Diaper rash. The dreaded word that every parent does not want to hear, especially when your baby has it. But don’t worry if your baby does have it. There are many ways to prevent diaper rashes and treat it. Today I will be going over the top ten diaper rash creams on the market, as well as discussing what a diaper rash is, symptoms of a diaper rash, home remedies to treat diaper rash, how to use diaper rash cream, when you should take your baby to the doctor, and how to prevent diaper rashes. I hope that this article helps you successfully treat the rash on your baby’s bottom. So let’s get started!
Here Are The Best Diaper Rash Creams of 2018!
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Before we get started on how to treat a diaper rash, you may be wondering what a diaper rash is. If you have a baby, it is important to know what it is in case your child gets it. Basically, a diaper rash is a form of inflamed skin (dermatitis) that will appear as bright red skin on your baby’s bottom. A diaper rash can be caused by not changing your baby’s diaper often, too tight of a diaper, a bacterial or yeast infection, skin irritation to a new product such as new diapers or wipes, and even if you introduce new foods to your baby. The stools of your baby will change as you feed him or her solid foods, which may increase the frequency of stools. If you are breastfeeding your baby, even if you eat something different your baby may have more frequent stools, which means more diaper changes.
Signs Your Baby Has a Diaper Rash
It is important to begin treating your little one with diaper rash cream as soon as you spot a diaper rash. But how will you know your child has it? Here are some symptoms to be watching out for.
- Red Skin – The most obvious sign that your baby has a diaper rash is if your child has red skin around the buttocks, thighs, or genitals. It will look similar to other rashes, and the skin there will be tender.
- Crying, Fussy Baby – If your baby has been crying more than usual, it may be because a diaper rash is bothering him or her. Even if your baby isn’t crying, he or she may be fussy, not sleeping as well, or acting bothered when you change his or her diaper.
Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/WbC9XIlQb4k
Home Remedies To Treat Diaper Rash
People assume that there is only one answer to healing a diaper rash: Diaper rash cream. And yes, diaper rash cream is a wonderful product. It efficiently soothes your baby’s diaper rash. But there are also other home remedies you can try before turning to diaper rash cream, or even use along with diaper rash cream. I’ll go over some home remedies to try here:
Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
If diaper rash cream is not within your budget or you’d rather go with your own home remedies, why not try making homemade diaper rash cream? To make your own, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon beeswax pastilles
- 1 Tablespoon Fermented Cod Liver Oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder (You can use Desitin Diaper Rash Cream or Balmex Diaper Rash Cream. Zinc oxide is the main ingredient in these two diaper rash creams.)
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- A few drops of chamomile essential oil (optional)
How To Make Homemade Diaper Rash Cream:
- Mix the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler with an inch of water. Boil the water and melt the ingredients.
- Remove from heat and add the Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Zinc Oxide, Bentonite Clay, and Essential Oil.
- Stir the mixture carefully as it cools.
- Pour the mixture into a container that you want to store it in, and continue to stir it as it cools.
- Keep the homemade diaper rash cream in a cool, dry place. This homemade diaper rash cream will last for 3 months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar comes to the rescue again! This vinegar is used to treat so many things, including healing sunburns, reducing blood pressure, and yes, healing diaper rashes. To use, add one cup of apple cider vinegar into your baby’s bath. It should quickly help get rid of the yeast/bacteria on your baby’s bottom.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are used for so many things. One thing they can do is help heal your little one’s sore bottom. Try making an essential oil spray by mixing almond, tea tree, and lavender essential oils with water. Store this mixture in a spray bottle, and use it for each diaper change or when needed.
Chamomile Tea and Honey
Try mixing some chamomile tea with a teaspoon of honey in a spray bottle. Throughout the day, spray your baby’s bottom. The chamomile and honey act as an antiseptic aid, which will heal your baby’s skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is used to treat so many issues, including diaper rashes. To use Aloe Vera for your baby’s diaper rash, gently apply it onto your baby’s sore area. You can either use the aloe vera plant or the aloe vera gel at the store.
Oatmeal
Once again, this is another ingredient that is often used for treating skin issues. To use, you will want to create an oat bath. Fill a cheesecloth pouch with a half cup of old-fashioned oats, and place it in the bath. This should help heal your baby’s sore bottom.
How To Use Diaper Rash Cream
If you are new to diaper rash cream, you may be overwhelmed by the many choices and directions for applying. But that’s OK. Hopefully this article helps you understand more about diaper rash cream. In this section, I will go over how to properly apply diaper rash cream. Don’t worry, it is easier than it sounds.
- Remove the diaper – The first step to treating your baby’s diaper rash is to remove your baby’s diaper. Even if you are not applying diaper rash cream, it is important that you change your baby’s diaper often.
- Use a dime-sized amount – Do not attempt to go over or use less than a dime-sized amount of diaper rash cream. This size is the correct amount (unless the diaper rash cream you bought instructs you to use more or less).
- Apply onto your baby’s bottom – Diaper rash only needs to be applied on your baby’s bottom. You don’t need to apply it anywhere else.
- Reapply the diaper – Once you are finished applying the diaper rash cream, go ahead and reapply the diaper.
- Wash your hands – Once you are done, wash your hands. This will prevent you from spreading any bacteria/yeast to another part of your baby’s body, to you, or to one of your other children.
- Decide if you are trying to prevent or treat diaper rash – If you are preventing diaper rash, it may be a good idea to apply diaper rash cream at every diaper change. However, you could just apply it the next time your baby gets a diaper rash. There is no right or wrong answer. If your baby has sensitive skin, you may want to apply diaper rash cream at every diaper change.
Image Source: https://stepfeed.com/9-grandma-myths-about-childcare-you-should-be-aware-of-3978
Cream vs. Ointment
You may be wondering if there is a difference between diaper rash cream and diaper rash ointment. In this section I will go over the differences, and which one will l work best for you.
What Is Diaper Rash Cream?
Diaper rash creams are water-based products that are easily absorbed by the skin. They spread easily, and are best used for soothing irritated skin.
What Is Diaper Rash Ointment?
Diaper rash ointments are oil-based and greasy, but provide a moisture barrier on your baby’s skin. Ointment is a good choice, as it sits on top of your baby’s skin longer, rather than being quickly absorbed.
Ointment vs Cream: Which Is Better?
Diaper rash cream and diaper rash ointment contain a different proportion of oil to water. Ointments have more oil compared to creams. Because it contains more oil, it will also be sticker and greasier. Diaper rash cream, on the other hand, is great for spreading out on large areas of your baby’s skin.
What Is Diaper Rash Paste?
When you think of diaper rash cream, you probably think of two different types: Diaper rash cream and diaper rash ointment. But there is indeed another type of diaper rash cream. One such kind is diaper rash paste. Diaper rash pastes are much thicker than creams, and are usually used to create a moisture barrier and prevent diaper rash. However, it may also help soothe your baby’s irritated skin. Diaper rash paste usually includes zinc oxide, which is generally not recommended if you are using cloth diapers.
Diaper Cream vs. Diaper Rash Cream
Many parents are mistaken and accidentally buy diaper cream instead of diaper rash cream. While these two products with very similar names may seem the exact same, they are actually not. Diaper cream is basically used to prevent diaper rashes. This is a good product to try if your baby does not have a diaper rash yet. Simply put it on your baby’s bottom and you should never have to deal with diaper rashes (hopefully). Diaper rash cream, on the other hand, is used to heal diaper rashes. In other words, this product is for once your baby already has a diaper rash.
Also, do not buy baby cream in hopes of healing your baby’s diaper rash. Baby cream is a lotion, and it is not made for healing or treating diaper rashes. So unless you find a diaper cream with the words “baby cream”, do not buy anything that is only called baby cream.
When Should You Take Your Baby To the Doctor?
Usually, a diaper rash can easily be fixed by using home remedies and diaper rash cream. However, if the diaper rash continues to stay even after you use home remedies and diaper rash cream, it may be a sign that you should take your baby to the doctor. Here are some signs that you may need to take your little one to the doctor.
- If the diaper rash is severe or unusual
- Gets worse despite home remedies and diaper rash cream
- Bleeds, itches, or oozes
- Causes burning or pain with urination or a bowel movement
- If your child has a fever
How To Prevent Diaper Rash
Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent diaper rash. I’ll go over the diaper rash prevention tips here:
- Change your baby’s diaper often.
- For each diaper change, rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water and mild soap.
- Gently pat your baby’s bottom dry or let it air dry. Make sure you never scrub, as this could lead to a rash.
- Don’t over tighten diapers, as this will not allow proper airflow.
- Allow your child to go without a diaper once in a while.
- Use ointments regularly if your baby gets diaper rashes often.
- Wash your hands after changing your baby’s diaper. This will prevent you from spreading the bacteria or yeast to other parts of your baby’s body.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/baby-changing-table-diaper-looking-2255477/
In Summary
I hope this article has helped you understand more about that painful, red patch of skin that appears on your baby’s bottom. In this article I went over the top ten best diaper rashes on the market, what a diaper rash is, signs your baby has a diaper rash, how to get rid of diaper rash by using home remedies, how to properly apply diaper rash cream, the difference between diaper rash cream and diaper rash ointment, when you should take your baby to the doctor, and how to prevent diaper rash. Hopefully this article will help you get rid of the painful rash your little one is dealing with.
Related Article: The Top Ten Changing Tables of 2018
