Remedies for Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is one of the issues that you will have to deal with as a new parent, especially during warmer months. Diaper rash is usually caused by heat, moisture, and skin sensitivity. To treat diaper rash you need to know what is causing the rash and how what remedies your baby will respond best to.

Be a Detective

Because there are so many causes of diaper rash, your first step in treating it is to understand what is causing the rash. To do this you will need to use a little deductive reasoning and a little detective work. First of all determine if the rash is caused by heat. If it is summer and temperatures have soared into the 90s then chances are the rash is caused by heat. On the other hand if the weather is comfortable and a rash develops then you may want to examine your family history. Do you or your husband have sensitive skin? Does any one in the immediate family have sensitive skin or allergies? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then the rash may have developed as an allergic reaction to the baby powder, ointments, or diapers that you are using.

Remove the Irritants

One simple method for treating diaper rash is to simply allow the affected area to “air out.” Let the baby go without a diaper for awhile. This will give the skin a chance to breathe. In most cases this will clear up diaper rash caused by heat, moisture, and even allergic reactions.

If you think that you baby’s diaper rash is caused by an allergic reaction then you will need to isolate the products that you are using one by one. If the rash appears with one or more products then you will need to switch brands or product types. For example if you are using a baby powder with fragrance that the baby seems to be reacting to, then try a fragrance free version of the same product.

Homeopathic Remedies Developed by Mothers

Ingenuity is one of the strengths that most mothers have. Many moms have been able to find simple cures for common problems that they face as a parent, and this includes diaper rash. For example, breast milk can be used to treat diaper rash. Simply express some milk and applying it to the rash. An egg white wash has also been used as a homeopathic remedy for diaper rash. Other homeopathic remedies that have been recommended by mothers around the world include: tea bags, lard, fresh air, oatmeal paste, bag balm, and even milk of magnesia.

Know Your Baby

Every baby is different, and each one will respond to diaper rash remedies differently. The best way to find a diaper rash remedy that works for your baby is to learn about your baby’s body. Keep a journal about your baby. Create an entry every time your baby has a reaction to something. This way you will know what products to avoid. If your baby’s diaper rash isn’t responding to normal creams and powders try a homeopathic remedy. If you don’t know what to use then you can always talk to your doctor to see what they recommend.