your baby’s skin while healing the diaper rash.
You should do this two times a day for best results.
6. Coconut Oil
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Coconut oil id antimicrobial. Its antifungal properties make it a great home remedy to cure and prevent diaper rashes.
Coconut oil is also popular because it has a soothing effect on the baby’s skin, which enhances healing.
Apply some coconut oil on the affected area. You should do this many times a day, as coconut will act as a moisturizer and prevent the skin from getting irritated.
Alternatively, you can add a few tablespoons of coconut oil to the water while drawing your baby a bath. This will kill yeasts such as Candida and will moisturize the baby’s body.
7. Breast Milk
Yes, you read that right! Breast milk is anti-inflammation and fights infections efficiently. To cure your baby’s rash, this is definitely the cheapest but the best treatment for diaper rash.
Also, the added advantage that breast milk has as a remedy compared to rest of the treatments on this list is that there is no risk of the baby being allergic to the milk. An allergy can worsen the condition.
Just apply some drops of breast milk on the rash affected area. Do not rub. Let the milk air dry, and then put on a new diaper.
8. Shea Butter
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Antifungal and anti-inflammatory, shea butter had to make it to our list. It also has yeast-killing qualities, which makes it super beneficial when it comes to healing rashes caused by diapers.
Shea butter contains vegetable fats that enhance the circulation of blood. It also improves cell renewal that is essential to treat rashes quickly.
After you clean your baby’s buttocks with an herbal soap. Dry the area naturally and apply some pure shea butter until it melts. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then you can put on a new diaper.
9. Plantain Oil
According to the experts, plantain oil can be used to relieve the irritation and inflammation caused by a diaper rash, especially one caused by an allergic reaction.
You can use the herb or the oil. Both are beneficial in treating diaper rash.
Get hold of some fresh plantain leaves. Now wash them and crush them with your hands, Apply the juice extracted on your baby’s affected skin before each diaper change. Only dab, do not rub.
You can also buy some plantain oil and apply it on the affected area prior to diaper changes.
Suggested read: 17 Super Effective Home Remedies For Ringworm Infection
10. French Green Clay
French green clay is usually available as a facial mask. It is a great remedy for diaper rash, especially those caused by a yeast infection.
French green clay contains minerals that can help avert the spreading of diaper rash which gives enough time to the affected skin to heal fast.
To use it as a natural remedy for diaper rash, sprinkle some French Green Clay powder on the affected area. You can also spread some in the new diaper every time before you change.
If even after trying these home remedies the baby’s diaper rashes are not cured, then you will need to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
That is a wrap on home remedies for diaper rash. If you found this guide helpful, do recommend it to friends and family. Also, you can always leave your suggestions in the comment section below. It will help us improve.
See you again tomorrow with a new set of natural cures for a common problem.
Featured image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License