Need a Diaper Rash Remedy

Need a Diaper Rash Remedy?

Diaper rash. Sooner or later, it will affect your newborn baby. Knowing which diaper rash remedy to use, and why, will serve you well when the time comes.

What is diaper rash?

That diaper rash happens should be no surprise to anyone. Warm, moist, acidic urine or feces held against delicate skin for prolonged periods of time is bound to take effect.

Before you begin looking for a diaper rash remedy, it is helpful to understand the different types of diaper rash. Some home remedies for diaper rash will not help - and may actually make the symtoms worse if used for the wrong type of rash. It is also possible that using the wrong type of diaper rash remedy may cause additional pain to your infant - which is heartbreaking when they are already dealing with pain.

Irritation Rash

Something as simple as a breast feeding mom eating acidic food could trigger an irritation rash in her baby. An irritation rash could also be a reaction to materials in a particular brand of disposable diapers, detergent for cloth diapers, commercial wet wipes, or baby diarrhea.

Treating an irritation rash includes cleansing the area so that the acidity which caused the problem is neutralized. It is best to not use commercial wet wipes for this, since most contain alcohol and other ingredients that will cause pain and additional irritation. A washcloth or paper towel dampened with water will work well.

Here are some other ideas for neutralizing:

Bathe your baby in a warm bath with dissolved baking soda or epsom salts.
Put some vinegar in your baby's bath, or use a cotton ball to dab diluted vinegar on the rash.
Using a cotton ball, apply a liquid antacid (such as Maalox) to your baby's bottom. (Antacids contain ingredients to neutralize acids as well as soothe irritation.)

The next step is to thoroughly dry the area. Of all the home remedies for diaper rash, the best and cheapest diaper rash remedy is simply allowing the area to "air out". If you are able, lay your diaperless baby on her tummy on a plastic sheet that is covered by a towel. Let her spend at least 10 minutes a couple of times a day like this and you should see improvement.

If you are unable to use this method (it doesn't work well in the grocery store), you may simply pat the area dry with a towel (don't rub - this will further irritate the rash). You may even try using a blow dryer on the low, cool setting (or the hand dryer in the public restrooms - but only if you are alone...or people will think you are crazy).

Once the area is clean and dry, apply a barrier cream that will soothe and promote healing. This will also protect the area from further damage. Some ideas for this are: olive oil, coconut oil, bag balm (literally for cow udders - but works well for babies), aloe, lanolin (like Lansinoh- generally used for sore nipples in breastfeeding moms), or a non-toxic commercial diaper ointment or cream.

Another great diaper rash remedy available to breast feeding moms is using breast milk on the affected area. Allow this to air dry and then cover with a barrier cream.

Bacterial Rash

Yeast Rash

Yeast loves a warm, moist environment, so frequent "airing out" is very beneficial (see some of the ideas above). When a yeast rash is present, do NOT use cornstarch, as it promotes the growth of yeast.

Allergy Rash

Is a commercial diaper rash remedy a good idea?

While a commercial diaper rash cream can be effective for irritation rashes, some people are uncomfortable with ingredients that may be questionable. Since a newborn baby's nervous system is immature and more susceptible to toxins, being cautious is wise.

If you have the option of using a diaper rash remedy with ingredients that you know and can pronounce, it gives you a little peace of mind in this toxic world. There are two diaper creams that I am comfortable recommending. Angel Baby Bottom Balm is a great product with all natural ingredients and zero toxins and Diaper Distress Cream soothes and clears diaper irritations without the risk of unwanted side effects.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

If you discover that your newborn baby does not have "buns of steel" and is susceptible to diaper rash, a little routine prevention will serve you both well. Consistently applying a barrier cream (like those listed above) is a great way to give extra protection all of the time.

Some people like the idea of sprinkling a powder (like baby powder or corn starch) on the baby's bottom or in the diaper in order to absorb and protect. Caution should be taken when using these, as breathing problems (sometimes severe) have been associated with inhaling powders. Severe diaper rash

If your baby has been dealing with a recurring diaper rash, try these suggestions to see if they help:

If you are using cloth diapers, try adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse, and/or double rinse the diapers. Also make sure that your detergent is mild.
Change diapers more frequently - this may mean every hour or two.
Don't use commercial wet wipes. Homemade baby wipes are easy, less irritating, and less expensive than commercial wipes.
If you are using disposable diapers, experiment with different brands, or try cloth diapers.
If you are using cloth diapers, try out disposable for a while to see if it helps.

Determining the cause of the rash will be important if your baby is fighting this problem often. Sometimes the cause is obvious, while other times you may have to put on your detective hat and start sleuthing. The good news is that with a good diaper rash remedy, the problem should clear up within a few hours to a few days.

The content on this website is for informational purposes only. The owners of My-Newborn-Baby-Care.com and guest contributors cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following any of the suggestions on this website. Please consult your doctor before following any of the advice suggested on this page and this site.