We all need to know treat diaper rash Diaper rash is a common condition that appears after exposure to wet or soiled diapers. This condition arises as a result of leaving a wet nappy on the child for long periods of time.
Diaper rash is often associated with wet or irregularly changing diapers, skin sensitivity, and chafing.
Ways to treat diaper rash
It usually affects children, although anyone who wears diapers regularly can develop the condition.
The following alternative treatments have worked for some people:
1. Witch hazel (winter bloom), a flowering plant
It is a shrub with fragrant yellow flowers that is widely grown as an ornamental.
The American species bloom in the fall and the Asian species in the winter.
A study shows that applying an ointment made of witch hazel to diaper rash helps treat diaper rash. The study included 309 children.
2. Shampoo clay (bentonite)
A study showed that bentonite was effective in treating diaper rash and that it worked faster than calendula. The study included 60 infants.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Sitting for too long in wet diapers can also cause the skin to become alkaline. So excessively alkaline skin is easily dry and irritated.
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bowl.
- Soak your baby's bottom for up to 10 minutes.
- Rinse well with water and dry the water gently.
Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, making it the perfect solution to treat diaper rash. But this is not recommended for more severe rashes as it may sting.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera oil is a traditional, cooling, and healing oil that you can use to help relieve rashes. Not the kind you'd put when you sunburn, but solid aloe vera juice in its 100% pure form, with no added ingredients.
- With your fingers or a soft cloth.
- Add a teaspoon of aloe vera oil.
- Apply to diaper rash.
5. Calendula and aloe vera.
A study comparing aloe vera and calendula oil in treating diaper rash in babies found that both were effective nappy rash treatments.
6. Coconut oil
Coconut has a whole host of health and beauty benefits. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial which makes it ideal for treating diaper rash.
7. White vinegar
If you are using reusable cloth nappies, rinse them in a solution of equal amounts of white vinegar and water.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in a cup of clean water.
- When you change your baby, wipe the solution on his bottom.
8. Breast milk
Results vary on whether human breast milk applied to diaper rash is better than other treatments.
One study showed that applying breast milk to diaper rash is an effective and safe treatment.
Babies with diaper rash were treated with either 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment or breast milk. The study included 141 infants.
Treatment with breast milk was as effective as the ointment alone.
Breast milk contains antibodies that can fight disease without causing inflammation to treat diaper rash.
9. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is excellent at absorbing moisture, so it is good for treating diaper rash. Nappy rash is partly caused by moisture, so it's important to make sure your baby's bottom is as dry as possible.
- Wash your hand with soap and water.
- Clean your child's rash. When cleaning, do not rub the baby's skin, but gently and flexibly.
- Carefully apply some of the powder to his bottom.
- Have your child wear a clean nappy as usual.
10. Chamomile tea and honey
Honey is a wonderful natural antiseptic and has the ability to calm inflammation and is useful for treating diaper rash.
- Boil two cups of chamomile tea.
- Mix chamomile tea in 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Leave it until it cools down.
- Using a cotton swab or your fingers, gently apply it to the rash.
11. Baking soda
Two tablespoons of baking soda in a warm bath will help treat nappy rash and reduce the redness associated with diaper rash.
A warm bath and a little baking soda will soothe the baby's skin and give your baby relief from nappy pain rubbing the affected nappy area.
- You do not need to scrub the area. Just let the baby soak in the bath a little longer than usual, about 10 minutes.
- Wipe with a soft cloth as you normally would during bath time.
12. Oatmeal
Oats are known to have some great antioxidant properties which are great against skin irritations and infections that help treat diaper rash and surprisingly soothe the skin!
- Pour some oats into a sock or the leg of an old pair of tights.
- Tie a knot to secure and add to the bath.
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