Diaper Rash Treatment Options

At one time or another, almost every parent has been dismayed to discover their baby has diaper rash.

Unfortunately, diaper rash is quite common. But you don't have to wait for a rash to occur and rely strictly over-the-counter creams to solve the problem.

Be proactive by using natural diaper rash treatments that will help prevent outbreaks and keep baby's skin healthy.

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a common form of inflamed skin.

It is characterized by bright red, puffy, tender skin on the butt, thighs or genitals. Most diapers rashes are caused by an irritation of the skin.

The most common irritant is moisture caused by the skin being left wet or dirty too long in a diaper. However, soap, laundry detergent, diaper wipe solutions and diapers themselves can be other causes.

Natural Diaper Rash Treatment

• The most obvious thing you can do to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin clean and dry. Consistent exposure to moisture can be eliminated by changing your baby's diaper in a timely manner. If your baby has developed a diaper rash using disposables, consider using cloth diapers with a breathable wool or cotton cover to see if the rash improves. Many people believe that babies who wear cloth diapers get fewer diaper rashes because cloth diapers allow more air to pass over the skin thus keeping it drier.

• Check your baby's diaper soon after he or she goes to sleep as many babies go to the bathroom soon after falling asleep.
• Allowing your baby to go without a diaper as much as possible during the day will allow a rash to heal faster. If this is not feasible, try to leave the diaper off for a few minutes each time you change it to allow the skin ample time to dry.
• When your baby has a diaper rash, the skin is particularly sensitive. Avoid baby wipes which can dry out the skin and make it worse. Instead, simply wipe your baby with plain water.
• If your baby wears cloth diapers, try adjusting your laundry detergent and adding an extra rinse to the cycle. You might also try adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to the first rinse as well.
• After bathing your baby, gently pat his or her bottom and genitals instead of rubbing. Rubbing can irritate the already-tender skin.
• If the baby rash is scaly or dry, apply natural oil such as Vitamin E oil. Other natural remedies for rash include calendula which is known for its soothing properties.

Other Natural Diaper Rash Remedies

Sometimes diaper rash is caused by an overgrowth of Candida (yeast). You might suspect yeast if the rash is bright red and shiny, especially if you're nursing and you also have signs of Candida overgrowth (pain during nursing, vaginal yeast).

Talk to your health-care provider about the benefits of acidophilus. You can also make a rinse for your baby's bottom from one cup of water mixed with one teaspoon baking soda to help kill Candida.

If you have an older baby who has started solid foods, his or her rash may be a reaction to ph changes in the urine and stool. Be sure to introduce new foods slowly and analyze how your baby reacts to each new food. If a rash persists with a certain food, you might consider stopping that particular food and reintroducing it in a few months to see if his or digestive system reacts differently.

Chronic or severe diaper rashes might be the result of food allergies. Common allergies include dairy, wheat, corn, eggs and soy. Contact your baby's health care provider to set up a specific diaper rash treatment plan related to allergies.

If your baby's rash doesn't respond to natural treatments or your baby develops other symptoms along with his rash, like fever or irritability, be sure to contact your baby's health care provider right away.

Think you know what's in your baby's lotions and other skincare products? You may be surprised to find out what you don't know and how it can affect your baby.

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