How to Treat Diaper Rash Using Home Remedies

Being a new parent has many challenges. Treating common problems, such as diaper rash, is just one of them. There are many medications available, but maybe you want to use things that are as close to natural as possible when it comes to your baby. There are a few home remedies that you can try to treat diaper rash, but keep in mind that if the rash gets to the point where there is bleeding or it spreads beyond the diaper area, you should call the doctor. There are a few different things you can try, and each of the following remedies should be used separately, not in combination.

Things You'll Need

• Cornstarch
• Aloe plant
• Calamine lotion
• Oatmeal

Instructions

1. Take the diaper off, clean the baby's bottom gently, and expose the area to the air. Letting the air get to the bottom will help it stay dry and heal faster. You should do this for a while after each diaper change, even if you apply a treatment to the bottom. Make sure baby's bottom is clean and dry before you apply anything to the area.

2. Powder the baby's bottom with cornstarch after changing a messy diaper and cleaning the bottom thoroughly. Cornstarch is known to keep moisture from the skin and aid in healing. Cornstarch is available in the grocery store baking aisle.

3. Apply aloe vera from an aloe plant to the sore area after cleaning the bottom. Aloe is commonly used to treat burns and minor injuries, and it is an ingredient in many medications. Applying it to the sore bottom will help the sore area heal. You can apply cornstarch over the aloe if desired, for extra protection.

4. Apply calamine lotion to the sore bottom after changing a diaper or bathing. Calamine is an older remedy used to treat insect bites, rashes and minor injuries.

5. Add oatmeal to the water when you bathe the baby. Oatmeal has healing properties that will help the skin heal and the rash go away.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping the baby dry and clean is very important to prevent diaper rash and to help it get better. Changing your baby's diaper as soon as you know he has wet or messed it will help with the healing process.

• Limiting the amount of acidic foods that you feed the baby may cut down on the diaper rash appearing. Acidic foods include peaches, oranges and orange juice, tomatoes, anything citrus, apples, applesauce, strawberries, pears and some other fruits.

• If you see blood, get the advice of your pediatrician. If using home remedies doesn't take care of the problem, you should find a good diaper rash medication. Your doctor or another parent can help.

Resources

• Foods that can cause diaper rash