All mothers face diaper rash on their baby’s bottom at least once during the baby years. Diaper rash isn’t a medical emergency; however, it is uncomfortable. If left untreated, it can become extremely irritated and quite painful. You can give your little one relief with natural treatments and put an end to the irritating rash.
Diapers create a moist, warm environment where bacteria can breed quickly. This bacteria cause the infamous rash, which can burn and itch. Yeast can also cause diaper rash. If you are nursing and have a yeast infection, you can pass it to your baby. Allergic reactions to soap, laundry detergent, and even the material in the diapers can also cause diaper rash.
Prevent Diaper Rash
Before learning how to treat diaper rash, it is beneficial to learn how to prevent it. Prevention is the best medicine, according to the adage.
- Bare Bottom: Allow your baby to go bare bottom whenever possible. Bacteria, fungus, and yeast can’t breed if they don’t have the warm, moist environment that is inside the diaper. Give your baby’s bottom breathing time. You can use a rubber mat with a soft, washable blanket in case there is an accident.
- Baby Wipes: Baby wipes are convenient; however, most commercial baby wipes contain alcohol that can strip the oil from your baby’s skin and irritate it. Store brand baby wipes also contain other chemicals that may cause an allergic reaction. Clean your baby’s bottom with a soft washcloth, water, and mild soap. Make sure you rinse the soap. If you have to buy baby wipes, make sure you get alcohol-free wipes for sensitive skin.
- Diaper Changing: Change your baby’s diaper frequently. The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby dry and clean.
- Diapers: If you use cloth diapers, wash them in hot water with bleach and 1/2 cup vinegar. The vinegar will neutralize the alkalinity in the diapers that is caused by urine. You should also line dry the diapers if you can. If not, do not put a dryer sheet in with the diapers. The chemicals can cause diaper rash.
- Baby Products: Use baby-friendly soap, laundry detergent, and lotions. These products are designed for baby’s sensitive skin. Adult products contain alcohol, perfumes, dyes, and other ingredients that can cause diaper rash.
- Powders: Many mothers think they have to powder their little one’s bottom. However, many studies have shown this to be a bad idea, particularly if the powders contain corn starch. Corn starch can increase the growth of yeast and cause a rash. Skip the baby powder.
If you follow these tips, you can prevent many incidences of diaper rash. However, your baby will probably have a breakout of diaper rash at some point. Sometimes despite your best efforts, you just can’t prevent diaper rash; however, you can treat it with simple, home solutions.
- Baking Soda: Put two tablespoons baking soda in the bath water and soak baby’s bottom for ten minutes. You can do this two or three times daily. This is very helpful if the rash has become inflamed and raw.
- Maalox: Maalox is used for treating heartburn and stomach ailments. However, it can also neutralize the acid from urine that causes the discomfort from diaper rash. Use a cotton ball and apply a thin layer to your baby’s bottom. Allow to dry.
- Oatmeal Bath: Soak you baby’s bottom in an oatmeal bath. You can buy commercial bath products that are made from oatmeal. If you prefer to make your own oatmeal bath, use your food processor to grind oatmeal. Once you have a fine oatmeal powder, put it in a clean sock. You can now toss this in your baby’s bath water. The oatmeal mixture sooths and comforts the pain from the rash.
- Vinegar. Vinegar will neutralize the alkalinity of urine and help prevent the burn from diaper rash. Urine is an extremely alkaline solution and can burn the skin just like an acid. You can make a spritzer using one part vinegar and eight parts water. Put this in a spray bottle and spritz your baby’s bottom when you change diapers.
- Cranberry Juice: Diaper rash can be the result of a high pH from urine in soaking the diaper and baby’s skin. If you baby is old enough for cranberry juice, you can give them two or three ounces. The juice will also help prevent bladder infections and reduce bladder infections.
- Egg Whites: Many mothers have shared this diaper rash remedy. After cleaning your baby’s bottom, coat the diaper area with egg whites. Allow the egg to dry before putting on a clean diaper. You can do this daily until the rash has disappeared, usually in less than three days.
- Silver Water: Silver water is a natural solution that you can purchase online or at a health food store. After changing your baby’s diaper and cleaning the area, spray silver water on the area and allow the area to dry before putting on a clean diaper.
- Vitamin E: Apply vitamin E oil to the rash after changing your baby’s diaper and cleaning the area. You can buy vitamin E capsules and use a pin to prick them and squeeze out the oil.
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These natural treatments will provide your baby with relief from the discomfort associated with diaper rash and help heal it at the same time. If you want to apply a cream to help with the healing and create a moisture barrier, you can make the following all natural diaper rash cream at home as needed. You should only make small batches so that the essential oils are fresh.
Natural Diaper Rash Cream
(Note: Organic ingredients work best. You can find these at health food stores or order them online.)
3 ounces extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
3 ounces hempseed oil
1 ounce raw unprocessed extra virgin coconut oil
9 drops lemongrass essential oil
9 drops tea tree oil
Mix the olive oil, hempseed oil, and coconut oil in a large glass bowl. Heat until the coconut oil melts. Remove from heat. Stir and allow to cool. Add the lemon and tea tree oils and mix well. Store in a sealed container at room temperature. To use, apply to baby’s bottom with a cotton ball every time you change the diaper.
Using the advice and ideas presented here, you can keep your baby’s bottom soft, supple and healthy. Remember that your baby’s health is your number-one priority, so always check with your pediatrician before starting any sort of treatment. This is especially the case if your baby’s rash does become severe or develops blisters with infection.
©2012 Off the Grid News
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