Flour and baking soda can be used as home remedies for diaper rash due to their ability to draw moisture from the skin and alleviate itching. Vinegar is another kitchen staple that is very helpful in neutralizing acidic products that may have led to the diaper rash to begin with. Aloe Vera gel is ideal for creating a barrier between the baby's bottom and the diaper, allowing the rash to heal more quickly and also help prevent it from returning. Finally, one of the easiest home remedies for diaper rash is centered around what type of diapers are being used, how they are cared for, and how often they are worn.
The kitchen is one of the primary sources for effective home remedies for diaper rash. Regular baking flour, for example, can be lightly browned in a frying pan and then applied to the affected areas while still slightly warm. The temperature of the flour helps to ease any discomfort, while the flour itself helps to remove moisture from the area of the rash while also keeping it from building up again. Baking soda is also an option, although corn starch should be avoided, as its propensity to foster yeast growth may ultimately lead to further irritation or infection. Baking soda can also be dissolved in bath water.
Vinegar is another of the many home remedies for diaper rash that can not only heal the diaper rash but also prevent it from reoccurring. A baby's urine is naturally acidic which, at times, is the cause of the rash. A warm bath in vinegar and water can help neutralize the acidic effects of the urine on the skin. Baby wipes can also be sprayed lightly with vinegar and be used before a diaper is put on or for cleaning purposes after the diaper has been removed. Parents should also take care to avoid using too many products, such as body washes or baby lotions, that may contain harsh chemicals, heavy fragrances, or other ingredients that may also have an acidic quality to them.
When it comes to soothing an existing diaper rash, aloe vera gel is one of the most common home remedies for diaper rash. The gel should be slightly chilled before applying to give it a more soothing sensation. It can be lightly rubbed in on all the affected areas and allowed to dry naturally. Once dry, the gel also creates a barrier on the baby's skin to prevent further buildup of moisture. There are also several over-the-counter lotions and creams designed to treat and prevent diaper rash, but aloe vera gel tends to be the most natural and one of the most fast-acting.
One of the most effective home remedies for diaper rash is learning how to prevent it in the first place. Diapers should be changed on a regular basis to prevent the baby's skin from being in contact with moisture for extended periods of time. The baby's skin should also be completely dry before a new diaper is fitted. Cloth diapers should be hung to dry, when possible, or placed in the dryer without fabric softener or dryer sheets, which may contain chemicals that can irritate the baby's skin. Lastly, the baby should be allowed to go diaper-free for at least a small portion of the day to allow the skin ample time to breathe without the constrictions of a diaper.