Best Extra Strength: Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste
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Despite your best efforts, your baby may still get a very painful diaper rash once in a while. Beyond letting them go diaper-less, the best treatment for this is an extra-strength diaper rash cream like Desitin Baby Diaper Rash Maximum Strength Original Paste. Formulated with the maximum level of zinc oxide available without a prescription, this cream is clinically proven to start clearing up your tot’s diaper rash within 12 hours by effectively sealing out moisture.
Since the formula is so effective, it is great to have a bottle on hand for when you just can’t get a rash to go away. Since it has a higher concentration of zinc oxide, you don’t need to use it every day.
Formulated especially for newborns and babies with sensitive skin, Baby Mantra Diaper Rash Ointment is made from non-toxic, natural, and organic ingredients. The main active ingredient is zinc oxide, but the formula includes sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, rosemary leaf, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax to help heal irritated skin. For those who follow the Environmental Working Group rating system, you’ll be happy to note this gets a “1” on their scale, meaning it doesn’t have any concerning chemicals or ingredients.
Other customers noted that while some natural products arent reliable, the Baby Mantra Diaper Rash Ointment was effective in both preventing and healing diaper rashes.
How To Apply Diaper Cream For Baby Rashes: 9 Easy Steps
Uh oh! Is your babys bottom all red and scratchy?
This is most likely due to skin irritation from frequent diaper changes.
We all know how smooth and soft a babys skin can be. However, what we may not be aware of is how SENSITIVE and prone to irritation that perfect baby skin is.
Wearing a diaper 24/7 exposes your babys bum to a constant environment of moisture, bacteria, and waste.
And this award-winning combination leads to you guessed it, DIAPER RASH!
The best way to prevent and soothe these rashes is with a good diaper rash cream.
Create A Barrier To Treat Or Prevent Diaper Rash
Our fan-favorite rash ointment that parents swear by comes in two formulations: fragrance-free for super sensitive skin and calming lavender-scented version. Both ointments create a moisture barrier on the skin using vitamin-grade zinc oxide and ultra-purified lanolin from sheeps wool. Thanks to our water-free formula, a little of the ultra-concentrated diaper rash ointment goes a long way. You dont need a super thick layer like you would with a traditional diaper rash cream. Simply spread a thin layer evenly over the whole diaper area starting from the front and working toward the bum.
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What Heals Diaper Rashes The Fastest
According to the AAP, zinc oxide and petrolatum are the best ingredient choices for treating diaper rash.
The key to treating diaper rash quickly is to have a strong barrier that will prevent liquid from coming into contact with irritated skin, which in turn gives the skin time to heal.
If your babys diaper rash is caused by an infection such as staph or candida, your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help clear it up quickly.
Do I Need To Wipe Off Diaper Cream After Every Diaper Change
Diaper cream exists to create a barrier between the skin and the environment, especially that of a dirty diaper.
If you have wiped off all the waste on your babys bum and theres diaper cream residue from the last diaper change, there is no need to take it off.
Wiping it off may just serve to cause friction on the skin and traumatize it further.
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Watch Out For These Common Irritants In Conventional Creams That Can Make Diaper Rash Worse
Infants thinner skin is already more vulnerable to absorbing ingredients applied topically. Severe diaper rash that damages or breaks open the skin can increase absorption even more. So its important to make sure harsh chemicals and irritants dont come into contact with your babys sensitive areas via their diaper care products. Weve sworn off these common irritants that pop up all too often in conventional rash creams and ointments.
Synthetic fragrance
Synthetic fragrances are on the top of the skin allergy list. Thats because theyre considered a trade secret by the FDA and therefore the fragrance or perfume on a label could mean a cocktail of literally any number of chemicals, allergens and synthetics that dont have to be listed. If you dont know what those ingredients are, you wont know what your babys skin is reacting to.
Preservatives
The problem with preservatives in diaper rash creams is that they are often ingredients linked to skin irritation, like parabens and formaldehyde. Fighting inflamed, irritated skin with a skin irritant doesnt bode well for healing baby diaper rash. And where there are preservatives, there is water in the formulaanother ingredient that can make diaper rash worse since moisture creates the conditions for it to thrive.
Petroleum-based synthetics
How To Use Breast Milk For Baby Acne
One benefit of using your breast milk to treat baby acne is that its natural, free and, well, widely available.
As a bonus, breast milk is also gentle on a babys sensitive skin. Simply dab a little breast milk on their skin after feedings to reduce inflammation and gradually treat the acne.
You can use a clean finger to apply the breast milk, or dip a cotton ball in breast milk and then gently rub the cotton over your babys acne.
Since breast milk is gentle, you can use this natural remedy several times throughout the day until the acne clears.
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Other Diaper Rash Treatments
If diaper rash does develop, you may consider also trying alternative treatments to help clear it up, such as:
- Witch hazel ointment
- Aloe vera or calendula
- Shampoo clay
While some people have found success with these types of alternative treatments, theyre not guaranteed to work. You may want to discuss them with your babys doctor before giving them a go.
When To Call The Doctor
Most mild diaper rashes can be treated at home. It might take a few weeks for the rash to completely go away. But it should start to improve after just a few days of following the above tips.
If your childs rash is severe or does not improve after several days or gets worse, call your doctor. A fungal infection might be involved. Your childs doctor might give you a fungal medicine or a mild steroid cream.
You should also call the doctor if your child:
- Has a fever with the rash
- Has bruises, bleeding or open sores in the area
- Is in a lot of pain or discomfort
- Is losing weight or seems sick
Diaper rash is a normal part of babyhood, but your baby doesnt have to suffer. Watch for rashes so you can treat them early. And if you have any concerns, call your doctor.
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How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash
To prevent diaper rash, keep your baby’s skin as dry and clean as possible and change diapers often so that poop and pee don’t irritate the skin.
Try these tips:
- Change your baby’s soiled or wet diapers as soon as possible and clean the area well.
- Occasionally soak your baby’s bottom between diaper changes with warm water. You can gently scoop the water over your baby’s bottom with your hand or squeeze it from a plastic bottle.
- Let your baby’s skin dry completely before you put on another diaper.
- Pat the skin gently with a soft cloth when drying it rubbing can irritate skin.
- Put the diaper on loosely to prevent chafing.
- Change diapers often ideally every 2 hours or so and after every poop.
Applying diaper cream or ointment with each diaper change can help some babies with sensitive skin, but not all babies need this.
If you use cloth diapers, check the manufacturer’s directions on how to best clean them. Only use detergents in the amount recommended, and run an extra rinse cycle after washing to remove traces of soap or detergent that can irritate your baby’s skin. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets even these can irritate skin.
Some babies get a rash after switching to a new type of diaper. While experts don’t recommend any particular brand, if your child is sensitive, look for diapers free of dyes or fragrances. Some babies are sensitive to baby wipes water and a washcloth work just as well and may be a gentler option.
Choosing The Right Type Of Diaper
Diaper rash can cause a great deal of discomfort for thebaby. Since the goal is to keep the skin dry, parents should choosediapers that are labeled as superabsorbent or ultra-absorbent. Theseprevent diaper rash better than older, regular absorbency diapers. Someparents prefer cloth diapers for reasons of economics, sanitation, orconservation, but disposables are far better than reusable cloth diapersin preventing diaper rash. If cloth diapers are used, they should neverbe covered by plastic pants, since the plastic keeps moisture trappedinside the diaper and makes diaper rash more likely.
During an active case of diaper rash, the skin is verysensitive. Most commercial diaper wipes should be avoided during thistime, as these products may contain chemicals that irritate the skinaffected by the rash. Immediate cleaning of the area with mild soap isthe safest alternative.
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Common Rashes In The First Few Months Of A Babys Life
- Cradle cap often shows up at 1-2 months of age. Greasy, yellowish crusts appear on the scalp and may include a red, irritating rash on the face, behind the ears, on the neck, and even in the armpits. Your doctor will tell you how to best treat this common condition, depending on your babys symptoms.
- Eczemais red, itchy patches on the skin, often seen on the babys chest, arms, legs, face, elbows, and behind the knees. It is caused by dry, sensitive skin, and sometimes allergies . Your doctor can determine if the rash looks like eczema and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In general, treatment consists of:
- Using a very gentle soap
- Using a gentle detergent and no fabric softener in babys laundry
- Using skin moisturizers
- Applying a steroid cream +topical/details rel=nofollow> hydrocortisone or even a stronger one) if the eczema wont go away
Other Tips For Healing A Bad Diaper Rash
- Avoid most commercial baby moisturizers. Many of them have chemical-based fragrances or potentially harmful ingredients. This includes baby oil.
- Opt for natural skin moisturizers like coconut oil and sweet almond oil. Just make sure to go easy on it, baby only needs a couple drops.
- If you MUST use a scented moisturizer use one like this, Its EWG certified.
- Use an herbal baby bath to heal skin faster. Even just basic Calendula is perfect for this!
- Air, air, air! I cannot stress this enough.
- Sunlight can help heal baby bottoms quickly too, but you have to be very careful if you decide to do this. I would sit near an open window with irritated skin in the sunlight. Just make sure not to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. You dont want to burn your baby, which can happen very quickly.
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How Is Diaper Rash Treated
To help clear up diaper rash, check your baby’s diaper often and change it as soon as it’s wet or soiled. Gently clean the diaper area with soap and water and pat dry. Creams and ointments containing zinc oxide or petroleum help to soothe skin and protect it from moisture. They should be smeared on thickly at each diaper change.
Some experts suggest letting your baby go without diapers for several hours each day to give irritated skin a chance to dry and “breathe.” This is easiest if you place your baby in a crib with waterproof sheets or on a large towel on the floor.
Diaper rash usually goes away within 2 to 3 days with home care, although it can last longer.
Keep It Clean And Dry
The most important step you can take to prevent and treat a rash is keeping your babys diaper dry and clean. When you change the diaper, clean the area gently with a soft cloth or a squirt of water from a bottle. Wipes are fine, just be gentle.
Dont rub the skin too hard, and avoid wipes with alcohol. It can also help to give your child some time without a diaper when they have a rash. You can lay towels or disposable waterproof pads down so that your child can have some diaper-free time.
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Place The Baby In The Changing Area
Place your baby on the changing table if you have one. If you dont have a changing table, you can place your baby on a bed or a play mat.
MOMMY TIP: Wherever you change your baby, make sure to have your diaper caddy with all the required supplies right next to you to make changing diapers quicker and easier.
Remove all of your babys clothes from the waist down to prevent diaper cream from getting everywhere.
Be sure to strap your baby securely to prevent any problems or accidents.
Its best to use a waterproof mat to help with any potential messes.
Avoid Irritating Your Babys Skin Rash
This may seem somewhat obvious, but your baby will be much more comfortable if you dont irritate their skin rash. How can you avoid bothering your little ones rash? Follow these tips:
- Keep your baby out of direct sunlight, as the suns UV rays can cause dryness and further irritate the rash.
- Be extremely gentle with the affected area of your babys skin, and dont rub, stretch, or scratch the rash itself.
- Always use gentle cleansers when bathing your baby, and apply baby-friendly soothing creams and lotions to keep your little ones skin moisturized.
These three basic steps will go a long way toward keeping your baby comfortable while they recover from their skin rash.
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Tips To Get Rid Of Diaper Rash Fast
11 Tips to get rid of diaper rash fast include:
Should You Use Diaper Cream At Every Change
Its up to you how frequently you apply diaper cream. Some parents like to use diaper cream or ointment with every diaper change to help prevent rashes, but this is not necessary.
However, you will want to use diaper cream any time you start to see signs of redness or irritation to prevent a rash from getting worse.
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Is Cloth Diapering Really Worth It
7 Cloth diapers benefits
Cloth diapers have been in use for a long time. A sight of a cuddlesome baby wrapped in a pure-white cotton diaper is a sheer delight. Let’s see how good or bad these diapers are. 7 Benefits of cloth diapers are the following:
- They are quite affordable. The initial investment may be expensive but once you own the diapers the monthly cost goes down.
- They are skin-friendly and breathable.
- They are environmentally friendly.
- They do not contain any harmful chemicals.
- Modern cloth nappies come in easy to use design with Velcro, thus you won’t need to use any safety pins.
- There are various pretty colors and patterns to choose from.
- Modern cloth nappies may allow early potty training for your baby because they become easily aware when their diaper is wet.
Home Remedies To Prevent Diaper Rash
To keep your baby’s tender tush in tip-top shape, it’s best to take a preventive approach to diaper rash. Try these baby-tested strategies :
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