How to Decrease Diaper Rash With Herbs

Diaper rash is not usually a serious condition, but it can be very uncomfortable for babies and worrisome for parents. It’s simply a type of dermatitis that can be controlled with some common herbal formulas. It looks nasty, with red swollen rash that appears anywhere underneath the diaper region. Almost all babies under the age of 15 months will suffer from diaper rash at some time. The causes of diaper rash can be varied; it frequently pops up after you begin feeding your infant solid foods, and it can result if you or your child must take an antibiotic medication for another ailment.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Clean, dry diapers
• Baby products containing calendula, comfrey, plantain or chamomile
• Fresh plantain leaves

1. Change your baby’s diaper frequently. The moisture contained in a wet diaper can cause diaper rash as well as make this condition worse.

2. If your baby gets diarrhea, be sure to treat it promptly because the additional moisture it introduces to a diaper can exacerbate diaper rash.

3. Try to avoid using plastic pants over diapers. Again, the dampness is a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause diaper rash.

4. Apply a natural salve, powder or other baby products available at a natural foods store. Products that contain calendula, plantain, comfrey and chamomile are safe and effective for clearing up diaper rash.

5. Use plantain leaves to treat a rash. Plantain (Plantago spp.) is a common lawn weed found around the world. If you have some growing in your yard, you can pick about 1/2 cup of the leaves, rinse them off, dry them, crush them and put them into your baby’s diaper until it needs changing.

6. Do not make your baby’s diaper or other clothing too tight. An environment that limits the amount of air to the affected area can create diaper rash and make it worse.

Tips & Warnings

• For nursing mothers, be careful what you eat. Research has shown that foods containing any form of tomatoes can be responsible for diaper rash in many babies.

• If you are nursing and must take an antibiotic medication for any condition, watch for the start of diaper rash because antibiotics can cause yeast infections by destroying good bacteria.

• Bathing your child in a tub into which you have added some oatmeal can help.

• After bathing your baby, dry his bottom with a hair dryer on its lowest setting to ensure that it is completely dry before diapering him again.

• This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The use of herbal products should not be taken lightly. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are taking any prescribed medications.

• Seek medical attention if your baby’s diaper rash is severe or if it does not improve after several days of treating it with natural products.

• Avoid using wipes that are commercially available because many of these products contain alcohol, which can inflame the skin.