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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staff
Over-the-counter products
Various diaper rash medications are available without a prescription. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific recommendations. Some popular over-the-counter ointments are:
- A + D
- Balmex
- Desitin
- Hydrocortisone
- Zinc oxide paste
Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in many diaper rash creams. These products are usually applied in a thin layer to the irritated region throughout the day to soothe and protect your baby's skin. Zinc oxide can also be used to prevent diaper rash on normal, healthy skin.
Ointments or creams may be less irritating than lotions or liquid solutions, but ointments create a barrier over the skin and don't allow it to receive air. Creams dry on the skin and allow air through. Your doctor can tell you whether a cream or ointment would be better for your child's particular rash. As a general rule, stick with products designed specifically for babies.
Increasing airflow
To aid the healing of diaper rash, do what you can to increase airflow to the diaper region. These simple suggestions may help:
- Let your child go without a diaper for short periods of time.
- Avoid using plastic or tightfitting diaper covers.
- Use larger than usual sized diapers until the rash goes away.
While your baby has a diaper rash, avoid washing the affected area with soaps and disposable, scented wipes. Alcohol and perfumes in these products can irritate your baby's skin and aggravate or prolong the rash.
In the past, it was common to use talcum powder to protect a baby's skin and absorb excess moisture. However, doctors no longer recommend this. Inhaled talcum powder can irritate a baby's lungs.
- Horil KA. Overview of diaper dermatitis in infants and children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 12, 2010.
- Cydulka RK, et al. Diaper dermatitis. In: Marx JA, et al., eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. Accessed Jan. 12, 2010.
- Diaper dermatitis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/diaper_dermatitis.html. Accessed Jan. 12, 2010.
- Adam R. Skin care of the diaper area. Pediatric Dermatology. 2008;25:427.
- What can I do if my baby gets diaper rash? American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/pages/Diaper-Rash-Solution.aspx. Accessed Jan. 12, 2010.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 14, 2010.
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