Diaper Rash Home Remedies

BobD | Oct 21, 2011 |

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It is every parent’s nightmare. The baby is screaming and you cannot figure out why. The baby was just fed, so he or she cannot be hungry. So you start to change the diaper, and the area is red. Oh no!! Diaper Rash! What is diaper rash? What does diaper rash look like? What are the causes of diaper rash? What are some diaper rash home remedies? Let’s look at these questions.

What Is Diaper Rash? And What Are The Causes Of Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a subset of dermatitis called irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is when the skin reacts to a chemical or physical irritant. In the baby’s case, this is the urine, heat, and rubbing of the diaper. If the baby is wet or dirty for an extended period of time, this can cause an outbreak. The skin can react to baby lotions, soap and wipes causing a cycle of diaper rash. Changes in diet and reactions to new food, as well, as frequent bowel movements or diarrhea can be triggers.

What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

Diaper rash will present as reddened or inflamed skin where the diaper covers the child. The skin may seem scaly. The red patches can show up first around the anus or in the creases of the leg and groin. It may have a fishy smell. If the diaper rash becomes bad, blisters and spots may appear.

Diaper Rash Home Remedies

Change diapers often, making sure to clean and dry the area thoroughly, paying close attention to creases in the skin and around the anus. Try several different brands of diapers and see if the problem changes with the brand type. Do not use plastic pants over the diapers. These will hold in heat.

Eliminate any kind of milk protein, using soy or rice alternatives. If the child is starting to eat solid food, watch for any kind of food allergies. If the mother is breast-feeding, she should avoid spicy foods.

Lotions with a zinc oxide ingredient can be use to protect the skin. A more natural cream is one with calendula in it. Use either each time you change the diaper, gently rubbing it on the skin.

Use wipes and cloths that are unscented. Use only mild soaps, and do not rub the area at bath time. Just pat dry. Exposure to air will help, so as much as possible, leave the diaper off the baby. Lay the child on a towel on the floor, and clean as soon as possible are urination or bowel movements. Even a few minutes a couple of times a day will help.

Summary

Almost all babies will get a rash or two, and diaper rash is the most common. Avoid the triggers and irritants, and know that a child getting diaper rash does not make a parent a bad mother or father. Just knowing the causes of diaper rash and diaper rash home remedies will put the parents ahead of the problem.