Home Remedies for Diaper Rash

The irritating rash on the buttocks and thighs of babies is often caused by wet diapers or nappies. This itchy rash causes a lot of discomfort to the little angels. If your baby is suffering from a diaper rash, then try out the following home remedies for diaper rash.
Home Remedies for Diaper Rash
All mothers hate the red rash appearing on their babies tooshies. Almost all children develop this common diaper rash. It occurs due to excessive wetness of the baby diaper. The bacterias get a chance to act on the baby's sensitive skin and cause a rash. Diaper rash can also occur due to humid climate, tight diapers, unhygienic cleaning and the remains of detergent and washing powders in the cloth nappy.

Diaper rash causes a lot of discomfort and irritation to the baby. Dermatologists suggest changing the baby's diaper regularly and keeping their bottoms dry and clean. One can always visit the doctor for diaper rash treatment. Doctors prescribe ointments, lotions and creams for the treatment of these diaper rash. You can always try these tried and tested home remedies for diaper rash.

How to Treat Diaper Rash using Home Remedies
Diaper rash home remedies help cure the rash within 3 to 4 days. You must let your baby stay without diapers for 15 to 30 minutes daily, few times a day. The cool, fresh air helps cure these rashes faster. Try the following home remedies for diaper rash:
  • Vegetable Oil: Smear the babies bottom with vegetable oil to cure the diaper rash.
  • Olive Oil and Water: Whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 5 drops of water and apply it to the rash.
  • Flour: Roast enough flour in a frying pan that can last a few applications. Heat the flour till it turns light golden brown. Apply a light dusting of this flour on the rash at each diaper change.
  • Cod Liver Oil Capsules: Cut the capsules and apply the oil on the rash for a quick relief.
  • Milk of Magnesia: Pour milk of magnesia on the rash till the rash disappears completely.
  • Aloe Vera Gel: Apply aloe vera gel on the rash. It helps keep the skin moisture free and cures the rash quicker than anything else.
  • Vinegar: Add half a cup of vinegar to water before dipping the nappies for a wash. Rinse the diaper with clean water and dry it. Do not use detergents and washing powder as they may be causing the rash.
  • Vaseline: Vaseline or petroleum jelly sooths the inflammation of the skin and helps cure the irritating rash.
  • Oatmeal: Adding some oatmeal to warm water before giving the baby a bath, helps prevent diaper rash and keeping the skin germ free.
  • Lanolin Oil: Gently rubbing lanolin oil on the rash forms a waxy coating on the skin allowing it to heal and prevents irritation.
  • Baking Soda: Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water and give the baby a sitz bath for 10 minutes 3 times a day.
  • Maalox: Apply this heartburn medicine on a cotton ball and apply it to the rash on the baby's bottom and thighs. It helps cool the irritated skin.
  • Corn Strach: Sprinkle the rash with cornstarch to promote healing and sooth the skin.
These diaper rash treatments will help subdue your baby's diaper rash. The rash will improve within a few days of beginning the home remedies for diaper rash. If the rash does not improve or the baby has fever, blisters, pus, boils spread on other parts of the body, consult a doctor immediately. Maintain proper hygiene of the baby and keep changing the nappies again and again. Use good quality diapers and do not scrub the baby's bottom when cleaning. You should also avoid perfumed soaps for washing the cloth diapers. Take care of your baby's tooshies to prevent diaper rash. A smiling baby is a delight to the mother's heart.

By Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Published: 7/29/2009
 
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