How to quickly heal a diaper rash

By stephleppard

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Nothing makes you feel more guilty as a new parent than when your baby gets a diaper rash. Rather than fret, follow these steps and their rash will be gone quickly (usally within 24 hours).

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • fresh diapers
  • baking soda
  • bath w/lukewarm water
  • diaper rash ointment containing zinc oxide

Step1
First, draw a bath and fill with lukewarm water. Do not add any soap or bubbles. Only add baking soda...and lots of it.
Step2
Place your baby in the bath and add more baking soda, especially near the rashed bottom. Play with the baby in the bath for as long as the baby will tolerate it.
Step3
Pat dry your baby's bottom and allow it to air dry before putting a diaper on. Once dry, apply some diaper rash ointment to the entire rashed area.
Step4
Diaper your baby and make sure you check their bottom often. Repeat Steps 1 - 3 as frequently as possible.

Tips & Warnings

  • Always change your baby's diaper immediately after it is soiled.
  • If your baby will not take a long bath, than bathe her/him more frequently with 'mini' baths.
  • If your baby's rash continues more than 5 days (or worsens), make an appointment with the pediatrician.
  • If the rash is accompanied by any other symptoms of illness, make an appointment with the pediatrician.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 1/28/2008 thanx!this was a great tip...i had been using coconut oil,which did help 2 an extent.but i think this will help in speedy healing...

krndpx said

Flag This Comment

on 11/14/2007 Another way to get baby's diaper area good and dry is to use a hair dryer--make sure it's on low and held far enough away to not get too hot. I put my hand near the area being dried to make sure it doesn't get too warm. Baby usually likes the soothing warmth from the hair dryer. It can really help speed the healing.

Flag This Comment

on 11/14/2007 great advise my grandaughter neede a better solution than oinments Ill give this one to my daughter . thanks, the coffeelady

Allandra said

Flag This Comment

on 7/21/2007 I usually allow my baby's bottom to "air-dry" or be expose to the air (weather permitting) before using the diapers. Moisture is your baby's worst enemy. Most ointments and creams out there have harsh chemicals in them so it's probably best just to leave the rash alone till it goes away. As always, when in doubt, consult your family doctor.

abigail said

Flag This Comment

on 5/17/2007 I found sometimes that moisture via an ointment slowed down the healing. What worked best for me in those cases was another home remedy, cornstarch.

You can either just use the kitchen variety, or buy the baby powder with cornstarch. Load it on, and keep the baby as dry as possible - lot's of diaper changes, in other words. This worked great for me when ointments didn't seem to be cutting it!

Melody said

Flag This Comment

on 5/15/2007 Thanks, did not know about baking soda in the bath! It also helps to expose baby's bottom to air periodically during the day so sores can dry out and heal. Put down a water-proof changing mat in the crib or playpen and let baby play a while without a diaper.

Flag This Comment

on 4/26/2007 Nice home remedy for a baby. I'll be sure to tell my friend about it.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to quickly heal a diaper rash

eHow Member: stephleppard

stephleppard

Enthusiast Enthusiast | 954 Points

Category: Parenting

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Parenting

JudyFord
Meet Judy Ford eHow’s Parenting Expert.