Depending on the cause of the diaper rash, the severity, and whether certain factors have been ruled out, there are lots of different options for the at home treatment of diaper rashes. Many treatment options are appropriate no matter what the cause of the rash may be. Changing one thing at a time will be a true test of what seems to be helping.
Applications Directly To The Skin
Anything applied should only be done so to clean skin and with the changing of the diaper, or it will essentially be trapping bacteria in the area. After bathing or at least a wiping, one of the following can be used:
- The use of certain oils can calm and even disinfect the baby’s skin; primarily coconut oil is used in this way. Some prefer using olive oil for similar reasons, although it does not kill bacteria.
- Corn starch may be used, but if rash is being caused by yeast, which is highly likely, then corn starch will likely worsen the rash, as it enables the bacteria to grow; this was used in the past because it does dry up any moisture that can cause bacteria to multiply. A paste can be made with regular flour – avoid enriched flour, though, again, because of yeast.
- Petroleum jelly can also act as a barrier between the baby’s bottom and waste, or even as a barrier against the diaper rubbing the skin as the rash area heals. Some have found success with applying calendula, as well.
- Lanolin may be applied to even broken skin and will not negatively affect the baby. Over the counter diaper creams, in contrast, advise not to apply to broken skin. If available, breast milk has been known to have healing properties when applied to the affected areas, as well.
- Sugar free yogurt can be applied, but if it has sugar in it, it becomes an enabler for yeast to grow. Apple cider vinegar can be applied with a cotton ball to the affected area, and will kill bacteria – it should be mixed with water and not used straight, though. An alternative way to use vinegar is possible when cloth diapering.
Baths
Bathing habits can be altered in a couple of ways. Oatmeal can be used either by making a powder for the bath, or putting some in a nylon stocking and floating it in the bath. Oatmeal soothes the skin, but adding loose to the bath can cause the area to be dangerously slippery. Baking soda can also be added to a bath. The properties of baking soda neutralize the acidity of urine, which is another cause of diaper rash. Increasing the number of baths given may aid in healing, so if several baths are possible per day, this has been effective for some. Wash the baby in mild soap, and only pat the baby dry with the towel, not rubbing briskly, especially the affected areas.
Changing Habits
Even if you have been changing the baby’s diaper regularly, sitting in waste any length of time with a diaper rash will cause further irritation; consider more frequent changes like changing immediately after the baby urinates or defecates for a time.
Instead of using store bought wipes, which may irritate the skin further when a diaper rash is present, use warm water on washcloths to wipe. If severe enough, consider rinsing the infant’s bottom with water, or even washing (of course with a very mild soap), and then patting the skin dry with every change for a while. Harsh rubbing will worsen the irritation, but patting dry with a clean towel should not. Washing your hands after diaper changes will also contain the potential spread of bacteria.
Fresh Air
For almost any cause of diaper rash, getting airflow to the affected area can be as powerful as anything you can apply. One way of doing this is to allow the child to be naked for as long as possible until their bottom heals. This can be achieved by spending some time outside in the yard, if a little older, or in a contained area in the house, perhaps on a mat.
Many parents don’t realize that over-tightening diapers may also negatively impact the development of a diaper rash and intervene with healing; without making the diaper ineffective, try loosening the diaper to some degree. Also ensure that the diaper is the proper size for your child, and switch up to a larger size even if you have more of ones that are too small. If you have unopened boxes of diapers, you can actually trade them up a size at many stores. There are sometimes community groups on social media sites such as Facebook, or even Craigslist, where people regularly buy, sell, and trade diapers, even opened, especially if they are only missing a few, if you are in a financial situation that affects your diapering choices.
Cloth Diaper
Some issues may pertain more to cloth diapering, and the solutions mostly revolve around the cleanliness of the diapers as well as what products the diapers are laundered in. Presoak and wash all diapers and inserts well. It may be time to strip the diapers. As for laundering, consider changing which detergent is used, or even try a natural laundry detergent. Do not use dryer sheets or fabric softeners, as fragrances and chemicals in these may further irritate the baby’s skin. Add vinegar to the rinse, as it kills bacteria associated with yeast. If a service is used, communicate with the service and try to pinpoint the any potential issues that can be resolved.
Dietary Habits
Some have found the use of pro-biotics to help reduce bad bacteria in the digestive system can help cure a diaper rash, especially if caused by diarrhea initially. Consider if any foods are having an effect on the child, and avoid those foods for a time. There may even be an allergy involved if this is the case.
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