As a pediatrician, I frequently face this question; can diaper rash natural remedies be used at home or not? And the answer is YES, but you should know the proper procedure that I describe in this whole article.
Diaper rashes are common in infants and babies who wear diapers most of the time. The wet and warm diaper areas are easy to start a rash.
However, you can quickly treat this baby diaper rash with a few ingredients lying on your kitchen counter. Your baby will be healthy again without any side effects with a few homemade natural remedies. But if the rashes are yeast diaper rashes, you might need to consult a doctor.
What is a severe diaper rash?
You cannot take severe diaper rash lightly. When the rashes bring on fever, swelling, pus, redness, and other extreme symptoms, the diaper rash is severe and needs a doctor. Bad diaper rash may indicate yeast infection, which does not go away easily. You will need proper treatment like anti-fungal cream to treat that. You may check our recent publication on Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash.
What to do for a diaper rash for a newborn?
The diaper rash on newborn children is common and needs to be treated immediately. You can use cornflour or baby powder to keep the moisture away from the skin. Applying petroleum jelly or vaseline on the rashes can help heal fast. Keep in mind to always use natural remedies on infant diaper rash, so their sensitive skin does not get a reaction. You may like our recent publication on How to Make Baby Hair Grow Faster?
6 Causes of diaper rashes?
First of all, we need to know the causes before entering into the diaper rash natural remedies. Diaper rash is something that babies get from wearing diapers. There are many causes for it, but the common one is the combination of sensitive skin, chafing diapers, and urine. Most babies go through this, where some get it quite often, and some get it occasionally.
But there is nothing to worry about. You can take care of them with the things already present in your home. However, there are many reasons for diaper rashes, and we are going to discuss them below. Stay tuned.
1. Sensitive to different chemical products
The different kinds of chemicals present in disposable diapers for fragrance and the chemicals present can sometimes irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. Also, sometimes the laundry detergent that you use to clean cloth diapers can be the reason. Keep an eye on this and change the detergent.
2. Chafing Off Skin
Chafing can cause stings and burn while creating red rashes. Babies get this from the diapers around the buttock and inner thigh area. Put some ointment in and let it heal without the diaper for a few days. You will find more baby diaper rash remedies here that can help.
3. Allergenic Food
When the baby moves from liquid to solid food, you might encounter this problem. However, this does not entirely mean that your baby is allergic to food. It can simply mean that the baby is not ready for that food yet. But keep your eye open towards other allergic symptoms like gas or eczema.
4. Diarrhea
Diaper rash is typical if your baby has diarrhea. The loose stool often is higher in acid, which reacts with the skin. It causes inflammation to the skin, which creates discomfort.
5. Wet of Poopy Diaper
The longer the baby will wear a wet or poopy diaper, the more the skin will get inflamed and irritated. This happens mostly at night when the baby is fast asleep in a damp or poopy diaper. You can use a super-absorbent diaper or triple cloth liner till the rash heals completely.
6. Bacteria or Yeast infection
One of the reasons behind diaper rash is also bacteria and yeast infection. But this is a bit different from the regular diaper rash. This only occurs when the baby has gone through an antibiotic course or the mother has been on IV antibiotics while she was in labor.
16 Natural and Home remedies for diaper rash
Diaper rash is common in babies that use diapers regularly. But only a few people know how to deal with it, so that can give instant relief. There is some home remedy for diaper rash, and you only need to look around to find the ingredients for it. Reading till the end will make you fully prepared for any kind of emergency regarding diaper rash. Let’s see all the natural remedies for diaper rash.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Diaper Rash
Applying apple cider vinegar to the alkaline skin might slightly relieve the baby. However, this is not one of the extreme diaper rash remedies as it might sting and cause pain to the baby. Mix apple cider vinegar with water for mild rashes and soak your baby’s bum into it for ten minutes. In other ways, you can also dip a cotton ball into the apple cider and water mixture and apply it to the rash.
2. White Vinegar For Diaper Rash
White vinegar helps with diaper rash by balancing the alkaline of the urine with acidity. You can add a teaspoon of white vinegar to a cup of plain clean water and take the solution to wipe the baby’s bottom. However, if you use cloth diapers, you can soak them in this mixture and reuse them again. You would find white vinegar in every house, so it will not be hard to try this if you have no other option.
3. Yogurt for diaper rash
Yogurt is another easy to go and best diaper rash remedy for your baby. Just take some yogurt from the tub and apply it directly to the rash. It helps the baby if the inflammation is a yeast infection. The yogurt is a safe and easy fix for rashes as it is high on probiotics and healthy bacteria. It can soothe and cool down the area. However, make sure to use plain unsweetened ones to be safe.
4. Baking Soda for diaper rash
Leaving your baby in a wet, poopy diaper for a long time makes the acidic poop react with the baby’s sensitive skin, causing rashes. Baking Soda is also the best home remedy for diaper rash. It is alkaline, alkalizing the infected skin and reducing inflammation and redness. This will give relief to the baby if you take a few teaspoons of baking soda, mix it in a bowl of lightly warmed water, and soak the bottom in it for a while.
5. Bentonite clay for diaper rash
Bentonite clay helps diaper rash to soothe down. However, do not apply the powder directly to the rash. You need to mix it with water, shea butter, zinc oxide cream, or coconut oil. Spreading the bentonite clay mixture on the rash after every diaper change will help draw the harmful substance from the rash and make it heal fast.
6. Home remedies for diaper rash with flour
Using flour on a diaper rash is one of the natural remedies for diaper rash. You can easily find this in your pantry. Just take a little and sprinkle it on the diaper rash, and it will give some relief by combating the acidity. Some say that the browned flour can help this rash by knocking it out completely. You can also give that a try.
7. Oatmeal paste for diaper rash
There is no one who has not tried oatmeal home remedies. You probably already know about how oatmeal baths help with chickenpox. But not everyone knows how it helps diaper rash too. Take some of the dried oatmeal and add it to the bath water while bathing your child. This will relieve the pain and inflammation. However, repeat this twice a day if the rash is severe. Let’s see 6 Months baby Meal Plan.
8. Epsom Salt for diaper rash
Epsom salt has been a home remedy for so many problems, and it is no surprise that it is also one of many diaper rash remedies. Its high inflammation properties and magnesium content make it ideal for diaper rashes. Add almost half a cup of Epsom salt to your child’s bath water and let it soak the baby for ten to fifteen minutes.
9. Petroleum Jelly for diaper rash
Petroleum jelly or vaseline is well known for its healing properties. From chapped lips to diaper rashes, it can cure all. This inexpensive product is easily available and is mostly used in every home. So if your baby is having diaper rashes, you can use this diaper rash home remedy. Applying petroleum jelly on the rash will moisturize it while fastening the healing process and creating a barrier between the baby’s skin and the diaper.
10. Breast Milk for diaper rash
Diaper rash is common for newborn babies, and breast milk is the best home remedy for diaper rash. The new mothers already know how important breast milk is for their babies. It is high in a lot of healthy nutrients. You can also treat the rashes with it. Just try dabbing some breast milk on the rash and let it air dry. It will heal and reduce inflammation. Change into a clean diaper after that for better results.
11. Coconut oil for diaper rash
Coconut oil is one versatile product used in skincare, haircare, cooking, and home remedies. So it is not surprising that this highly moisturizing oil is an organic solution and one of the diaper rash remedies. The antibacterial and antifungal properties in coconut oil help to reduce any yeast infection. Give your baby a clean bath, and then after drying completely apply some of the coconut oil on the rash of the baby. This will give relief and get rid of the rash sooner than ever.
12. Chamomile tea and honey for diaper rash
Another home remedy for diaper rash is using chamomile tea and honey and spraying it. Honey works as an antiseptic and kills the bacteria while healing the rash. You have to boil two cups of chamomile tea and add a teaspoon of honey into it. When the mixture gets cold, add it to a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on your child’s rashes every time you change the diaper. You need to air dry the baby’s skin before putting on a new diaper.
13. Cornstarch for diaper rash
Diaper rash is mostly created when the skin stays moist for a long period. Using cornstarch can help soak in the moisture and leave the skin dry. This will give the rash some well-needed time to heal. Just apply some cornstarch on the rash and change the baby into a clean diaper. This is one of the diaper rash remedies you can easily do with the ingredients already present in the pantry.
14. Aloe Vera for diaper rash
Aloe Vera has been the first choice for its anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the rash. You can also use it on some severe diaper rashes as it is one of the extreme diaper rash remedies. You can take aloe vera gel straight from the leaves and use it on the rash. Try to avoid the processed ones as they will not have the same benefits. You can also try adding some essential oil to increase its power.
15. Olive Oil for diaper rash
Using olive oil on a baby’s diaper rash is one of the famous diaper rash remedies. It is safe to use on the soft, sensitive, and delicate skin of a newborn. So if your baby’s skin gets irritated by baby wipes, you can try this instead. This also helps heal any diaper rash and keeps a barrier between your skin and the diaper. It will keep the skin moisturized and prevent further rashes.
16. Cranberry juice for diaper rash
Feeding your baby cranberry juice will also help enhance the process of healing the rashes. It helps by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder. So if your baby is over 12 months old, you can give this a try. This is one of those home remedies for diaper rash that not many people know of.
What is a Yeast diaper rash?
Some people confuse normal diaper rash and yeast diaper rash. The new moms treat the yeast rashes as normal, only to figure them out late. A few symptoms differentiate the yeast rash from the regular rashes. You will notice that the rashes are more red and inflamed than the normal ones with some well-defined patches. Some might be encased by raised edges and will take a long time to heal.
Yeast diaper rash home remedy
The yeast that causes yeast diaper rashes is called Candida. They grow in wet places, so wet and soiled diapers are the best place. Yeast diaper rashes are common in babies on antibiotics or whose mothers are on antibiotics while breastfeeding. You can try out the natural home remedies for diaper rash first, and if they still do not cure, you can go to the doctor.
The natural remedies for yeast diaper rash contain apple cider vinegar. You can take one part of apple cider vinegar and add it to a bowl of water to soak your baby’s bottom in it for a while. It will balance the skin’s pH level and prevent yeast growth on the skin. You can also dab the mixture with a cloth on the rash.
Another baby yeast infection home remedy includes coconut oil for yeast diaper rash. Apply coconut oil on the rash after cleaning and drying it completely. This will create a barrier and soothe the rash to not spread further.
How to get rid of yeast diaper rash
Diaper rashes might leave in a day or two, but yeast diaper rash stays for about a week. Unless it is getting the proper treatment, it is not going. As we know, yeast is a living creature, so you must kill it first to get rid of it. Doctors prescribe antifungal creams like nystatin, miconazole, and clotrimazole for yeast diaper rash.
However, if you want to know the way to get rid of yeast diaper rash naturally, we have you covered too. Use apple cider vinegar or organic coconut oil for the rashes. These two are well known for their yeast infection treatment on diaper rashes. There are a few more natural remedies for diaper rash mentioned here, like yogurt, bentonite clay, aloe vera, etc.
They are quite helpful but not as helpful as the mother’s breast milk. You can apply a few drops of breast milk to the rash, and by letting it air dry, you will see how fast it heals. The best way to get rid of it is not to let it happen in the first place. Keep your child dry and clean. Avoid using all those products that have chemicals in them which might irritate the skin.
3 Homemade diaper rash cream
A lot of diaper rash creams are available in the market, but if you prefer natural diaper rash home remedies creams, here are some of the recipes for homemade diaper rash creams for you.
1. Breast milk diaper rash cream recipe
Breast milk is powerful on its own. It is rich in all sorts of antibacterial goodness. To use this on a rash, you have to soak a cotton ball in the breast milk and dab it on the rash. Let it air dry and see it heal. Repeat a few times for the best results.
2. baking soda and coconut oil for diaper rash cream recipe
Baking soda and coconut oil are both really effective for diaper rashes. You can apply both of them by making a paste or cream and using it on your baby’s rashes.
3. Beeswax, coconut oil and zinc oxide for diaper rash cream recipe
For this cream, take one-fourth cup of beeswax, coconut oil and melt them in a bowl. Mix zinc oxide when the mixture cools down a little and stir nicely till it is well incorporated. Apply this mixture a few times on the rash in a day.
Diaper rash bath remedies for baby
Diaper rash can be treated while bathing your baby and it’s one of the natural home remedies for diaper rash. Sounds surprising? Well, you can add oatmeal to the bathwater and bathe your baby. Oatmeal is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe rashes.
You can add baking soda to the bathing water and soak your baby for a few minutes in it. Make sure the water is a bit warm, as that helps take away the soreness and pain. Avoid using any soaps or shampoos that have harsh chemicals. It will only worsen the condition and make the baby worry more.
Diaper rash homeopathic remedies
There are hundreds of natural ways to deal with diaper rashes. Some people like to go for homeopathic treatments, and there are some available that give medicines for diaper rashes. There are no side effects of this homeopathic treatment.
It helps by boosting the self-healing process of the body. Also, if there is a fungal infection in the rashes, they can treat that. However, taking medicines from a doctor is recommended, and you must self-medicate in any condition.
How to treat diaper rash quickly
There are a few treatments available that you can try at home to cure severe diaper rashes. Breast Milk is one wonderful remedy for severe diaper rash treatment. You just apply some on the rashes and allow them to dry before changing into a new diaper.
However, yogurt works best as a yeast diaper rash treatment if your baby has an infection. Apply one scoop of plain, flavorless yogurt on the rash to calm the irritation.
How to prevent diaper rash naturally (9 Solutions)
Diaper rashes are common in babies and quite painful too. So to save your baby from diaper rashes, you can take some steps that will prevent it from happening in the first place. It is better to go for the natural ways as the chemicals might not be safe. Here are some ways you can prevent diaper rash naturally.
1. Always keep the bottom dry and clean
Keeping the baby in wet and poopy diapers for a long time causes diaper rashes. So to prevent the rashes, the best thing you can do is keep the bottom dry as much as possible. You can try applying the baby powder and leaving the baby without a diaper for a while so that the skin can breathe and dry naturally. Keep baby wipes close so that you can keep the baby clean.
2. Try to use new brands of diapers
Another cause of diaper rash could be that the diaper brand you are using does not suit your baby. Try changing the brand. Also, if you are using reusable cloth diapers, they can be the reason why diaper rash is not leaving. Switch to disposable diapers so that the baby can get comfort and ease. Choose diapers that do not have latex, chlorine, fragrances, or alcohol.
3. Never purchase tight diapers
Always find diapers that fit your baby. Diapers that are too tight will cause rashes and will undoubtedly be uncomfortable. So make sure the diaper is well fitted but not too tight to create discomfort. Tight diapers trap the moisture inside, which enhances the rashes. It is always better if the skin can breathe a little rather than staying covered all day in tight diapers.
4. Use natural wipes
Using baby wipes is common in every house. But sometimes, it contains harmful chemicals like alcohol that dries out the skin, and if you are not gentle enough, it also damages the skin. You should always choose wipes that are hypoallergenic and have antibacterial properties. Wipes that are free from artificial fragrances and chemicals are the best ones. Using these wipes will lower the risk of having diaper rashes.
5. Keep your baby without diaper time to time
It might sound risky, but trust me, this can help prevent your baby from having diaper rashes. Wearing diapers all day and night hold the moisture on the skin. The more moisture, the more yeast, and bacteria have a chance to grow. To prevent this, give your baby a break from the nasty diapers and let it play on a mat while enjoying the weather. The airflow will help dry out the skin, killing yeast or anti-bacterial rashes.
6. Be gentle with them
Be gentle while wiping your child’s bum every time you change the diaper. Harsh and fast movement can damage the soft skin of the baby. Also, check the baby wipes you are using if it contains alcohol as they might irritate the skin, causing more rashes. Natural wipes can help prevent it.
7. Avoid chemicals based products and use mild products
While bathing your baby try to go for the products with fewer chemicals. Chemicals are harsh for the babies’ sensitive skin, so you cannot use the same soap that you use for your baby. Get some mild products that are meant for babies. Check the ingredients of shampoo, soaps, and lotions before purchasing them.
8. Try to maintain a food diary
Keeping a food diary for your baby will help you keep track of the new foods you are giving. Sometimes the rashes can happen because of sudden changes in food habits. On the other hand, diarrhea and other stomach problems occur because of the food not suiting the stomach. Diarrhea is another cause of diaper rashes as it keeps the skin moist, and acidic stool harms the skin.
9. Don’t force your baby to eat food that he isn’t ready for
When the baby is ready to try out new food, be extra careful not to feed the baby food that it is not ready for. Sometimes you will notice reactions from trying out new food. The symptoms can be an upset stomach and rashes.
But that does not mean that the baby is allergic to the food. It can simply mean that the baby is not ready for the food yet. Take a bit more time so that the baby is prepared for the food, and there will not be any rashes or upset stomachs anymore. However, if they are allergic, there will be more chronic symptoms.
Herbal remedies diaper rash for babies
Diaper rashes are a severe problem for babies that wear diapers daily. Most treatments can have chemicals in them that will be harsh for the baby’s sensitive skin. So it is better to go for the natural and herbal remedies of diaper rash for babies. You can use aloe vera gel fresh straight from the leaves and apply it directly to the rashes.
This will soothe the rash and make it heal quickly. Other diaper rash natural remedies include applying breast milk, coconut oil, olive oil, yogurt, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. These have a special method of usage. You can use things like oatmeal, flour, baking soda, and Epsom salt, all that are already present in your pantry for the diaper rashes.
Herbal remedies have the least possibility of having side effects on your baby’s skin. However, if these remedies do not work, check if your child has a yeast infection as that takes longer to heal. Also, consult a doctor if you notice the diaper rashes getting too severe.
Fungal diaper rash home remedy
Having a fungal or yeast diaper rash will take longer to heal and have some other symptoms. While dealing with rashes, you need to check first to see a fungal diaper rash. As you treat this rash, you will need to keep the baby clean and dry more than usual. Ensure you avoid all those irritants that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
Some baby wipes contain alcohol and fragrances that irritate the skin. Also, some of the baby products available have harsh chemicals. Choose wisely and go for natural products as much as you can. For home remedies, you can apply a paste of baking soda to balance the skin’s pH level. It helps with fungal infections as well.
Before using anything on the fungal rash, you should research well, as it might backfire and make things worse. To keep your baby safe and prevent fungal diaper rashes, do not keep your baby in a diaper for long hours. Give the skin some breaks so that they can air dry and breathe. However, if the rashes get too severe, the doctor will prescribe an antifungal cream to help the baby.
When to see your child’s pediatrician for the diaper rash
Normal diaper rashes are not much to worry about. They go away in a day or two when treated with some simple home remedies. However, if the rashes are infected, they might show some serious symptoms and last longer than usual rashes. The serious symptoms will include fever, blisters in the diaper area, swelling, and redness. You also might notice pus or discharge in the diaper area.
No matter what treatment you try, the rash will simply not get better. This is when you know the diaper rash is infected, and you must go to a pediatrician as soon as possible. There is a possibility that the rash will grow into a secondary fungal infection known as candidiasis. You might also notice satellite lesions, which means there will be red spots outside the diaper area, mostly on the thighs and abdomen.
Consult with a doctor when you notice these symptoms on your baby. They might suggest antifungal cream or suggest other necessary things to get your baby well fast. Also, if the baby cries a lot, it is a serious problem, and you must not delay making an appointment with the doctor.
Q/A on Diaper Rash Natural Remedies
Do cloth diapers can be the cause of nappy rash?
Studies show that using disposable nappies is just as likely to cause a rash. However, what is more, likely to cause rashes are infrequent diaper changes? Irritation from urine and poop causes rashes. Ideally, you should change the nappy of a newborn baby every hour and every two hours for older babies. It is a good idea to change cloth diapers more frequently because they’re less absorbent than disposable ones.
How to heal open sores on baby’s bottom?
It is crucial to keep the open sores as clean and dry as possible. Changing the soiled diapers right away to cut down how much moisture the skin comes in contact with is essential. Disposable diaper wipes can be used but avoid using ones that contain alcohol and fragrance. Always pat dry and do not rub. Allow the area to air-dry. Apply a layer of ointment or cream that contains zinc oxide or petroleum jelly.
How to get rid of a diaper rash in 24 hours?
To get rid of a diaper rash, you first need to keep the area clean and dry. Avoid scrubbing the site and do not use baby wipes because they can irritate the rash further. Dry the area for at least 10 minutes. Bathe your baby every day using warm water and mild soap can speed up the healing process. Using over-the-counter baby creams and lotions can help. In severe cases seeing your child’s pediatrician is highly recommended.
What can be the home remedies for diaper rash from diarrhea?
The best home remedy for diaper rash from diarrhea is to change diapers often. It’s best to change your child’s diaper as soon as possible. Even slightly wet diapers should be changed right away. Cloth diapers have several benefits. However, it’s not the best choice when your child has a diaper rash so using disposable diapers is a better option. Make sure you use the right diaper size or it can increase acne of a diaper rash and make it harder for it to heal.
How do you use the Sudocream for nappy rash?
It is essential to protect your baby’s delicate skin. Sudocream is a clinically proven treatment, perfect for nappy rash because it helps soothe, heal and protect delicate skin. Make sure your baby’s bottom is dry and clean. With clean, dry hands, put some Sudocream on your fingertip. Use a gentle touch to rub the cream into the skin. Avoid rubbing if the skin looks sore. You want a thin translucent film on the skin. Repeat until the rash clears.
What’s the best thing to use for diaper rash?
The best thing for a diaper rash would be keeping it open so that the airflow can dry the skin and give it a chance to heal. Also, avoiding harsh chemicals can help cure the diaper rash quickly. However, as a natural remedy, breast milk from the mother is the best thing to use on the diaper rash.
Is diaper rash contagious for the baby and can it spread over the full body?
Typical diaper rash is not contagious. However, the rash can spread outside the diaper area if it gets infected. Some of the time, you will notice the rash spreading on the child’s abdomen and thigh area.
Can adults get diaper rash from pads also? How?
It might sound like the diaper rash is only for the babies, but it is not. Even the adults can get diaper rashes from sanitary pads and adult diapers. Anything that keeps the skin wet and warm can cause itching, redness, and swelling on the skin. So it is better not to wear them for a long time.
Can there any long term side effects of diaper rash on babies?
Not treating diaper rash fast can have some long-term side effects on the babies. It might get infected, and the rash might also get severe. Neglecting diaper rash for a long time can lead to serious medical conditions. Your baby might have a fever along with other symptoms.
Pictures of severe diaper rash
Severe diaper rashes look like swollen red rashes with lesions and white scales. When they are infected, they might also get pus-filled. Also, in extreme cases, the rash can spread into the abdomen and thigh area.