At-home diaper rash treatments recommended by parents
INFLAMED skin, which presents as red splotches or scales on a baby’s bottom and around their general pelvic area, can be quite alarming for parents and a source of discomfort for children. But in all likelihood, this is just diaper rash which most parents have to deal with at some time.
Once treated early, this common condition does not require a trip to your paediatrician or even a pharmacy. We asked a few mothers to share the most effective diaper rash treatment they have used without even having to leave home.
Alicia, 33, mother of two:
Apple cider vinegar. I usually just use it in my baby’s bath, like adding a cup to her bath. Apple cider vinegar is effective because it kills the yeast that causes the rash. Also, I try to keep my baby as dry as possible at all times.
Note: Alicia warns parents against using apple cider vinegar on the child’s skin in its raw state because it is very strong and could cause further skin irritation.
Ann-Marie, 49, mother of one:
Aloe vera. I started out using aloe that came in the bottle, but my friend told me that using the aloe in its natural state was much better. Aloe vera is not only great for the skin in terms of repairing it and healing it, but it also soothes inflammation. This can be very helpful, especially since children suffer through so much discomfort.
Patricia, 47, mother of three:
Corn starch and petroleum jelly. First I used to use Ammens powder because it is very effective in treating heat rash and it’s said to be effective in treating yeast, and of course the good old petroleum jelly. While the Ammens powder worked, it took a while longer than I liked, so I started using corn starch and the rash seemed to disappear much faster. The petroleum jelly, which I would put on before the corn starch or Ammens powder, gave the baby much relief from the discomfort associated with the rash, and also kept urine off the skin which could cause further irritation. Importantly, I also tried to dry my children properly and keep them that way.
Monica, 26, mother of two:
Breast milk and olive oil. Both of these remedies came from my mother. I have used them and they work even faster than ointments from the pharmacy. Breast milk, as we are told, can not only heal the nipple, but the skin.
Note: A nurse warned me to stop if it doesn’t improve quickly, because the rash could be yeast-based and the milk which is sugar-based could be feeding it. The olive oil not only moisturises, but heals the skin as well.
Desrine, 30, mother of two:
Coconut oil. As a nurse’s assistant, I have not only seen the wonders of coconut oil on my own children’s rashes, but on adult diaper rash as well. It is a great moisturiser because it can heal and repair the skin; it can also treat yeast if the rash is yeast-based, because it has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties.
