Diaper rash is a normal, though uncomfortable, skin irritation occurring for nearly every baby at least once during the first 3 years of their life. During this time a baby is primarily sitting, experiencing changes in the acidity of bowel movements (during a switch to solid foods for example) and has short windows of time where their diaper is off. Read on for common causes and remedies for diaper rash to help your baby find some relief.

Product Remedies for Diaper Rash

• Vitamin A and D based ointments were at the top of the list of remedies for diaper rash recommended by Hanna and there are still several companies who make these vitamin basedointments today. Using an ointment with this base helps to treat and prevent diaper rash and is also useful beyond baby by protecting and soothing chafed, chapped, or cracked skin, as well as minor cuts and burns.
• Another option to remedy diaper rash is this herbal based salve from WhiteDove. Combining Chickweed herb, Grindelia flower, Goldenseal root, and several other herbs in a base of almond and olive oils, this all natural remedy will bring relief from the irritation of diaper rash. This skin rash relief serves as an alternative to cortisone creams and can be used for poison ivy and oak, insect bites, baby’s rash, and other rashes that may affect the entire family like eczema or psoriasis.

Other Remedies for Diaper Rash

• If you’re using cloth diapers and worry about remnants or buildup, check out this website that offers tips on how to store wet and soiled diapers before laundering as well as reviews from what’s worked for other parents. After you’ve laundered though, consider Hanna’s favored tip to dry your cloth diapers in sunlight rather than in a dryer (from Ageless Remedies from Mother’s Kitchen)
• If your baby seems especially bothered by an irritating skin rash, consider lying them down on the floor with a towel (and a protective lining for your carpet if necessary), bottom up without their diaper or other clothes. Doing this will allow the rash to dry a bit and will give your baby a break from wearing their diaper and experiencing the painful friction that can occur and worsen the rash.
  

  There are several home remedies for diaper rash, choose what works for you!

  Giving your baby a break from their diaper a few times a day is a simple (and free!) remedy.

• Using wipes with a scent can add to the irritation on baby’s bottom and sometimes even unscented wipes can add to the discomfort. If your baby’s rash is especially irritated, consider using water to clean them during a diaper change. Consider how sore rashes are on your own skin then compare that to your child’s new skin being wiped and cleaned several times a day.
• Using cloth diapers and finding a rash? Consider the method of cleaning to help remedy diaper rash. Using disposable? Maybe the materials used in production are causing irritation due to allergy for your baby; consider switching brands.
• When using a rash cream or ointment, apply liberally. Not only does this treatment help to dry up the rash and provide soothing relief for your child but it also acts as a barrier between the irritation and the diaper. The less friction the better so be generous.

Remedies for Diaper Rash – What is the Rash Type?

Different types call for different remedies for rashes

There are many types of diaper rash and you will more than likely encounter the most basic type which is caused from a change in acidity of bowels as well as friction of the diaper(contact rash), there are other, more serious types.

• Intertrigo is a rash that occurs in the folds of the skin and creases around the diaper area where skin rubs together. This type of rash should be treated with regular diaper ointment and allowed to dry out as often as possible. You’ll know this type of rash by its appearance as a burn, rather than a rash. Urine, mixed with the heat of the diaper, is the most common culprit.
• Yeast Rashes occur where the skin is damaged and yeast from the intestine is allowed to invade the skin. This type of rash is generally the result of antibiotic use or a rash that has been persistent and has now been invaded. You’ll know this is the rash your baby has by the red, raised, and patchy rash with sharp borders found mostly over babies genitalia with smaller spots around the diaper area. To treat this sort of rash, consider an acidophilus that is baby friendly, as well as using regular diaper ointment and allowing the diaper area to dry out as often as possible.
• Seborrhea is an inflammatory condition that can affect different parts of the body but is especially noted in the diaper area. Large, sharply demarcated patches on the genitalia, thighs, and lower abdomen will be raised, rough, and noticeably thicker than other rashes. To treat these sort of rashes a visit to your doctor’s office may be necessary; doctors will generally suggest an over-the-counter hydrocortisone but may need to inspect the rash.
• Allergy Rings are seen around a baby’s anus are generally caused by food intake, especially acidic ones like citrus or tomatoes. Treatment for this sort of issue is fairly simple as you will need only to eliminate the suspected food from baby’s (or if you’re breastfeeding, from your own) diet. Allergy issues are so important to consider for baby’s which is why most pediatricians will recommend that you introduce only one new food a week to a baby so that you have a full 7 days to assess if an allergy is present.
• Impetigo is a rash that occurs due to a bacterial invasion of damaged skin. Coin-sized blisters or red patches that ooze will alert you that this is the type of rash that your baby is experiencing. Often with these rashes, a honey-colored crust is common on the sores and a prescription antibiotic is needed so be sure to consult your physician.

Diaper rashes are normal and can be prevented and treated using common sense and simple remedies. Check out our children’s section of our shop which contains natural products as well as educational books for you and your child. Do you have any remedies you can share?

For more remedies for healthy living, even for children, check out our posting on Herbs for Kids as well as Herbs During Pregnancy or check out our Remedy Section on our blog!