Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBreast MilkOTC CreamsPlant-Based OptionsBentonite ClayTreatments to AvoidPreventionWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Breast Milk
OTC Creams
Plant-Based Options
Bentonite Clay
Treatments to Avoid
Prevention
When to Seek Medical Care
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1. Try Breast Milk
Some studies suggest that breast milk applied to a diaper rash can soothe symptoms, much as it can help to relieve sore nipples sore nipples afterbreastfeeding.
A small study of 30 infants found that breast milk appeared to help heal diaper rash when all other factors (type of diaper, number of changes per day) were assessed, too. This may be due to the nutrients in breast milk, which include vitamin E.
However, research results have been mixed and more study on the benefits of breast milk used topically on the skin is needed.
2. Apply Soothing OTC Creams
Another OTC option is petroleum jelly. A barrier jelly like Vaseline can block moisture from your child’s skin.
Zinc oxide and petroleum jelly can help withadult diaper rash, too. Adults may require an over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment or prescription treatment to heal.
3. Try Plant-Based Remedies
Herbal remedies and foods have long been considered traditional remedies for treating diaper rash. These options can include:
4. Use Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay(also called shampoo clay) is a unique type of clay that is absorbent and formed from volcanic ash.It is often studied for its uses in treating skin problems.
Bentonite clay may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is also known to absorb water and protect the skin, offering potential benefits in treating diaper rash.
A Word From Verywell
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
What to Avoid
To lower the risk of diaper rash, consider the following tips:
Cases of diaper rash were reduced dramatically as superabsorbent disposable diapers replaced cloth diapers. Still, incidence in the United States is estimated at 20% of babies and toddlers.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Call your child’s healthcare provider if a diaper rash lasts more than three to four days, especially if it is not improving. Other reasons to call your provider include diaper rash with any of the following symptoms:
Diaper rash can have other causes besides irritation from moisture or waste. A yeast infection can occur, especially when a child is taking antibiotic medications.Seborrheic dermatitiscan cause yellow, oily patches in the red skin of the diaper area but may appear on other parts of the body.It’s important to get a diagnosis if symptoms don’t resolve.
Summary
Home remedies may help to heal mild to moderate causes of diaper rash. Proven treatment options include barrier creams that contain zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you’re considering alternative treatments like breast milk, coconut oil, or Bentonite clay.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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