Diaper rash occurs and most babies suffer from it at some point. While it’s hard to see your little one so uncomfortable, you’ll both get through this.
Knowing what to do and when can make a difference in your baby’s comfort and recovery. The good news is that most diaper rashes can be treated at home with simple adjustments and home remedies that don’t even require a trip to the store. In this guide, we’ll show you effective home treatments to soothe your baby’s skin.
But keep in mind that if your baby has severe symptoms of diaper rash, such as fever or raw, broken, or bleeding skin, it is best to call your baby’s doctor or nurse line right away.
Try These Home Remedies First to Treat Diaper Rash
Depending on the cause of diaper rash, symptoms can range from mild to severe. If your baby’s diaper rash is mild, you should be able to treat it at home. And if you treat it consistently, you should see improvement within three days. Here are some doctor-recommended home remedies for diaper rash that you can try before scheduling an appointment:
1. Change your baby’s diaper frequently to keep it as dry as possible
How much is enough? The baby should be changed every two hours while awake and at least once during the night. This will help keep the skin under and around the diaper clean and dry, which is how diaper rash improves. This also prevents this from happening again in the future.
2. Air things out with some naked time
Consider letting your baby spend some time without a diaper or putting it on loosely. Exposure to air will help the rash heal.
3. Add a little baking soda to your baby’s bath water.
Baking soda will neutralize the acid in your stool and urine. It may be helpful to bathe your baby every day while diaper rash heals; just be sure to moisturize your baby’s skin afterward.
4. Get rid of wet wipes for a couple of days.
Avoid using wet wipes while the rash is present. Instead, use warm water and a mild soap, and then pat the area dry (don’t rub).
5. Use over-the-counter ointments to soothe and protect
If there is a rash around the anus, you can use Aquaphor, Vaseline, or other over-the-counter ointments to help. Be sure to wash your baby’s skin before applying it. Symptoms of irritation and rash can also occur in children who are already toilet trained. Using a similar treatment method to cleanse the area, it may be helpful to take a relaxing bath and apply an over-the-counter ointment.
6. Ask about natural remedies to help heal diaper rash faster.
In addition to the tried and true diaper rash treatments recommended by doctors, there are homeopathic remedies you can also consider. These treatments have not been scientifically proven to treat and cure diaper rash, but many parents have been using them for a long time.
Before starting something new, call your child’s doctor or clinician. Or make it one of your questions at your baby’s next well-check. That being said, here are some popular options that can be used in combination with those tried and true methods.
witch hazel
Available in the pharmacy section of stores, witch hazel is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can give your baby some relief from diaper rash. If you want to try it, dilute the witch hazel with equal parts water and then use a cotton ball to apply it to your baby’s bottom.
Aloe vera
For many of us, aloe vera gel is an option to relieve sunburn and help heal cuts. Therefore, it is not a big surprise that some parents also use aloe vera for diaper rash. But choose a gel that is 100% aloe vera, that way you can avoid ingredients that may be aggressive for your baby’s skin.
Calendula
Similar to aloe vera, calendula is a plant extract that comes from the calendula plant. It is known for its healing qualities and has a pleasant smell. Calendula oil and water-based calendula creams can work well for diaper rash and are available online and in some pharmacies.
Clay shampoo (bentonite)
Yes, it seems a little strange to use a shampoo ingredient to treat diaper rash, but many parents swear by this product. In a study published in Nursing and Midwifery StudiesThe clay in the shampoo was actually more effective at treating diaper rash than calendula.
When to see a doctor about your baby’s diaper rash
Home remedies are usually enough to help your baby’s bottom heal, but not always. It is important to seek help if you do not see any improvement within three days of consistent home treatment.
And don’t wait to call if you notice what could be signs of severe diaper rash, such as:
- Fever of 100.4° Fahrenheit
- The baby is restless, seems sick, or cannot sleep
- Blisters, pimples (which may drain pus), sores, boils, or other red bumps
- Blood in your baby’s poop
- The rash causes pain when touched or rubbed.
- Red, raw, broken, or bleeding skin.
A video visit may be the fastest way to receive treatment for diaper rash
No doubt, you would like your baby to feel better as soon as possible. A video visit is often the quickest and easiest way to receive care for your baby’s diaper rash. At HealthPartners, you can schedule a video appointment like any other appointment. If your baby’s doctor is booked that day, you should be able to find another doctor who can help you right away.
During the video visit, your doctor will ask you about your baby’s rash and other symptoms. If they want a better look at the eruption, they may ask you to submit photos through your online account. These details will help ensure that your baby receives the best treatment for his or her rash.
Call your baby’s clinic or nurse line for advice.
If you’re not sure what to do, your clinic or a nurse line can help you determine what your next steps should be. If you are a HealthPartners patient or plan member, call our 24-hour BabyLine for answers and advice on caring for a new baby at 612-333-2229.
