Natural Remedies for Diaper Rash

What is a diaper rash?

A diaper rash is a type of skin irritation that occurs around the thighs, buttocks, genitals, or abdomen. The affected part of the skin usually looks red and may look like it's scaled or burned. Diaper rash is commonly seen in infants and young children, although it can also occur at any age, especially if a child still wears diapers or has issues with incontinence.

Diaper rashes are usually caused by diaper chemicals, the diaper rubbing against the skin, moisture, or bacteria in the infant's stool or urine. These rashes can be simply treated by changing the baby's diapering routine. Having a yeast infection can also cause a diaper rash. Consult a doctor if your child has a yeast infection.

A diaper rash also occurs when your child:

• Wears a soiled diaper for a long time
• Has diarrhea
• Takes antibiotics
• Starts eating solid food
• Has sensitive skin

All of the above factors can lead to skin irritation. It's vital to change your child's diaper, as to avoid any irritation from their urine or stool. Diapers that do not properly fit can also cause chafing. Chemicals from baby products and detergents can also cause skin irritation. 

Natural Remedies for Diaper Rash

Natural home remedies can help clear your baby's diaper rash. Although every baby is different, a diaper rash usually goes away on its own within a few days of home care. Below is a list of some natural remedies you can use to clear up your baby's diaper rash:

1. Vinegar

The pH of stale urine is very high (extremely alkaline). Vinegar is an excellent remedy to help balance out an alkaline pH. Rinse cloth or reusable diapers using the vinegar solution below:

• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• Half a bucket of water
• Add the vinegar to the water and use the solution to rinse your child's diapers to eliminate any soap buildup and urine smell. 

For wipes:

• 1 tsp. of white vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• Add the vinegar to the cup of water and use the solution to wipe your child's bottom every diaper change. This method will also prevent yeast infections. 

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile compound that can help relieve a diaper rash. To use baking soda for diaper rash, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 4 cups of water
• Add baking soda to water and use this mixture to wash your child's bottom every time you change their diapers. Pat your child's skin dry using a dry washcloth before putting on a new diaper. 

For your child's bath:

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• A tub of warm water
• Give your child a bath using warm water with baking soda. Bathe your child three times a day using this water for about 10 minutes. 

3. Petroleum Jelly

Some pediatricians recommend the use of petroleum jelly to your baby's skin every diaper change. Petroleum jelly serves as a protective barrier to safeguard your child's skin from the irritating effects of stool and urine. 

• Clean your child's bottom using warm water.
• Pat your child's skin dry using a dry cotton towel before applying petroleum jelly. 
• Do this every time you change your child's diaper to relieve the diaper rash. 

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains a high amount of protein, which can help preserve the skin's protective layer and soothe your baby's skin. A chemical compound called saponin is also present in oatmeal, which can help get rid of dirt and unwanted oil from the pores of the skin. To use oatmeal, you need:

• 1 tablespoon of dried oatmeal
• Bathwater
• Add the dried oatmeal to your child's bathwater.
• Let your child soak in the water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Bathe your child using this mixture twice a day. 

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil possesses both antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which is why it can be an effective treatment for a diaper rash. It can also help soothe your child's soft skin since coconut oil is also a moisturizer. To use coconut oil:

• Apply coconut oil to your child's diaper area a few times a day. 
• For your child's bath water, you can add a few tablespoons of coconut oil to help get rid of yeast, which also causes a diaper rash.

6. Cornstarch

Another great diaper rash treatment is cornstarch, which helps absorb any moisture to keep your child's skin dry. It also helps reduce friction and prevent the development of a diaper rash. To use cornstarch:

• Wash your child's bottom using warm water.
• Use a clean dry cloth to blot your child's skin dry. 
• Sprinkle some cornstarch on your baby's diaper region before putting on a new diaper. 
• Apply cornstarch every diaper change until your child's skin completely heals. 

7. Shea Butter

Shea butter contains vegetable fats that can help improve cell regeneration, circulation, and rapid healing of rashes. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which can help treat a diaper rash. To use shea butter:

• Wash your child's bottom using hypoallergenic soap and warm water. 
• Allow the diaper region to air dry. 
• Rub pure shea butter on your hands and gently apply it to the irritated skin. 
• Wait a few minutes before putting on a new diaper.  

8. Breast Milk

One of the safest and simplest remedies for a diaper rash is breast milk. Yes, you heard that right! Aside from boosting your child's immune system, breast milk also helps heal diaper rashes. Just simply apply a few drops of breast milk to the irritated area and allow it to air dry before putting on a fresh diaper. 

9. French Green Clay

Although French green clay is usually sold as a facial mask, it can also be used in relieving diaper rash due to yeast infection. It can help prevent the rash from spreading and can help make your child's skin soft. To use French green clay, sprinkle some of it over your child's diaper area when changing diapers. 

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is mainly composed of acetic acid, which is a natural disinfectant. In addition to this, ACV has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and can be quite effective against diaper rashes 

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of warm water
• A clean piece of cloth
• Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water,
• Dip a clean piece of cloth in this solution and use this to wipe your baby’s bottom.
• You can do this 1-2 times a day.

11. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce skin irritation. It is also known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help fight off harmful germs. To use frankincense oil, you will need:

• 2-3 drops of frankincense oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• Combine frankincense oil and coconut oil, and apply this mixture to the affected region. 
• Do this remedy 1-2 times a day for a faster healing. 

12. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been widely used for the treatment of skin problems around the world due to its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. To use tea tree oil, you need:

• 2-3 drops of tea tree oil 
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• Combine tea tree oil and coconut oil, and apply this mixture to your child's diaper area. 
• Do this remedy 1-2 times a day. 

13. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Epsom salt is one of the best natural treatments when it comes to healing inflamed and irritated skin. To use Epsom salt, you need:

• 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
• A tub filled with lukewarm water
• Soak your child's bottom into this mixture for at least 10-15 minutes.

A diaper rash usually resolves on its own within 2-3 days when you use any of these natural home remedies. Consult a doctor if your child's diaper rash continues to get worse.