Diaper Rash can be just as frustrating for the parents as it is for the poor baby afflicted with it! Mom and dad often feel horrible that baby has a painful rash and wonder whether they could have done anything to prevent it, to begin with. Luckily, we’re going to offer several options for a quick and easy diaper rash cure!
What is Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash (also known as irritant Diaper Dermatitis) is a very common infection that causes the baby’s skin to become red, scaly, raw and irritated. Here are several tried and true home treatments for basic diaper rash . . .
Contributing factors to diaper rash are hot & humid weather, skin allergies, new materials in diapers (change of brand), poor laundering of homemade diapers, infrequent changing, and sensitive skin.
How to Cure Diaper Rash Quickly
“MoM” Diaper Rash Cure
Mix Plain Milk of Magnesia and corn starch in equal amounts to make a creamy consistency. Wash and lightly dry the affected area and then apply liberally.
To Help a Diaper Rash Heal:
Burned flour is the quickest remedy we’re aware of and by far the cheapest. Put 1 cup regular all-purpose flour in a frying pan on the stove on low heat. (Be sure that the flour dust doesn’t go all over the kitchen, flour can ignite!) Stir it until it turns brown. Cool completely and transfer into a shaker top jar. Use as you would baby Powder.
Breast Milk Cure
If you happen to be nursing, this remedy is a favorite of many moms! Bathe the baby and then dry him or her gently. Apply breast milk to the affected area and let it air dry. Repeat 3x’s to make “layers”. Apply lanolin over the dried breast milk. This has been reported by many moms to heal the worst diaper rash cases.
Old Time Trick
Grandma reports that in her day they used good ol’ fashioned lard, simply wash the affected area, dry and slather on a generous helping of lard (solid shortening). While lard isn’t widely used in kitchens any longer, if it’s all you’ve got on hand, why not give it a try!
Other Factors that will help prevent Diaper Rash:
- Avoid Commercial Baby Wipes– these products contain alcohol and other chemicals that remove the natural oils on your baby’s skin. Instead, Make your own regularor anti-fungal baby wipes
- Vinegar to the Rescue: Urine (particularly Stale Urine) is very alkaline and will burn the skin much as acid does. This can be easily neutralized by adding a 1/2-3/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse water when washing cloth diapers. Alternatively, if you’re using disposable diapers, create a spray bottle of 1 TBS White Vinegar to 8 Tbs Water, and spritz the dry clean bottom lightly. Let it air dry
- Switch Diaper Brands- if you’re using disposables, frequently changing baby and she’s still getting a rash, consider switching brands.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners & Dry Sheets– if you’re using cloth diapers, avoid washing them with fabric softeners which often contain extremely dangerous chemicals and avoid using dryer sheets. If at all possible, Line Dry cloth diapers. We recommend this Homemade Laundry Detergent for Washing Diapers
What are your favorite Home Remedies for curing Diaper Rash?
Photo Credit Cantstock/arvebettum