Babies and chemicals should very rarely mix. No one has to tell you that your baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive, and you’ll never know how he or she will react to chemical-based medications until you try them. Diaper rash is so common among babies, but that doesn’t make it any less troublesome or uncomfortable. Fortunately, home treatment is usually all that’s needed to send diaper rash on its way.
Diaper rash is an irritant dermatitis or skin inflammation that pops up because of the moist, warm environment inside the diaper. Yeast infections, food allergies diaper material sensitivity, digestion problems, and diarrhea are also common causes of diaper rash. When diaper rash first appears, keep your baby’s skin dry and change the diaper each time it becomes even slightly wet or soiled. Wash the diaper area with soft cloths and leave diapers off entirely as much as possible until the rash subsides. If you use disposable diapers, switch to another brand or to cloth diapers. If you’re already using cloth diapers, use vinegar in the rinse stage when you’re thoroughly washing them.
Many homeopathic practitioners have used mineral-based French green clay to treat diaper rash, especially when it is a yeasty rash resulting from either the baby or the mother taking antibiotics. Calendula ointments can help heal rashes that result from food allergies and digestive problems. Plantain oil is useful for allergic reaction diaper rashes because this plant has properties that soothe inflamed skin, and it can even be used for chaffed skin and insect bites.
But if you’re having trouble finding some of these ingredients, you may be able to mix up your own home remedies in your kitchen. Some parents swear by putting a couple tablespoons of baking soda or oatmeal in their babies’ baths to combat acidity and sooth irritated skin and then sprinkling regular browned flour on the rash after bathing. Other parents have found success using soothing, protective oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil on their babies’ irritated skin.
As a convenient and less messy alternative, you can try all-natural topical sprays that provide fast relief and antimicrobial support without the use of chemicals or the risk of worsening infection. Our own Bye Bye Diaper Rash spray, for example, is composed of a natural base of omega-3 shark liver oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and natural vitamin E. Since food-based ingredients like these are actually edible, you won’t have to worry about your baby accidentally swallowing a little bit when you aren’t looking.
Although there are plenty of prescription-strength and over-the-counter diaper rash treatments on the market, there are usually safer alternatives. Without spending a fortune, you can almost always sooth your little one’s troubles away with quick, safe, natural care that will put your mind at ease too.