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Diaper Rashes Home Remedies: 10 Important Tips

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

4 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Diaper rash, which is also referred to as Irritant Diaper Dermatitis, is a very common condition. While the symptoms of the condition can cause discomfort, it does resolve within days to weeks. It is self treatable, but it advised that a pediatrician be consulted in any case to avoid worsening of the skin symptoms. ‘Diaper Rashes Home Remedy’ is the go-to for most parents yes, because diaper hyenine can help a great deal to prevent diaper rashes. But the ‘remedy’ should be determined by a professional every time.

Causes of diaper rashes

– Baby sitting in wet diapers for long periods of time
– Infrequent change of wet diapers
– Overhydration of skin
– Early sign of Biotin deficiency
– Diarrhea
– Introduction of new foods
– Medications such as antibiotics
– Sensitive skin
– Tight diapers

The main symptom is most commonly seen is of course a bright red rash on the child’s buttocks. In some cases, if not treated or if worsened, the rash can spread and symptoms such as fevers and discharge can happen.

Symptoms of diaper rashes

– Skin rashes
– Skin blisters
– Skin redness/peeling
– Itchiness around anus
-Irritability and excess crying (especially in babies)

Treatment of diaper rashes

– Frequent diaper changes
– Air baby’s buttocks instead of covering it all the time
– Barrier
– Vaseline
– Zinc oxide topical cream
– Aloe
– Medications such as dietary supplements and antifungals

When to see a doctor?

If your child’s diaper rash symptoms are worsening then it’s time to seek professional help. Diaper rash can make skin susceptible to bacterial infections. Symptoms such as blisters, fever, increased redness and swelling, and pus or discharges are serious and need to be looked at by a professional.

Diaper rashes are common, yes, but can cause a lot of discomfort to the child. Since they can’t do much to heal themselves, it’s often recommended that treatment should be started only after speaking to a pediatrician. That way, other skin or medical conditions can be eliminated and an accurate diagnosis can be made. That being said however, there are ways in which diaper rashes can be healed and prevented. Here are 10 tips that you can keep in mind as a parent.

Home Remedy: 10 Important Tips

Diaper Rashes Home Remedy

(1) Scheduled diaper changes: Whether your child has a diaper rash or not, making sure their soiled diapers are changed on time can prevent it. Ideally, a child’s diaper should be changed as soon as possible. If cloth diapers are used, they are to be rinsed 2-3 times a day at least with soap and water. The soap must be rinsed off thoroughly. Another tip with this is to try to take superabsorbent diapers, this will help to keep the child dry as possible till the next diaper change

(2) Petroleum jelly: Most commonly found and used in households, this inexpensive buy can help reduce friction caused by diapers. A thin layer can go a long way in soothing your baby’s skin when it comes into contact with soiled diapers. Also Zinc oxide diaper cream can be applied. If your baby gets rashes often, apply a barrier ointment during each diaper change to prevent skin irritation.

(3) Baby products used: Sometimes, diaper rashes can be caused because the child may have sensitive skin. Usually in the hectic times of baby raising, parents often don’t realise that their detergents may be causing their baby’s skin to form rashes. Changing brands when it comes to products used can also be a cause. Try to use products that soothe a baby’s sensitive skin. Besides detergent, this could include clothes, lotions, soaps etc.

(4) Diaper fit: This is often a common issue with diapers. Since babies grow at what seems to be lightning speed, the size of the diapers should match their growth spurt. This is because a diaper that is too loose or too tight can cause unnecessary friction which can lead to skin rashes.

(5) Keep baby wipes at bay: While it’s easier to clean a baby’s bottom with wipes, it can actually cause more discomfort if the child has a diaper rash. Use a fragrance free soap and water to clean a baby’s bottom, and make sure to thoroughly and gently pat dry. Moist areas can cause rashes and skin infections as well. If you are using wipes, make sure they are alcohol and fragrance free

(6) Go slow with new acidic foods: Since frequent soiled diapers can exaggerate symptoms of diaper rashes, it is advised that certain foods be avoided until the child heals. This includes acidic fruits such as oranges or vegetables such as tomatoes. Whenever you are introducing new foods that are acidic, do it gradually otherwise the infant’s urine and feces become acidic.

(7) Don’t use scrubbers: a baby’s skin can be very sensitive and vulnerable to small cuts. Using gentle cloths is the best way to wipe them clean along with unscented soaps and water. Don’t scrub or rub the infant’s skin under any circumstance.

(8) Air dry as often as you can: Sometimes, skin needs to breathe. Dry skin is the best because moist areas can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Leave your baby without a diaper for a bit.

(9) Disposable diapers: While the types of diapers are a choice, disposable diapers help keep bacterial infections at bay. This reduces the risk drastically because there is less chances of diaper rashes due to detergents used to clean cloth diapers or even residue bacteria.

(10) Treat medical conditions: Not all skin conditions on the buttocks can be due to diaper rashes. It’s important that a diaper rash be accurately diagnosed by a pediatrician. A rash on an infant’s buttons can be due to psoriasis, impetigo or eczema. If you see a rash on your child’s buttocks that resembles diaper rashes, don’t self treat or self diagnose. Trust the professionals.

Diaper rashes in newborns are a common occurrence, and can easily be avoided by learning through the right resources and consulting a doctor when needed.