-
Author:
Khushboo Kirale
- >> Post Created: August 1, 2020
- >> Last Updated: April 30, 2024
According to UpToDate, diaper rash is the most common skin problem, affecting about 7–35% infants and children at some point or the other. It is more commonly seen in babies between the ages of 9-12 months.
Thankfully, most cases of Diaper Rash are short lived and can be resolved through simple home remedies for diaper rash.
We can definitely say this after having handled 8 tushies – that most diaper rashes were resolved and avoided through Home Remedies itself and DIY Diaper Rash Creams.
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of 20 Simple home remedies for diaper rash which we have tried from time to time:
Home Remedies for Diaper Rash - Table of Contents
DIY Diaper Rash Creams
Make your own natural and organic diaper rash cream. You could also make a blend of a diaper rash cream which you find is suitable for your baby with the DIY cream.
Just remember to use these creams after every diaper change. Warm it up by rubbing it between your hands first. Use little quantities and keep that diaper rash away. These creams are curative as well as preventive.
Coconut Oil for diaper rash
Who needs barrier creams when you have that jar of coconut oil in your kitchen. Coconut oil has tremendous health and beauty benefits. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes one of the best home remedies for diaper rash.
Coconut oil is one of the most used home remedies for diaper rashes throughout the world. While the saturated fats in coconut oil help in keeping your baby’s skin soft and moisturized, its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties help treat the rashes (Ref: National Library of Medicine – Ref 1 | National Library of Medicine – Ref 2).
How to use coconut oil for diaper rash:
Clean your baby’s bottom with warm water and dab it dry. Then take about half tablespoon of 100% natural coconut oil onto your palms. Massage the same gently onto the affected area. Repeat this at least 3-4 times in a day after diaper change.
I remember using this before diapering. It’s totally safe and easily available. After I started using it, my kids did not have to face that diaper rash again. I strongly recommend its use from my own experience. Hence it is my first choice among all the home remedies for diaper rash.
White Vinegar for diaper rash
Vinegar is another household product that you can use for curing and soothing diaper rash. Vinegar is quite a robust solution and it can be very effective in healing skin. Vinegar can balance out the acidity of the urine and help maintain an ideal pH level.
It is one of the excellent home remedies for diaper rash. When applied directly, it can counteract the chemical properties of urine which will help baby’s skin to heal faster. White Vinegar helps in making the baby’s skin yeast-infection resistant (Ref: Children’s primary care medical group).
How to Use:
- Add one teaspoon of white vinegar to one cup of water and use this to wipe your baby’s bottom while changing the diaper.
- If you are using cloth diapers, add half a cup of vinegar to half a bucket of water. After you have washed the diapers, soak them in this vinegar solution. This soak will eliminate any harmful bacteria and viruses and also remove the smell of urine that can build up over time.
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Breast Milk for diaper rash
Breast milk contains antibodies which can help combat and improve baby’s immunity against a lot of diseases without side effects. This potential of breast milk can be exploited to heal diaper rashes as well (Ref: National Library of Medicine).
Breast milk is among the most simple and safe option of home remedies for diaper rashes.
How to Use:
You only need a few drops of the milk. Pump a little out and apply it to the rash affected area. Once the milk dries, it will start working its magic. Only after the milk has dried naturally, put a fresh diaper on your baby.
Petroleum Jelly for diaper rash (Vaseline for diaper rash)
A big tub of petroleum jelly, commonly known as Vaseline, is essential for any parent. The moisturizing properties of the jelly create an efficient barrier between the diaper sheet and your baby’s soft skin. It will not let the diaper sheet irritate the baby’s skin keeping it safe and diaper rash free. This home remedy for diaper rash is available in most of the homes or if required, easily available in nearby stores.
How to Use:
Clean the baby’s bum with warm water and dry the area with a clean towel. Apply a thin layer of the petroleum jelly on the affected area. You need to do this at least 3-4 times a day during diaper change
Cornstarch for diaper rash
As all of you are aware that that one of the major cause of a diaper rash is the moist conditions. Hence, it’s important to make sure that your baby’s bottom is as dry as possible without dehydrating the skin.
Cornstarch is great at absorbing moisture. Hence using cornstarch for diaper rash is very beneficial.
Clean the baby’s diaper area and let it dry. Then apply the cornstarch powder all over. It will keep the baby dry and also odor free as cornstarch is a natural odor repellent.
Oatmeal bath for diaper rash
Surprisingly, oatmeal is really soothing for your skin. It contains high levels of proteins that act as a natural barrier for your baby’s skin, preserving it from becoming too dry.
It also contains saponins, a compound which helps remove dirt and oil from skin pores. It also displays anti-inflammatory properties which soothe inflammation and irritation related to diaper rashes (Ref:National Center for Biotechnology Information Ref 1 | National Center for Biotechnology Information Ref 2) Therefore oatmeal is in my list of home remedies for diaper rash.
How to Use:
Add 1 tablespoon of dry oatmeal to your baby’s bath water. Let the baby stay in the water for around 10-15 minutes. Then pat dry the baby dry with a clean towel. You can follow this procedure for twice daily to see the rash disappear.
Apple Cider Vinegar for diaper rash (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar has got so many uses. It’s mainly composed of acetic acid, which is a natural disinfectant. In addition to this, ACV has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can be quite effective against diaper rashes especially in curtailing growth of yeasts like candida (Ref: National Center for Biotechnology Information | Book: The Apple Cider Vinegar Companion: Simple Ways to Use Nature’s Miracle Cure by Suzy Scherr).
It definitely has some superpowers. For this reason I have added it in the list of my home remedies for diaper rash.
How to Use:
Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Then dip a clean piece of cloth into the solution and use it to wipe your baby’s tush. You can do this twice a day. However, I would not recommend this for more severe rashes, as it may sting.
Chamomile Tea & Honey for diaper rash
I am sure you are aware that honey is a wonderful antiseptic found naturally, which can soothe inflammations. It’s said that a bee sting too can be soothed by the application of honey. Same holds true for treatment of that diaper rash.
Similarly, Chamomile flower is packed with loads of benefits. It is hypoallergenic and has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has been used for ages for soothing and healing burns and rashes and to eliminate free radicals; making it one of the best home remedies for diaper rash.
How to Use:
Brew two cups of water with 2-3 teabags of chamomile tea and bring to boil. Let the tea cool down and then and mix 1 teaspoon of honey. It will work better if u fill the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it adequately in the affected region. Every time you change the baby’s diaper just spray the area with the mixture and let it dry before using a new diaper. Brew fresh chamomile tea every day for this remedy.
Calendula Flower for diaper rash
Calendula from the marigold family is not just a pretty flower. The flower heads of Calendula have long been used to treat skin irritations and rashes.
The plant contains antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Making it PERFECT to treat your baby’s rash.
You can either buy Calendula oil or make your own spray.
How to Use:
Cut the flower heads off the plant and allow them to dry. Once they are dry, pick off the petals and put them in a bowl and add 24 oz. (approx. 710 ml) of boiling water to it. Then let it cool for 2 hours. Once cool, strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Now your Calendula spray is ready to use.
Spray this liquid on your baby’s dry bottom when you change their diapers. You can use the spray 4-5 times a day before you put on a fresh diaper.
Aloe Vera for diaper rash
The one thing that has always helped me with my sunburns is the fresh Aloe extract right from my garden. The most soothing and healing gel that is recommended for skin irritations and burns.
Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial properties (that kill the bacteria causing the diaper rashes) (Ref: National Center for Biotechnology Information), coupled with Vitamin E, helps nourish skin naturally, making it the ideal choice for usage while treating your baby’s diaper rash making it one of the famous home remedies for diaper rash.
You can grow this plant at home easily or purchase Aloe vera gels at any nearby drugstore. Check the ingredients and find the one that is the most organic, i.e. the gel that has the least amount of chemicals in its ingredients list. Sometimes you even get a combination gel of Aloe vera and turmeric. If you get that combination gel, it is the best remedy for diaper rashes.
How to Use:
Extract Aloe vera gel by slicing a leaf from the Aloe vera plant or alternatively you can procure an organic and natural Aloe vera gel bottle at a drug store.
Take some gel on your fingertips and gently apply and spread over the affected rash area. It will get absorbed quickly. Once it dries naturally you can diaper the baby. You can use Aloe gel 4-5 times daily after every diaper change.
Baking Soda bath for diaper rash
Not just for Baking!
Sodium bicarbonate or more commonly known as baking soda, helps in neutralizing acids with its basic nature and also balances the pH of your baby’s skin; thus, helping combat microbes such as bacteria and fungi that are common causes of diaper rash (Ref: National Center for Biotechnology Information – Ref 1 | National Center for Biotechnology Information – Ref 2).
This is one of the popular home remedies for diaper rash. Just add a couple of tablespoons to the baby’s bath for quick results.
How to Use:
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 4 cups of warm water and mix well. Use this water to wash your baby’s tush. Allow it to dry without using a towel. You can do this once daily till the rash clears.
Essential Oils for diaper rash
To enhance coconut oil’s antifungal properties, you can add 4-5 drops of essential oil to every 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
Note: Never apply the essential oils directly to the skin.
Lavender Essential Oil for diaper rash
It is a good disinfectant as it promotes blood circulation in the affected area enabling faster skin healing.
Lemon Essential Oil for diaper rash
Lemon is rich in vitamin C and is a natural immunity booster, but the essential oil also has antiseptic properties that can clear the symptoms of a diaper rash.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree has become a popular ingredient in many beauty and skin care products in recent years. The reason being that it is a good disinfectant and contains strong anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
Frankincense Essential Oil
If you are researching DIY baby products, I am sure you must have heard of this oil. The anti-inflammatory properties that it contains can help with pain, inflammation, or swelling in a particular area, and the antioxidants properties promote skin healing.
Chamomile Essential Oil
We have spoken about chamomile tea and its usage in diaper rash treatment; now let’s look at the chamomile essential oil. The oil is perfectly safe for babies and toddlers. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with various skin-related conditions, which also includes diaper rash.
These essential oils add to the goodness of coconut oil thereby enhancing its performance and hence they are considered in the home remedies for diaper rash.
Plain Yogurt for diaper rash
You can try this home remedy for diaper rash as yogurt is anti-inflammatory and a naturally occurring probiotic that is effective against a variety of yeast and microbial infections (Ref: National Center for Biotechnology Information Ref 1 | National Center for Biotechnology Information Ref 2). These properties make yogurt the perfect home remedy for diaper rashes that can be found in your refrigerator. How easy is that?
Yogurt can be a great cure for a diaper rash triggered by yeast infection. Take a spoon of plain yogurt and apply the smooth paste to the affected area. In my list of home remedies for diaper rash. In my list of home remedies for diaper rash this is a completely safe and a fast fix.
How to Use:
If your baby has started eating solid food, you can incorporate yogurt into their daily diet. Alternatively, you can also apply a thick layer of room temperature yogurt to your baby’s bottom keep it for 10-15 minutes and wash off. You must do this on a daily basis and you will see improvement in that diaper rash in few days.
Epsom Salt for diaper rash
Magnesium sulfate, more commonly known as Epsom salt, exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties, owing to its high magnesium content. This helps in healing the inflamed and irritated skin at the site of the rashes (Ref: National Center for Biotechnology Information).
How to Use:
Pour half a cup of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water. Let your baby soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes. You can do this procedure 2-3 times per week.
Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into a cup of water. Use a cotton ball to wipe the solution onto the rash. You can do this once a week.
Enjoy it by adding a bit to your own bath. It relaxes muscles and is stress relieving. You deserve the pampering!
Grapefruit Seed Extract for diaper rash
In the list home remedies for diaper rash Grapefruit has made its place because it is high in vitamin C and hence is a natural immunity booster. The seed extract is also highly potent against microbes and is effective against many microbial infections that cause diaper rashes.
How to Use:
Add 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract to half a cup of plain water. Add the mixture into a spray bottle and spray this mixture on your baby’s cleansed bottom 1-2 times a day before diapering.
Fenugreek for diaper rash
Although fenugreek is famous for helping mother’s increase their breast milk production, it can also be used to soothe diaper rashes. It is one of the easiest, safest and quickest home remedies for diaper rash. To use fenugreek on diaper rash you want to get fenugreek powder.
How to Use:
Clean your baby’s bottom with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply the fenugreek powder directly to the skin, like you were applying baby powder.
Alternatively, you can make a paste by mixing the powder with water and applying to the irritated areas. Let the paste dry and then clean it with warm water.
Cranberry Juice for diaper rash
One of the main causes of diaper rashes is the exposure of your baby’s skin to urine. The high alkaline content of urine can irritate sensitive skin and cause rashes. Cranberry juice can neutralize the alkaline content of urine by balancing its pH. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can heal and soothe the inflamed skin around the rashes. Moreover, it is loaded with minerals as well as vitamins such as E and C therefore also healthy for your baby. Hence cranberry juice makes in this list of home remedies for diaper rash.
How to Use:
Feed your baby 2-3 teaspoons of cranberry juice once daily.
Shea Butter for diaper rash
This home remedy for diaper rash is another safe and natural way of getting rid of the problem. Everyone knows Shea butter is an intense natural moisturizer. It’s got anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can be beneficial in treating diaper rashes. It can relieve pain in the affected area by soothing the skin. Since it is easily available and present in most of the households I have added it is in my list of home remedies for diaper rash.
How to Use:
Apply a thin layer of organic Shea butter on your baby’s cleaned bottom twice daily.
Ensure Diaper-free Time
One of the easiest and dependable home remedy for diaper rashes is to give your baby some diaper-free time on a daily basis. At least give 30-40 minutes of diaper-free time before you put on that fresh diaper.
Conclusion
While it’s inevitable that your baby will experience diaper rash at some point, you can greatly reduce the chances by giving your baby plenty of diaper-free time every day.
However, please note: Even after few days of home/natural remedies, if your child does not show any signs of improvement, please consult your pediatrician as some chronic rashes may need prescription drugs or ointments.
If you see any of these signs on your baby, fix an appointment with your pediatrician at the earliest:
- If the rash is severe or unusual
- If the rash gets worse despite home treatment
- If the rash bleeds, itches or oozes
- If it causes burning or pain with urination or a bowel movement for your kid
- If the baby has a temperature along with the rash
As mentioned above there are lots of natural remedies for diaper rash to try which you probably have in your kitchen or garden. These home remedies for diaper rash work wonders. But remember to always patch-test the products to ensure your baby is not allergic to it. You don’t want to make the problem worse. Once the home remedy for diaper rash passes the patch test, you can go ahead and use it on your baby’s bum.
In-fact, conducting a patch test for all your baby products is something I highly recommend. Be it baby oil, soap, cream, powder, lotion, etc., a patch test is a must to rule out any potential allergens.
Again, I hope these home remedies for diaper rash help you and your baby to get rid of the problems your baby is facing. Do let me know in our comment section if the post was helpful to you.
Khushboo Kirale
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Thanks for the home remedies for diaper rash as my baby’s skin is very sensitive. She frequently gets this rash. Infact 2-3 times it was so bad that the doctor had to prescribe ointment with steroids. I hope this works as I don’t want to use the diaper rash creams available in the market. Will surely try some.
Thanks Tiana.
Even my kids had exactly the same problem and were given steroid ointments. That’s when I did research on this topic. Out of all these, coconut oil worked wonders for my kids so much so that I completely stopped using diaper rash creams.
My 6 month old baby has been suffering because of this. Thanks for these home remedies for diaper rash. Let me try a check which one soothes my baby.
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Thanks for your article. My baby is getting these rashes frequently. Tried changing diaper brands but it doesnt help.
Hope these tips work for my baby.
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I am sure one of these things will work.
Coconut oil worked well with my baby.
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