7 Ways To Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is an annoying skin problem in babies. It usually occurs when a baby wears a damp diaper for a long time. In breastfeeding infants, presence of certain foods in the mother’s diet may cause allergic reactions,triggering diaper rash.Diaper rash may appear after the baby takes an antibiotic medication or after the baby is introduced to solid foods.

Ways To Treat Diaper Rash

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide paste is 4commonly used for clearing diaper rash. Most over-the-counter lotions and ointments used for treating diaper rash contain zinc oxide as an active ingredient. It reduces the discomfort by soothing the skin. Besides healing the rash, zinc oxide can also prevent frequent nappy rash eruptions. Do not apply zinc oxide on open wounds.

Baking Soda

When common skin ointments fail to resolve the diaper rash, you can consider soaking the affected area of the baby in warm water to which two tablespoons of baking soda has been added. Soak the baby in the warm bath for about ten minutes, thrice a day.

German Chamomile

Washing the affected area with German chamomile tea prepared by steeping the dried flowers in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes helps to cure the diaper rash. To alleviate the discomfort caused by the rash, you can add few drops of German chamomile essential oil in the bathwater or apply a paste made by mixing the herb with water to the affected area. The anti-inflammatory components of the herb reduce the inflammation and soothe the irritated skin. German chamomile can also prevent secondary bacterial infections that might develop when the tender skin of the child is damaged by frequent diaper rash eruption. Although topical use of German chamomile is considered safe, it may trigger allergic reactions in babies allergic to ragweed, daisies, asters or chrysanthemum.

Slippery Elm

In Native American folk medicine, slippery elm is recommended for treating several skin problems including diaper rash. A paste made by mixing powdered bark of slippery elm tree with water can be applied on the rash.You can also wash the affected area with cool slipper elm tea thrice per day. However, slippery elm paste or tea should not be applied to open wounds.

Olive Oil

Applying a teaspoon of olive oil blended with equal amounts of water to the diaper rash soothes the skin and reduces irritation. For better result, use extra virgin olive oil.

Lavender Oil

The essential oil derived from the flowers of the lavender plant helps to soothe the irritated skin in babies with diaper rash. Before applying the essential oil on the delicate skin of your baby, dilute it with water.

Never apply lavender oil on open wounds. Lavender essential oil should be used only for a short period. In a study, researchers found that lavender oil might increase the risk of gynecomastia in boys.

Aloe Vera Gel

The gel present in the succulent stem of the aloe vera plant is used for treating various skin problems including diaper rash.After washing the baby’s bottom, you can apply a small quantity of the aloe gel on the diaper rash. It reduces the irritation and rapidly heals the rash.