Prevention is always better than cure. Products in the market are always rash remedies. The best solution would be to deter the occurrence of rashes. The key is to keep your baby’s area clean, cool and dry. Change diapers often. Let baby go diaper-free whenever possible. Babies often urinate right after falling asleep. During nap time, place baby on an open diaper. Check diaper shortly after baby falls asleep and replace if wet. Do not use creams that contain boric acid, camphor, methyl salicylate, phenol or compound of benzoic tincture as these can be very harmful. If your baby is under someone’s care, make sure they too follow the same routine. Carefully wash and clean baby’s bottoms with lukewarm water during every diaper change. Use mild baby soap and shampoo. Pat dry completely and do not scrub. Avoid using scented wipes and soaps. Experiment with several diapers, wipes and soaps and choose the best one that soothes your baby. Use products that have a zinc oxide or a Vaseline base. Don’t use plastic anywhere to cover the baby. Don’t over-tighten the diapers. This prevents air circulation and increases moisture which can cause rashes. It can also cause skin chafing in the inner thighs and waist. Always wash diapers before use. Use only hot water and no chemicals. Always make sure that you wash your hands well before and after diaper changing. This prevents spread of infection. When it comes to choice of diapers, it is up to the parents to make an informed decision. Both cloth and disposables are equally good. Choose the one that suits you and the baby best. If you use cloth diapers, do not use plastic pants for cover, as they retain moisture on the skin. Change diapers whenever they become soiled or wet. It is the only rule. Check diaper at least every 2 hours. Allow airing of baby bottoms for at least 15 minutes between diaper changes. If the baby suffers from diarrhea, protect the diaper area with topical medicines such as zinc oxide, Desitin etc which will offer skin protection against infectious bacteria.

Diaper rash is caused by the constant skin wetness and friction along with frequent exposure of skin to various irritants. A baby’s skin should be dry and soft. If this barrier is broken, the skin becomes rough, red, warm and this leads to further infections. The most common irritants are urine, stool, bacteria from them, ammonia formed by the breakdown of urinary chemicals by stool, detergents, perfumes, plastics and dyes, pre-moistened and alcoholic baby wipes, soaps and allergic reactions to baby creams. There are several types of diaper rashes and it is always good to be aware of them before prevention and treatment is undertaken. Chafing dermatitis or diaper chafing is the most common and it occurs in the genital areas, thigh fold and buttocks making them look red and puffy. Diaper chafing or prolonged wetness causes this. It is usually harmless as long as it does not lead to secondary infection. Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema occurs as scaly red patches on the legs and in the groin area which may spread to other body parts. It commonly occurs in infants between 6 and 12 months of age. The reasons can be allergens, irritants, environmental and hereditary factors. Candidal dermatitis or yeast infection is the worst kind. It is tender and painful and appears in genital folds, legs and abdomen. The rash starts as small red spots which soon become numerous. It is very common in babies that have been given antibiotics. Perianal dermatitis occurs as a red patch around the anus because of alkaline stool. It only occurs in bottle-fed babies. Seborrheic dermatitis or cradle crap is a deep red rash that starts on the scalp and spreads to the diaper areas. It is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin. Impetigo appears as yellow-brown crusty patches or pus filled blisters followed by redness. It is caused by streptococci or staphylococci bacteria. It occurs in the butt, lower abdomen, anus, umbilical cord and thighs and can spread to other parts as well. This has to be treated with the help of a doctor. Intertrigo is a skin friction rash that appears as a reddened area found in the thigh folds, abdomen and armpits. Tidemark dermatitis is an irritation that is caused by diaper edges or bindings rubbing against the baby’s skin.

The way a baby is made to wear a diaper is also related to the occurrence of rashes. If diapers are folded in a proper way, it could go a long way in making baby comfortable and rash-free. The following are tips for folding cloth diapers. Diapers should be washed first. A brand new cloth diaper fresh from the store should never be directly used on a baby because there is a waxy coating that prevents absorption and can be a skin irritant. Remove this waxy layer by washing the cloth diaper in hot water. Sun-dry the diaper. There are a plethora of options in cloth diapers. Some of the common types are pre-folded, padded, flat-folded, nappy style, all-in-ones, and all-in-twos. There are nappy covers, wool covers and plastic pants to cover them. Fastening can be done with modern day diaper fasteners or Velcro or pins. Let’s assume that you are using flat-fold which is nothing but a simple rectangular cloth that has an extra quilted layer down the middle for absorption. First is the Angel-wing fold. Lay the diaper lengthwise and fold the sides into the middle to form a thick layer. Fold a few inches down at the front. At the back of the diaper, fan out the sides. Place baby on diaper and pull the front up between the legs. Hold firmly, bring out the sides from back and pin firmly through layers of cloth. Take care that the pin does not rest anywhere near the baby’s skin. Next is the Bikini Twist High-cut fold. Spread the diaper flat on the table. Turn one end of it completely over so that the diaper is twisted at midpoint. Put the diaper under the baby. Pull up the front of the diaper between the baby’s legs. Pull the back corners of the diaper around the toddler, over the front covers and fasten securely. Next comes the special double-diaper for heavy wetters. This makes use of 2 diapers, one regular and the other infant size. Place the regular one and lay the infant size on top of it at the center. Fold sides of the inner one and then the sides of the regular to cover the former. Fold a few inches front up and fan out at the back to form angel wings. Place baby on top of this and proceed as instructed in angel wings fold. When you are done folding, always use a diaper cover to cover it.

A yeast infection diaper rash is very different from the regular friction or irritation diaper rash. A diaper rash that is caused by yeast infection tends to be a dark, beefy red with sharp raised corners and white scales. The area also has many bumps or boils that are filled with puss. It is more severe than an ordinary friction rash. Pronounced friction in the inner thighs, under elastic etc leads to recurring rashes. They can be cured by barrier creams, airing out methods and frequent diaper changes. Irritant rashes often occur on large, exposed areas such as the baby’s bottoms. They are mainly caused by skin contact with stool enzymes or other irritants such as chemically harsh soaps, detergents, baby wipes and topical medicines and creams. Thus we see that the root cause for diaper rash is skin wetness. If the baby is wet with urine, the PH of the skin increases because of the acidity. Skin wetness also causes friction and makes the skin more sensitive to irritants. The top layer of the skin then becomes weak. Continued wetness, stool enzymes and other irritants cause inflamed skin. Thus it paves way for bacteria and other microorganisms to invade the area and worsen it. Day by day, skin stops responding to treatments. Yeast is one such microorganism that is common in diapers. It thrives in warm, moist skin and is very resilient. There are a lot of chances of yeast infection if rash remedies have no effect in over 72 hours. Skin has some bacteria inherently which normally fight yeast infections. But modern day antibiotics and their frequent use reduce the amount of such protective bacteria. Thus, yeast infection should be treated with a topical anti-yeast or anti-fungal cream. Lotrimin AF, Nystatin or Monistat are the best anti-fungal creams and they can be purchased over the counter in a lot of drugstores. They don’t require prescription. Further treatment includes keeping the skin very clean and dry to the maximum possible extent. Frequent airing out is required. Continued application of the ointments should yield good results within 2-3 days. If there is no improvement in your baby’s condition, a pediatrician or a family practitioner should be contacted immediately.

A lot of diaper rash remedies are available. Some are purely organic while others are commercial products that are well-tested and tried and true. Parents have to experiment with different types of products to see which suits their baby best. The first is Munchskins bum bum balm. It is an instant reliever. It comes in a small compact tin that can fit into your purse. It is 100 percent natural as it contains organic ingredients. Although it is waxy, it is not greasy and will not leave a stain on baby clothes. It also comes with a fragrance that is just right, neither too strong nor too mild. This also ensures that the baby is not affected by the smell. The next best thing and one that always is a sure-shot cure is the “air it out” method. Let your baby be diaper free for half an hour several times day or for however long you can. This is an effective remedy that makes the rash vanish very quickly. The air we breathe is a natural healer and better than commercial baby ointments and diaper creams available in the market. One of the root causes for rash is lack of fresh air circulation around an infant’s bottom. By allowing your baby to go diaper-free, the area is dry and clean and gets a lot of fresh air. Just make sure that the room is warm enough. Then spread a waterproof tablecloth or a mattress on the floor. Cover this with a soft, washable blanket. Lay baby on this and allow him or her to be diaper free for half an hour. If done several times a day, it helps speed up the healing process. Some of the commercial products that are effective are Boudreaux’s butt paste, Burt’s Bees baby bee diaper ointment and A&D ointment. The butt paste is a general cure for any type of irritated or sore skin. It is especially good for babies with sensitive skin. Burt’s ointment is good for recurring rashes but it comes with a strong scent. A&D is an old brand but it is gentle, effective and cheap. It does not leave a stain.

Cures for diaper rash can be obtained right from home. No more drug store hassles and trauma. Whip out a concoction using the following ingredients: 1 cup Crisco vegetable shortening, ½ cup of baby lotion, ½ cup of corn starch, and 2-3 spoonfuls of bag balm. The ingredients can be mixed together. If using large quantities, they can be mixed once for long term use. Keep the mix in an airtight container and place the box in the refrigerator. Use as and when required. This home-made lotion has to be applied on the baby’s sore areas every diaper change and each time after a baby bath. The lotion ensures protection from rashes. Corn starch can also be slightly dusted on the wrapper for additional care. This has proved to be an effective diaper rash remedy if babies are allergic to chemicals and rash creams and baby wipes. Another remedy is a liquid mix of liquid antacid, desitin and corn starch. This liquid also has to be carefully stored in a covered container. The antacid helps reduce the effects of urine on the skin and hence, the baby does not get sores or red skin. Another miraculous salve is breast milk. Breast milk can be dabbed on the skin and rash is cured. Instead of using baby wipes, use warm damp cloth to apply and remove. Allowing the baby to go without diaper for about 15 minutes a day is also effective. Fresh air is a healer. If this can’t be done due to lack of time, hair dryers can be used by keeping the mode as COOL. Make sure the baby is entirely dry after every diaper change and bath. Another effective medicine is browned flour. Take corn flour in a pan or a big wok. Do not add any oil or water. Just keep stirring the flour until it turns golden brown. Store it in a dry container. Lightly dust this powder every time when changing diapers. This rash remedy works in 2 days.

Working moms do not have enough time on their hands for elaborate rash remedial procedures. They have to resort to instantaneous relief measures which are sometimes dubious. We bring you a list of instant diaper rash remedies. Bag balm is a known soother that is applied on a cow’s udder after milking. This can also be used as an effective ointment for chapped and irritated skin. Since it is 100 percent organic, it has no disastrous chemical after-effects. Bag balm can be obtained in drug stores, ski resorts, farm and feed stores. They are cost effective and it is sufficient to apply them on baby rash just once every day. Heavy coating is required and at nights, the baby should have lukewarm baking soda baths. Redness will definitely be gone the next day. Many doctors are advising against wet wipes and baby wipes. They may exude the best of fragrance but they are nevertheless, soaked with artificial inorganic chemicals. For working moms on the go, the best thing would be to carry 2 big Ziploc covers one for self-made wipes and the other for soiled ones. The self-made wipes are done by soaking just small pieces of cloth in boiling water, straining them and pressing them. They have been proved to be more effective than commercial baby wipes products. A superfast chemical that works quick wonders is Milk of magnesia. Pour milk of magnesia all over the rash and the rashes are healed even before the next diaper change. Coconut oil and vegetable oil are also effective soothers but they take time to heal. On the other hand, cod liver oil capsules can be bought over the counter in many drug stores. The capsules should not be given orally. Instead, they have to be slightly pricked to squeeze the liquid out from them. Then a liberal portion of this liquid has to be applied on the affected area. It is definitely a guaranteed quick relief. If you do not want to apply anything on baby skin, then take the diaper and pour liquid antacid on the diaper itself. The liquid is absorbed by the diaper material but the soothing action stays for a long while. It prevents further sores from occurring.

Diaper rashes are every mother’s nightmare. The latest medicinal cure for diaper rash is Lotrimin. This has to be applied on the rash during every changing. It is said to be an effective diaper rash remedy as the rashes are gone within a day. The tube of lotrimin is expensive but the quantity does last a good while. Some rashes are so sore that the infant may start bleeding. However, instead of panicking, the mother should rush to the kitchen and take a generous portion of cooking lard. Unbelievable and laughable as it sounds, lard is a great rash healer. The secret to instant rash relief is fresh air. Many moms have found that when they let their babies go about without a diaper for about 15-30 minutes, several times a day, rashes are cured and their occurrence also becomes less frequent. Sometimes, tea bags can come in useful. Unused tea bags can be placed in a baby’s diaper so that the baby pees on the tea bag. This will lead to the release of a chemical that soothes the baby’s skin. However this also has a physical effect. The baby’s bottom might turn reddish brown in color.  An effective rash remedy for terrible rashes would be a home concocted lotion of corn starch, desitin and Vaseline. First, wash the baby’s sore bottom with warm water and then pat dry. Follow it with a light dusting of corn starch on the rash by making sure there is not an overdose of application. Once this is over, desitin and Vaseline have to be spread gently. Desitin is a popular diaper rash remedy because it has zinc oxide and cod liver oil as its bases. Another home cure is to put oatmeal in the baby’s bath and let the infant soak in it for about 20 minutes. Yet another popular cure is lanolin treatment. Lanolin is wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of animals that yield wool, particularly sheep. It is greasy yellow but it is water-proof. Lanolin ointment has to be applied on the rash once a day. The layer forms a waxy coating on the affected area, helps quicken the healing process and prevents re-irritation during diaper change. At nights, the waxy coating can be removed by lukewarm water and baby shampoo. Lanolin is known for its healing property of chapped lips, hands and cheeks during winter seasons.

Babies tend to develop rashes due to constant wear of diapers. It is an ache for most mothers who tend to worry about the infants’ health. The best solution would be to let them go about ten minutes a day without a diaper. The next step would be to dry the baby to the maximum possible extent. On the first sign of a rash, the immediate soother is to apply corn starch on it. Corn Starch is an excellent home medicine. Sometimes Old is gold. Kirk’s Castile Soap is an old soap but it has been proved to be effective against diaper rashes. Whenever there is a diaper change, wash the baby’s bottoms with this soap and warm water. Pat dry and change the diaper. Rashes miraculously disappear in 24 hours. Another soothing remedy is white petroleum jelly. When applied on rashes, it is effective and doesn’t soil clothes. For rash infections, it is advisable to use sea salt or Epsom salt diluted with water. This has to be carried out at least 3 times a day for effective healing. When running baby baths, the bath has to be filled with lukewarm water (the heat has to be first tested with your elbows) and then add 1 cup each of sea salt and Epsom salt. Epsom salt is known to have a soothing effect on the baby as it helps them relax and also makes them to go to sleep easier. Another effective baby bath is the use of warm water and baking soda. For this, the baby has to sit in the bath for 15 minutes. Then baby must be totally dried and then Flanders ointment must be applied on the affected area. Flanders ointment can be bought with the help of a pharmacist. It is better to follow this routine as a night ritual. This is because the treatment’s results are overnight. Corn starch plus Milanta is also a good ointment. Another food product that could come in handy is egg whites. They are a temporary rash relief. For mothers who do not want to waste their time with cream applications, plain baby powder will also just do. They are cost effective and have no side effects.