Natural Prevention and Treatments for Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a common source of frustration for parents and babies.  The bright red breakout on the skin of baby’s bottom, thighs and genital area cause baby pain and discomfort and sends parents scrambling for treatments that work fast.

Diaper rash may be caused by:

• Moisture on the skin that’s trapped within the diaper
• Repeated or prolonged contact with urine or feces
• Irritation from fabrics or chemicals
• Allergies to foods
• Diarrhea
• Thrush, which is an infection caused by Candida yeast.

Natural Prevention and Treatment
Natural treatments are the best solution, as many conventional products on the market today can actually contribute to or cause redness or irritation.  Here’s how to prevent and treat baby’s red bum:

• Go Green - Dyes, perfumes, and chemicals in disposable diapers can cause diaper rash, and so can close-fitting “snug” diapers that restrict air flow.  Use cloth or all natural, chlorine free disposable diapers which both have the added benefit of being kind to the environment.   
  There are many great, user friendly cloth diapers available today, so if the thought of diaper pins and plastic covers puts you off, take a second look.
  In disposable diapers, the best option currently is Nature Baby Care available at Target stores and at Diapers.com.  These award-winning diapers fit great and are 100% biodegradable, chlorine-free and safe for baby’s bottom.
• Rinse Well - If you’re using cloth diapers follow the manufacturers laundering instructions, and use soap or detergents without fragrances or other added chemicals.  Follow with a clear water rinse after regular washing to be sure residue isn’t causing the rash.
• Get Some Air - For some babies, even slight wetness can cause irritation.  Change baby’s diaper frequently.  Allow baby’s bottom to dry completely and leave diapers off for at least a few minutes after a diaper change as often as possible.  Allow baby to be diaper-less for at least 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day between diaper changes.
• Wipe out - Avoid using soaps and conventional baby wipe cloths on baby’s bottom.  Plain warm water and washcloths will do the trick.  Experiment with natural, alcohol-free wipes like Seventh Generation or Nature Baby Care which are usually gentle enough for baby’s skin.  When bathing, don’t scrub, and afterwards pat dry only.
• Creams and Ointments work by providing a barrier for baby’s skin from moisture and other irritants.
  • For prevention and minor irritation apply a natural oil barrier every time you change baby’s diaper.  Though you can use regular olive, coconut, almond, or sesame oil, a thicker salve may be easier to apply.  Badger Baby Balm is great or my favorite…Mother Love for Diaper Rash and Thrush, an organic salve that’s herbal components prevent and treat minor to more severe rashes.
  • For an occasional red, angry rash, try Mother Love as above or a natural product with zinc like California Baby which provides a thicker barrier than oil or salve.
  • Avoid :
    • All products with petroleum which can actually cause skin to dry out with extended use.
    • Cornstarch which can feed a yeast condition
    • Talc powder which can be toxic to baby’s skin and lungs.
• For Solid Food Babies - Introduce new foods slowly.  Give your baby 3 to 5 days to adjust to a new food before making another addition to rule out potential allergies.  Allergic reactions such as diaper rash will show up within that time frame.

Persistent Diaper Rash
In most cases, baby’s diaper rash will improve or clear up completely in a day or two using these natural treatment options.  But if the rash becomes a chronic issue, an internal yeast imbalance, often called Candida or Thrush, may be the cause.  Read more about treating Thrush here.  If the rash persists, more intense and blisters or crusted areas form, or is accompanied by a high fever and loss of appetite, consult with your pediatric practitioner.