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Diaper rash happens, and most babies get one at some point. While it’s tough to see your little one so uncomfortable, you both will get through this.
Knowing what to do, and when, can make all the 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 walk you through effective at-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’s best to call your baby’s doctor or the nurse line right away.
Try these home remedies for treating diaper rash first
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’re treating it consistently, you should see improvement within three days. Here are some doctor-recommended home remedies for diaper rash to try before making an appointment:
1. Change your baby’s diaper frequently to keep them as dry as possible
How much is enough? Baby should be changed every two hours while they’re 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 gets better. This also prevents it from happening again in the future.
2. Air things out with some bare bottom time
Consider letting your baby spend some time without a diaper on, or put the diaper on loosely. Exposure to air will help the rash heal.
3. Add a little baking soda to your baby’s bath water
The baking soda will neutralize the acid in stool and urine. It can help to give your baby a daily bath while their diaper rash is healing – just make sure to moisturize your baby’s skin afterwards.
4. Ditch the diaper wipes for a couple of days
Avoid using diaper wipes while there is a rash. Instead, use warm water and a mild soap, and then pat (don’t rub) the area dry.
5. Use over-the-counter ointments to soothe and protect
If there’s 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 happen for potty-trained kids, too. Using a similar treatment method of cleaning the area, taking a soothing bath and applying an over-the-counter ointment can help.
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 that you may consider as well. These treatments haven’t been scientifically proven to treat and heal diaper rash, but they’ve been around and used by many parents for a long time.
Before starting anything new, call your child’s doctor or clinician. Or make it one of your questions at your baby’s next wellness check. That 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 may provide your baby with some relief from diaper rash. If you want to give it a try, dilute the witch hazel with equal parts water and then use a cotton ball to brush it onto your baby’s bottom.
Aloe vera
For many of us, aloe vera gel is a go-to choice for soothing sunburns and helping to heal cuts. So, it’s not a big surprise that aloe vera is also used by some parents for diaper rash. But choose a gel that’s 100% aloe vera, that way you can avoid ingredients that may be harsh on your baby’s skin.
Calendula
Similar to aloe vera, calendula is a plant-based extract that comes from the marigold plant. It’s 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 readily available online and at some pharmacies.
Shampoo clay (bentonite)
Yeah, it seems a little weird to use a shampoo ingredient to treat diaper rash, but lots of parents swear by the stuff. In a study published in Nursing and Midwifery Studies, shampoo clay was actually more effective at treating diaper rash than calendula.
When to see a doctor for your baby’s diaper rash
At-home remedies are usually enough to help your baby’s bottom to heal, but not always. It’s important to get help if you don’t see improvement within three days of consistent at-home treatment.
And don’t wait to call if you notice what could be signs of severe diaper rash, such as:
A fever of 100.4° Fahrenheit
Baby is fussy, seems sick or is unable to sleep
Blisters, pimples (which may drain pus), sores, boils or other red bumps
Blood in your baby’s poop
Rash causes pain when touched or rubbed
Red, raw, broken or bleeding skin
A video visit can be the fastest way to get diaper rash treatment
Undoubtably, you’d like your baby to feel better as soon as possible. A video visit is often the quickest and easiest way to get 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 for the day, you should be able to find another doctor who can help right away.
During the video visit, your doctor will ask about your baby’s rash and other symptoms. If they’d like a better look at the rash, they may ask you to send photos through your online account. These details will help ensure your baby gets the best treatment for their 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 determine what your next steps should be. If you’re a HealthPartners patient or plan member, call our 24-hour BabyLine for answers and advice on new baby care at 612-333-2229.
