Every baby out there is a self-proclaimed pooping pro. Although you are always on guard to change those freshly-loaded, unicorn-poopy diapers, the chances are that you may not be able to clean your baby’s bottom thoroughly every time. This often leads to a very common problem – diaper rash.
Diaper rash is a skin condition characterized by red, slightly swollen and irritated skin that occurs when the genital area stays wet and in contact with urine or stool for too long. It can also be due to your baby having very sensitive skin or a diaper that is too tight and rubbing against the skin.
Several other factors can also contribute to diaper rashes, such as a yeast infection, antibiotics taken by the baby or the nursing mother, a change in the baby’s or mother’s diet, and the use of scented products.
Now, this does not mean that you are not a good caregiver. It just means that you are human!
Contents
Naturally Treating Diaper Rash at Home
A number of medicated creams are available in the market, such as Desitin and diaperene. However, if you don’t want to paint your baby’s delicate bum white with synthetic stuff, an alternative option is whipping up your own DIY diaper rash cream using natural and skin-friendly ingredients. You can also treat your baby's diaper rash using any one of these home remedies.
These all-natural creams are not just friendly for your child’s skin but also for your budget. They stay good for up to 3 to 4 months. Excited much? For parents, it’s like a breakthrough in diaper rash treatment!
Listen up all fellow diaper changers – dread the poop no more! Here are three recipes to make your own DIY homemade diaper rash cream that can get rid of diaper rash fast.
Method 1: DIY All-Natural Basic Cream
This very basic and all-natural diaper rash cream uses a blend of oils that are not only safe to use on your child’s irritated skin but also are very nourishing and soothing.
The recipe uses extra-virgin coconut oil and castor oil, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties that will fight any infection that may be causing the rash. (2)
The shea butter is quickly absorbed into the skin and moisturizes and strengthens it. The beeswax forms a protective and waterproof layer on the skin to prevent further irritation. (1)
Things you’ll need:
- Castor oil (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
- Beeswax (waterproofs skin) – 1 teaspoon
- Shea butter (moisturizes skin) – 2 tablespoons
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (antibacterial and antifungal) – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Blend coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler
- Assemble a double boiler over the stove or hot plate.
- Put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil in the heat-safe bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of shea butter.
- Add 1 teaspoon of beeswax.
- Let all the ingredients melt and blend together, then remove the pan from the heat.
Step 2. Add in castor oil, let the cream solidify and use as needed
- Add 1 teaspoon of castor oil to the oil blend and stir it well.
- Transfer the mixture to a container and allow it cool to solidify.
- When changing your baby’s diaper, rinse and clean the skin and allow it to air-dry.
- Apply this DIY homemade diaper rash cream on the affected skin before putting on a fresh diaper.
Method 2: DIY Cream Using Cornstarch
This DIY homemade diaper rash cream recipe uses cornstarch, vitamin E oil, and lavender essential oil, in addition to beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil.
The cornstarch acts as a natural talcum powder that absorbs moisture and also prevents irritation due to friction from the diaper rubbing against the skin. The vitamin E oil deeply nourishes the skin, while the anti-inflammatory lavender oil soothes the irritated skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Lavender essential oil (anti-inflammatory) – 2 or 3 drops
- Vitamin E capsule (deeply nourishes skin) – 1 capsule
- Beeswax (waterproofs skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch (absorbs moisture) – 1 tablespoon
- Shea butter (moisturizes skin) – ¼ cup
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (antibacterial and antifungal) – ¼ cup
Step 1. Melt beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler
- Place a double boiler over a stove or hot plate on medium-low heat.
- Put 1 tablespoon of beeswax in the double boiler.
- Add ¼ cup each of shea butter and extra-virgin coconut oil.
- Once the ingredients have melted, turn off the heat.
Step 2. Blend in vitamin E, essential oil and cornstarch
- Puncture 1 vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents into the mixture.
- Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Step 3. Transfer the cream to an airtight container and use as needed
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to get rid of any lumps.
- Once the cream begins to solidify but is still liquid enough to pour, give it a quick whisk.
Transfer the cream to an airtight container and use it as you would any other diaper rash cream.
Method 3: DIY Cream Using Zinc Oxide
If you want a more potent and waterproof diaper rash cream, then consider using this recipe. This cream uses zinc oxide to form a protective barrier between your baby’s skin and a wet diaper. (3)
The mineral also has soothing properties that can heal irritated skin quickly. Consequently, zinc oxide can also be used to make your own sunscreen at home.
Things you’ll need:
- Beeswax (forms protective layer on the skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (antibacterial and antifungal) – ½ cup
- Lavender essential oil (anti-inflammatory) – 2 or 3 drops
- Non-nano zinc oxide powder (makes skin waterproof) – 1 teaspoon
Step 1. Blend beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler
- Arrange a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl inside a pan with a little water in it.
- Put 1 tablespoon of beeswax in the bowl.
- Add ½ cup of extra-virgin coconut oil to the bowl.
- Allow the ingredients to melt and blend on low heat, then remove it from the heat.
Step 2. Mix in zinc oxide and lavender essential oil, store and use as needed
- Add 1 teaspoon of non-nano zinc oxide powder, while whisking the mixture continuously to prevent the formation of clumps.
- Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Whisk it well and transfer the cream to an airtight container.
- Use the prepared DIY homemade diaper rash cream on clean and air-dried skin each time you change your baby’s diaper to get rid of the diaper rash.
Tips for dealing with diaper rash
- Always wash your hands before and after every diaper change.
- Keep an eye on your baby's diaper and change it as soon as it becomes wet or soiled.
- Use plain water to clean your baby’s genital area. If needed, you can use a mild cleanser to get the poop off your baby's skin.
- Do not rub the skin while cleaning it. Always gently pat the diaper area clean and dry.
- Avoid using commercial baby wipes too often, especially those with fragrances or alcohol. Instead, use a clean and soft washcloth and plain water.
- Make sure the area is completely clean and dry before putting on diaper rash cream and a fresh diaper.
- If your baby is suffering from a severe rash, try using a squirt bottle to wash the area well. This will avoid rubbing the sore skin.
- Let your baby go diaper-free as much as possible. Airing out the diaper zone helps a baby's skin heal faster.
Resources:
- Reick S, Hubenthal N, Zimmermann M, Hering T. Lokale Barrierecremes zur Hautpflege bei Neugeborenen, Säuglingen und Kleinkindern mit Inkontinenz-assoziierter Dermatitis (IAD) – Eine narrative Literaturübersicht. Pflege. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28071289. Published 2017.
- Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/. Published December 27, 2017.
- Šikić Pogačar M, Maver U, Marčun Varda N, Mičetić-Turk D. Diagnosis and management of diaper dermatitis in infants with emphasis on skin microbiota in the diaper area. International journal of dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28986935. Published March 2018.
Summary of How to Make DIY Diaper Rash Cream
Download this infographic.
