How to Treat & Prevent Diaper Rash in Newborns?
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.
Table of Contents
How to treat Diaper Rash?
- Home Remedies
- Foods
- Natural Remedies
- Herbs
- Essential Oils
CURE 1: Home Remedies
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.
1. Baking Soda
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of Baking soda
- 4 cups of distilled or demineralized water
- A small bowl to warm the water
- 2 clean and dry cloth pieces
Procedure
- Add 4 cups of distilled water to a bowl
- Heat the water
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to it
- Mix well till the baking soda dissolves in water
- Take a clean and dry cloth and soak it in the mixture
- Before wiping this on your baby’s skin, ensure that it is not too hot
- Pat the cloth gently against your baby’s skin
- Ensure that the solution is applied to all the affected areas.
- Wait for 2 minutes and pat dry
How many times
You can do this 2 times a day.
You can even add a cup of baking soda to your baby’s bathtub.
Benefits:
Baking Soda removes oil, dirt, and sweat. In addition to this, it also acts against the bacteria causing infection and reduces inflammation.
2. Epsom Salt
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon Epsom Salt
- A clean and dry cotton wool
- A clean and dry cloth
Procedure
- Take a cup of distilled water
- Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to it
- Mix well till the Epsom salt dissolves
- With a cotton wool ball, rub this solution on the affected areas of the skin
- Do not apply too much pressure while rubbing
- Wait for 2 minutes
- Pat dry your baby’s skin
How many times:
You can do this 2 times a day
Benefits:
Epsom salt acts against the bacteria causing infection and decreases the inflammation and irritation.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup distilled water
- A clean and dry cloth
Procedure
- Take a ½ cup of distilled water
- Add 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar to it
- Mix well
- Dip the clean and dry cloth in this mixture
Rub on to the affected areas on the baby’s skin very gently
How many times:
You can apply this mixture 2 times a day
Benefits:
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.
CURE 2: Foods
1. Bananas
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.
Also Read: Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Banana Peel
2. Olive Oil
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.
3. Breast Milk
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.
Also Read: 15 Tips and Tricks to increase breast milk
CURE 3: Natural Remedies
1. Aloe Vera
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.
How to use
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.
How much to use
Usually, applying it twice a day is recommended for infants.
Benefits
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.
2. Cornstarch
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- Bathtub with enough lukewarm water
- 2 cups Cornstarch
- Moisturizer
Procedure
- Have enough lukewarm water in your bathtub. Make sure the tub is clean and the water is not too hot because hot water might increase the inflammation and also dry the skin’s moisture.
- Take 2 cups of cornstarch and add it to lukewarm water in a bathtub and mix well.
- Give a nice bath to your baby and ensure that the affected area gets completely soaked in the solution.
- Wait for 5 to 10 minutes and then you can wash with fresh lukewarm water
- After washing, apply a moisturizer to keep the skin’s moist.
- After this, sprinkle some cornstarch in the baby’s diaper before you put it on to the baby and you will see that the baby is in great comfort.
Benefits:
The antibacterial properties of the cornstarch fight against the bacteria causing the infection and decrease pain and inflammation offering almost instant relief.
3. Coconut Oil
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- ½ cup of Coconut oil
- ¼ cup of Shea butter
- 1 teaspoon of Arrowroot powder
- 4 drops of Lavender oil
- A clean pan to heat
- A container to mix all the above
Procedure
- Add ½ cup coconut oil to a heating bowl
- Add ¼ cup shea butter to it
- Heat both of them together Let the shea butter and coconut oil blend into each other
- Add 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder to this
- Mix well
- Turn off the heat
- Let the mixture cool down
- Transfer the mixture into a clean container
- Add 4 drops of Lavender oil and mix it well
Apply this paste on the affected areas
How much to apply
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.
Benefits
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.
Also Read: 13 benefits of coconut oil for babies
CURE 4: Herbs
1. Green Tea
How to use
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of green tea
- 1 cup of hot water
- Cotton pads
Procedure
- Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of hot water.
- Allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes and cool.
- Dip a cotton pad into the tea and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off.
How much to use
You must do this once daily.
Benefits
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: Health Benefits of Green Tea: Healthy Infusion
2. Neem Leaf Extract
How to use
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 drops of neem leaf extract
- 8 to 10 drops of coconut oil
- A small bowl to mix the above
Procedure
- Take 8 to 10 drops of Neem leaf extract in a small bowl
- Mix 8 to 10 drops of coconut oil to it
- Mix well and apply it directly to the rashes
- Leave it on overnight or for at least 30 minutes before washing it off.
How much to use
You must do this once daily.
Benefits
Neem leaf extract has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antihistamine properties, which treat skin rashes and their symptoms like inflammation and redness very effectively.
3. Garlic
How to use
Ingredients
- 5 Minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Procedure
- Take 5 garlic cloves and crush them
- Extract the juice and add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to it
- Mix well for an even consistency.
- Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and wash it off with clean water.
How much to use
You must do this once daily.
Benefits
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.
CURE 5: Essential Oils
1. Tea Tree Oil
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- 5 drops of Tea tree oil
- 1 tablespoon of Coconut oil
- 5 drops of Lavender oil
- A clean bowl
- A clean and dry cotton ball
Procedure
- Add all the above ingredients to the bowl
- Mix them thoroughly until the solution has an even consistency
- Gently apply this onto the affected areas of the skin very gently with a cotton ball
How many times:
You can apply this mixture on to the affected areas onetime in a day.
Benefits:
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.
Also Read: Amazing Benefits and Uses of Tea Tree Oil
2. Lavender Oil
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- A clean bowl
- Distilled water
- Lavender Essential Oil
- A clean, empty spray bottle
Procedure
- Take a bowl of clean water
- Add 8 to 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
- Transfer this mixture to an empty spray bottle
- Shake well and use this to spray on the affected area of the skin
How many times:
You can spray this mixture onto the affected areas 2 times a day.
Precautions:
Never use an essential oil without diluting it with a carrier oil.
Benefits:
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.
3. Peppermint Oil
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.
How to use
Ingredients
- 6 drops Peppermint essential oil 3-4 tablespoons Coconut oil A small bowl to mix
- A clean cotton ball
Procedure
- Add 3 to 4 tablespoons to a small bowl
- Add 6 drops of Peppermint essential oil to it
- Mix well for an even consistency
- Soak a cotton ball in the mixture
Apply this mixture on the affected areas of the skin
How many times:
You can apply this two times a day
Benefits
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.
FAQs
1. What causes diaper rash?
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.
2. Can adults get 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
3. How long does Diaper rash last?
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.
