How to Heal Diaper Rash Naturally
Diaper rash can be an itchy, uncomfortable and even painful condition for a baby. Typically, it is seen in babies between 4 and 15 months of age, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and is seen as a rash in the area covered by the diaper. Fortunately, there are a number of different ways that a parent can heal a baby’s diaper rash, and many of these include natural means without chemicals or medications.
Keep your baby clean
There is nothing more natural than simply keeping your baby clean. Because diaper rash is caused and exacerbated by excess moisture, a dirty diaper promotes it and makes healing difficult. As soon as your baby “goes” in his or her diaper, change it; especially if he or she has had a bowel movement. The acids from the stool can make it a lot worse, as can the ammonia that emerges when urine is broken down.
Changes in diaper changing methods
Simply changing the ways you change your baby’s diaper can help. Do not rub or scrub; but instead, gently pat with a cotton ball or a soft cloth. Use water. You can also use a squirt bottle filled with water to gently wipe away the waste. It is important for the baby’s bottom to be dry before you put the baby’s diaper on. Let it dry in the air or pat it down. Also, consider the diaper you use. If the diaper absorbs better, it will help keep the area more dry and make it more likely that the diaper rash will get better.
Keep the diaper off
The more the baby is without the diaper, the more his or her bottom will stay dry and allow the diaper rash to heal. Try placing your baby naked on a towel. This will help avoid all moisture.
Take away causes
You may be able to heal diaper rash naturally if you can identify a special agent that is causing it. For instance, fabric softeners and dryer sheets that are used to wash cloth diapers can make diaper rash worse. Make sure you rinse them multiple times to get rid of all of the detergent. Try to avoid these if your child is experiencing diaper rash. Also, some perfumed wipes can make it worse and avoiding those might help. Corn starch can also make it worse and should be avoided. Rubber pants over diapers or diapers that are too tight also keep in moisture and make it more likely, so remove these issues to help your child heal.
There are various ways to heal diaper rash naturally. Try the different methods outlined above to see what works for your child.