Treating Diaper Rash Using Only Natural Ways
February 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Go Green Baby
Any baby that wears diapers is going to have diaper rash at some point. Unfortunately, many of the conventional treatments for diaper rash contain harmful chemicals that should be avoided.
As we have all heard, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, which definitely applies when treating a baby’s diaper rash. If diaper rash can be prevented, then it would save the baby a lot of discomfort and you a lot of money. For instance, if cloth diapers will be used, then cotton or wool would be best in that these materials can breathe. Typically, babies in cloth diapers have fewer breakouts of diaper rash than babies wearing disposable diapers do. It is also important to change the baby frequently so he or she is not sitting in moisture. Using a training technique known as Elimination Communication is a great tool in that it teaches you to see signs that the baby needs to go potty before the diaper is soiled.
For babies that wear disposable diapers and have recurring problems of diaper rash, you might give some thought to using cloth diapers to see if the problem is alleviated. Even if the baby is already in cloth diapers but having diaper rash, the corners can be folded down so there is better air movement. Even switching from the current type of laundry soap and running the diapers through the rinse cycle twice can make a significant improvement.
Another method of dealing with diaper rash is to let the baby run around the home without a diaper. As long as the baby can move about freely and while still being watched for signs of needing to potty, diaper rash will heal quickly. If the baby gives any indication, then he or she can be placed on the potty and encouraged to go.
While there are many different causes of diaper rash, the most common cause is a type of yeast called Candida. Rash caused by this yeast would be shiny and red in appearance, something even a nursing mother could develop. When there is an overgrowth of Candida, the mother would find nursing painful or vaginal discharge. To help the baby, acidophilus powder can be used, as well as for the mother. This is safe and works well. For older babies, eating yogurt with live cultures is a great fix. Other helpful tips for getting rid or alleviate diaper rash caused by Candida is to eliminate white flour and sugar from the diet. To ease the pain of diaper rash, a past made of baking soda and water will help and kill the yeast.
If a baby has diaper rash, baby wipes should never be used. Especially at this time, the baby’s bottom is sensitive and sore and using wipes will actually make the problem worse. Instead, use a soft wet cloth after each diaper change.
If the diaper rash has progressed to the point of becoming dry and scaly, vitamin E oil helps. Another topical ointment to consider is known as calendula as well as Kaolin powder, which is actually made from clay, helping to dry oozing rash.
For babies that have recently been put on solid foods, seeing diaper rash is common. The reason is that the baby’s body is adjusting so pH levels in stool and urine can cause an outbreak. You should look for a rash specifically around the anus and try to link it to specific foods. This connection could be the result of a food allergy so the food should be avoided until the baby is older and then reintroduced.
In the case of a baby having a severe or even chronic problem with diaper rash, food allergies are likely the cause. The best measure is to meet with the baby’s pediatrician to determine what should be done. In addition, certain foods can be avoided to include eggs, soy, wheat, dairy, and corn. Often, this will stop the diaper rash problem and again, when the child is older, each of these foods can be reintroduced to see if a reaction results.
Sometimes, a baby will have other symptoms with a diaper rash outbreak to include fever or irritability. Additionally, you may look at the rash and feel it looks inflamed and infected. . In these situations, the baby should be seen by the doctor.