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Author:
Khushboo Kirale
- >> Post Created: April 19, 2022
- >> Last Updated: December 22, 2024
Coconut oil for diaper rash - Table of Contents
Diaper rashes can be a nightmare for parents of a baby. You want to rescue your baby from the pain and discomfort, but the thought of the baby being without a diaper can become a huge task for the parents. Therefore, be it home made diaper rash creams or branded diaper rash creams have become very popular.
However, there are many parents who would prefer home remedies for diaper rash instead of using chemically-formulated creams. And coconut oil is said to be one of the most popular natural remedies for diaper rash, which on topical application, can help relieve the inflamed skin, irritation, and itching.
I completely vouch for coconut oil, it has helped me keep diaper rash at bay for all 4 of my kids.
So, in this article, we will not only discuss how coconut oil can help with diaper rashes, how to use coconut oil, but also give a few pointers on how to handle the overall diaper rash situation.
About Coconut Oil
As you all are aware, coconut oil is extracted from the coconut fruit. It has a mild, sweet smell and is said to have natural properties that are a boon to the skin.
Experts vouch for its effectiveness when it comes to moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin and even reversing the skin’s aging process.
Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it a great choice for healing skin issues too. Doctors explain that the presence of healthy natural fats in coconut oil make it a blessing for the skin.
In grown-ups, it can also be used to remove make-up and as a skin moisturizer.
Thanks to its various benefits and easy availability, coconut oil is a popular choice of mothers as a home remedy for diaper rashes. With its skin healing process, coconut oil can work wonders on the baby’s diaper rash issues. Also, organic, cold-pressed coconut oil gives many parents the option to go chemical-free in this area.
Is Coconut oil effective in treating diaper rashes?
Coconut oil may not have a specific research backing its qualities to heal diaper rashes, but this home remedy for diaper rash has been hailed as a useful method to treat irritated and inflamed skin, redness, and itching in babies by many parents.
However, the effectiveness of coconut oil on diaper rashes depends on the cause of the diaper rash and some other factors.
Researchers have found data that suggests that coconut oil helps in healing wounds. Nevertheless, further detailed research is required to precisely know about the effects of coconut oil on diaper rash.
Coconut oil can probably help with mild diaper rashes, but if the rash seems to be a harsh one, then for immediate relief, we suggest you use diaper creams (made with coconut oil and zinc oxide) or whatever your doctor recommends.
Is Coconut oil safe for babies?
Yes, when used topically and in a small quantity, coconut oil is generally safe for babies. It can be used for however long period you want and as many times as you want.
However, monitor your baby’s skin after you apply coconut oil for any skin sensitivity, allergic reaction, irritation, or adverse effects.
How to use Coconut oil for diaper rash?
Coconut oil for diaper rash – Step by step application process
Step 1:
Clean and dry the baby’s bottom well before applying coconut oil there.
If the coconut oil is solid, then keep the jar in warm water for some time and liquefy it a bit; do not microwave it.
Step 2:
Then take one teaspoon oil, which isn’t very hot and gently apply on the affected area.
Step 3:
Allow the baby’s skin to completely absorb the oil, such that the skin now looks dry and then put on a fresh diaper.
You can apply coconut oil more than once in a day to make it work faster. I used to apply coconut oil during every diaper change. Its perfectly safe.
For babies older than 6 months, essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or chamomile can be combined with coconut oil to boost the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil. Read more about this in our article on home remedies for diaper rash.
We recommend you buy coconut oil from a well-known brand, and preferably the one with no added fragrance.
Read this next
How long does coconut oil take to heal a diaper rash?
Diaper rash generally takes a few days to heal. When you use coconut oil for diaper rash, you may start seeing the severity of the diaper rash go down after a few applications itself.
However, coconut oil may not work for every baby or diaper rash and the results may vary. If coconut oil application is not making any difference to the rash, you can stop using it; it won’t be long before you understand whether it is working or not.
Consult your doctor if your child’s diaper rash is worsening or started showing blood. They may recommend some medicated diaper rash creams.
However – once your child is free from the rash – make it a routine to use coconut oil on them as it will help keep diaper rash at bay completely.
What are the different types of Rashes?
As we mentioned earlier, the effectiveness of coconut oil for diaper rash will depend on what kind of rash it is and what has caused it. So it is good to understand what kind of diaper rash your baby is suffering from.
- Chafing: The most common diaper rash, it is red and often accompanied by small bumps or spots in areas where the diaper or clothes rub against the skin frequently.
- Cradle cap: This deep, scaly rash generally shows up on the baby’s head, but can also appear in the diaper area.
- Eczema: This isn’t an overall rash, but in this condition your baby suffers from dry, scaly red patches that itch and weep.
- Impetigo: This bacterial infection comes with large blisters on the baby’s skin that can weep or ooze; this develops because of another rash or irritation present on the skin.
- Yeast infections: This generally occurs when there is moisture build-up in some area of the body, which in turn gives rise to candida overgrowth. This is a bright-red tender rash. Because it thrives in moist, warm environments, it takes longer to heal as compared to other rashes.
Causes of Diaper rash
Prevention is always better than cure.
So, understanding the reasons for diaper rashes can help you prevent the condition to a large extent and save your baby from pain and irritation.
Most parents believe that the baby pooping in the diaper is to be blamed for diaper rashes – i.e. poop staying for a long time in the diaper is the main reasons for the pesky diaper rash, and YES it is.
But there are other reasons too. A baby’s movements cause the diaper to constantly rub against a part of the skin on the abdomen and upper legs, which over time become raw.
If the baby’s diaper is not changed frequently enough, then the wetness may cause candida overgrowth, which in turn may invite a yeast infection.
If your baby has other skin conditions, there are good chances that they may spread to the diaper region. If this happens, then consider the rash as a part of the overall condition.
In case your baby’s diaper area has become raw because of the constant friction between the diaper and skin, then there are higher chances of other skin conditions like Impetigo to develop.
Also, keep your baby dry overall. If you live in a hot climatic region and your baby sweats a lot, then make sure they always have dry clothes on and remain cool.
Important tips for managing diaper rash
Diaper rashes give rise to a desperate situation for parents, as it is heart-breaking to see your baby in pain and discomfort. Therefore, we list down a few points, which tell you how to prevent a rash from getting worse and speed-up the healing process.
- Change your baby’s soiled diapers as soon as possible.
- Ensure that the baby’s diaper area is kept clean and dry. Always put on a fresh diaper only after you have cleaned and dried the bottom.
- If you are using coconut oil for diaper rashes, then make sure you dry the region well before applying coconut oil.
- If possible, allow your baby some diaper-free time every day, which will allow the skin to get some fresh air and speed-up the healing process.
- Tight diapers can easily cause friction-rashes and even worsen them. If your baby has skin irritation because of tight diapers, then buy diapers that are one size up.
- Avoid using baby powder or cornstarch.
- Be gentle while cleaning the diaper area, do not rub or scrub hard while bathing and even while cleaning before using a fresh diaper. Instead gently dry the area by patting with a clean cloth and then let it air dry naturally.
- Use plain water and mild soaps to clean the diaper region.
- Avoid synthetic and fragranced products for the baby’s skin, clothes, or anything that comes in contact with the skin. Keep a watch on how the baby’s skin reacts if you have changed a diaper, wipes, or laundry detergent brand.
- To keep you baby cool & dry in hot weather conditions, dress your baby in natural, permeable fabrics like cotton.
When to visit your doctor for diaper rashes?
If coconut oil or any other home remedy for diaper rashes is not working and there is no improvement even after a few days you need to see a pediatrician. Also, if your baby frequently suffers from diaper rashes, it is best to get a medical opinion on it.
Check for the following symptoms, which are indicators that it is time to see the doctor:
- Fever
- Bleeding
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blisters or boils
- Sores
- Pus or discharge from the rash
- Pain or extreme discomfort
How to ensure diaper rashes don’t return?
To prevent diaper rashes from making a comeback –
- Change diapers often; it may look like an avoidable expenditure, but it will help you save money on medical consultation later on, and more importantly, it will rescue your baby from repeated pain and irritation.
- Don’t use diapers that are too tight
- Use softer wipes
- Use absorbers at nights and during journeys
Diaper rashes are common in babies, but they can generally be treated at home with ease by using some natural home remedies for diaper rash. It is best if you keep checking the baby’s bottom for any initial signs of rashes, as the sooner it is treated, the better!
Coconut oil for diaper rash is one such natural home remedies for diaper rash.
It is important that you use coconut oil correctly (as explained earlier) and in small quantities, but frequently, for the rashes to heal faster. I have not said this enough. I vouch for it.
Coconut oil generally works for diaper rashes, but we still suggest that you watch out for any adverse effect caused due to coconut oil usage on your baby’s skin. If you find that there is no improvement even after using coconut oil on the diaper rash, then stop using it and see a doctor.
Khushboo Kirale
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