A diaper rash can be quite discomforting, causing the baby to be cranky and the parents to be apprehensive. If your little one is suffering from a diaper rash, let’s take a look at how you can alleviate the condition.
Mothers across the world dread diaper rash. The unsightly red rashes and tiny bumps on your little one’s bottom can be quite painful to look at. Some blame themselves for the onset of this rash, however, not always is a diaper rash caused by keeping a wet diaper on for too long. There are various other reasons that are conducive to this condition, so don’t beat yourself about it. It can happen with no fault of yours.
Home Remedies
When your baby is suffering from a diaper rash, it’s best to leave him/her without a diaper for a while. Leave your baby without a diaper for about half an hour, a few times a day. This will spearhead healing because the bottom is not subjected to wetness from the diaper, and the cool air helps keep it dry. It’s always better to consult your pediatrician regarding ointments for diaper rash, nevertheless, take a look at some home remedies that have also proven to be effective.
- Vegetable Oil: Smear the baby’s bottom with vegetable oil to promote healing of the rash.
- Olive Oil and Water: Whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 5 drops of water and apply it to the rash.
- Flour: Roast enough flour in a frying pan that will last for a few applications. Heat the flour till it turns light brown. Dust this powder with the help of a cotton pad or powder puff onto your baby’s bottom, every once in a while.
- Cod Liver Oil Capsules: Cut the capsules and apply the oil on the rash for quick relief.
- Milk of Magnesia: Pour milk of magnesia on the rash till the rash disappears completely. However, before using this remedy, make sure you consult your pediatrician.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Apply aloe vera gel on the rash. It helps keep the skin dry and heals the rash faster than anything else.
- Vinegar: Add half a cup of vinegar to the water in which you are washing the cloth nappies. Rinse the diaper with regular clean water, and dry them thoroughly before use. Avoid detergents and washing powder, because often they’re the reason behind the rashes.
- Vaseline: Vaseline or petroleum jelly soothes skin inflammation and helps alleviate the rash. However, make sure you’re not using the perfumed variety, because they can further irritate and burn the skin.
- Oatmeal: Adding some oatmeal to warm water before giving the baby a bath, helps alleviate diaper rash.
- Lanolin Oil: Gently rubbing lanolin oil on the rash has also seen to be helpful. It forms a waxy coating on the skin, thereby preventing further moisture from coming in contact with the skin. This then allows the skin to heal faster.
- Baking Soda: Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water and give the baby a sitz bath for 10 minutes, 3 times a day. However, this remedy doesn’t seem practical, because toddlers won’t sit in the bath for that long, and it’s better not to use baking soda for newborns.
- Cornstarch: Dust the rash with cornstarch to promote healing and bring about a soothing effect.
These remedies have proven to be effective in alleviating diaper rash. However, with babies, it’s better not to try something without consulting your pediatrician. If your pediatrician gives you the green signal, go ahead!
