Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksBenefits for Diaper RashPreparingBathingIs It Right for Your Child?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Benefits for Diaper Rash
Preparing
Bathing
Is It Right for Your Child?
An oatmeal bath is a popular natural remedy for diaper rash.Oats contain skin-healing properties that may treat diaper rash,eczema, anddry skin.
Diaper rashis a common skin condition in babies.A diaper rash may cause redness or other changes in skin color, swelling, itching, and pain in the diaper area. Common causes of diaper rash include moisture, irritants, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and allergies.
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How Does an Oatmeal Bath Work?
The most common type of oat used for skin ailments iscolloidal oatmeal. This type of oatmeal comes in the form of a very fine powder. It can dissolve into liquid and is often added to skincare products. Colloidal oatmeal can coat the skin and protect it from irritation.
Evidence-Based Benefits for Diaper Rash
Oatmeal is a proven treatment for dry and irritated skin. However, because most oatmeal studies have involved adults instead of infants, talk with your child’s healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician, before trying a new natural treatment.
One 2014 study found that skin creams that contained oatmeal were more effective than those without oatmeal. People who used oatmeal skin creams reported less dry and cracked skin than those who did not.
Colloidal oatmeal is also an effective treatment for eczema. Adults who use colloidal oatmeal products experience fewer and less severe eczema symptoms. Colloidal oatmeal creates a barrier on the skin to help protect it from irritants and seal in moisture. This type of oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness or discoloration, swelling, and itching.
If preparing your own oats, drop a spoonful of oat powder into a glass of warm water. If the oats dissolve in the liquid, they are ready for a bath.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using an infant tub manufactured on or after October 2, 2017, to ensure that it meets current safety standards. The AAP does not recommend using a bath seat that fits into a larger bathtub because it can easily tip over.
As the water runs, slowly add your oat powder, about a teaspoon at a time. This will ensure the oats dissolve into the water rather than clump together. You may need up to 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal for a bath.
Gently place your little one into the bath and use your hand or a clean cup to pour water over their skin. Limit bath time to 10 to 15 minutes.
Anti-Itch Creams and Home Remedies for Kids
An oatmeal bath may be right for your child if they have mild diaper rash and do not have an allergy to oats. Fortunately, reactions to oatmeal products are rare.Your child may not tolerate an oatmeal bath if they are allergic or sensitive to oats.
While diaper rash is common, it can become serious. If your little one experiences frequent diaper rashes or one that never heals, see your child’s healthcare provider. Some diaper rashes can lead to fungal or bacterial infections thatrequire treatmentwith an antifungal or antibiotic medication.
To lower your child’s risk of diaper rash, change their diaper frequently, keep their skin clean and dry, and use a barrier cream if needed.
A Word From Verywell
—DANIEL COMBS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Talk with your child’s pediatrician if they continue to experience chronic diaper rashes or any rash that doesn’t go away.
9 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.
Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al.Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):43-48.
Ilnytska O, Kaur S, Chon S, et al.Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) improves skin barrier through multi-therapy activity.J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(6):684-690.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes & treatments.
Capone K, Kirchner F, Klein SL, Tierney NK.Effects of colloidal oatmeal topical atopic dermatitis cream on skin microbiome and skin barrier properties.J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(5):524-531.
Kalaaji AN, Wallo W.A randomized controlled clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of an active moisturizing lotion with colloidal oatmeal skin protectant versus its vehicle for the relief of xerosis.J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(10):1265-1268.
Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The efficacy of colloidal oatmeal cream 1% as add-on therapy in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema: a double-blind study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:241-251. doi:10.2147/CCID.S246021
Maarouf M, Hendricks AJ, Shi VY.Bathing additives for atopic dermatitis - a systematic review.Dermatitis. 2019;30(3):191-197. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000459
Criquet M, Roure R, Dayan L, Nollent V, Bertin C.Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/CCID.S31375 This is the best source for this info, although from 2012.
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