Diaper rash or irritant diaper dermatitis is a common form of inflamed skin that occurs in the diaper-covered areas that are confined to hold incontinent urine and feces. Diaper rash often occurs on infants and babies. Peak incidence occurs between the ages of 9 to 12 months and incidents of diaper rash increase when solid food is introduced. It’s primarily a pre-toilet training condition but can occur in adults who wear incontinent protection devices.1 2 3 Diaper rash is not a sign of poor care nor bad hygiene though frequent diaper changing and thorough cleansing between changes greatly improves or prevents diaper rash.
The condition results in reddish inflammation, sensitivity and soreness in the genital and buttocks area. It is not a severe or dangerous condition although diaper rash can annoy babies and alarm their parents.1 Diaper rash is easy to control and can be treated by using the ABCDE acronym that stands for air, barrier, cleansing, diaper and education. Lengthy exposure to air when cleaning and drying before replacing a diaper is the key to treating diaper rash.2
Diaper rash causes are due to skin irritation, usually from wet and dirty diapers that retain urine and feces, trapping them in skin folds. Improper cleaning between changes leads to skin overhydration and inflammation from a pH imbalance. Fecal matter is more irritating than urine.1 2 Other diaper rash causes are:1
Diaper rash symptoms are easy to recognize. Skin signs are red, tender-looking areas that are sensitive to touch by hand or by replacing a diaper. Changes in disposition are also indicative of diaper rash. Crying and restlessness are caused by uncomfortable skin and contact pressure.1 3 5 Diaper rash bumps are commonly seen in affected areas. These can appear as small, red dots or larger protrusions. Diaper rash bumps are common and do not open or bleed.1 3
Diaper rash natural remedies are widely available. The key to treating diaper rash is by practicing regular changes and thoroughly cleaning soil deposits. Air drying should be used as much as possible before applying a topical treatment and replacing a diaper.1 3 5 Effective diaper rash natural home treatments and remedies include:
Coconut Oil is the most effective natural product for Diaper Rash (Irritant Diaper Dermatitis) CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Coconut oil is a safe home remedy for diaper rash because of its natural health benefits that can help to moisturize skin and treat blistering. Apply coconut oil to affected area and massage gently into the skin thoroughly. Apply multiple times daily until rash clears.
Corn starch can be used as a safe remedy to treat diaper rash. By applying corn starch it can help to dry out the rash and allow it to heal faster. Apply corn starch to affected area as you would with baby powder. Repeat with every diaper change until rash clears.
Egg white can be sued as a topical treatment to help heal diaper rash. Separate one egg from the yolk and keep the egg white. Whip is until it becomes a smooth liquid. Apply to affected area and let dry. Reapply with every diaper change.
White vinegar can be used a safe and natural remedy to treat diaper rash and reduce itchiness. Create a mixture of 50/50 water and vinegar. Soak a rag in the mixture and apply to your baby’s bottom as a cold compress. Repeat this with each diaper change.
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and swab your baby's bottom.
Use baking soda and corn starch to help treat diaper rash. Add corn starch to warm bath water and wash your baby first. Then let air dry. Once dry apply corn starch like baby powder to affected area. Repeat daily until healed.
Cook slowly over low heat; until light brown. Let it cool.