Traditional Treatment Most diaper rashes respond well to home treatments and require no medical care. If your baby's rash fails to improve after three or four days, see your doctor For an ordinary rash, the doctor may recommend an over-the-counter ointment containing zinc oxide to protect the skin. If there is a bacterial infection present, see your doctor. Alternative/Natural Treatments Aromatherapy - Mix 2 drops each of essential oils of sandalwood, peppermint, and lavender in 4 tbsp of a carrier lotion or oil such as sweet almond oil; gently apply the lotion to the reddened area of skin. Do not use on babies younger than 2 weeks. See our aromatherapy section. Mix 2 drops each of essential oils of sandalwood, peppermint, and lavender in 4 tbsp of a carrier lotion or oil such as sweet almond oil; gently apply the lotion to the reddened area of skin. Do not use on babies younger than 2 weeks. See our aromatherapy section. Herbal Therapies - Calendula cream may relieve diaper rash. Calendula cream may relieve diaper rash. Personal Care At the first sign of redness, wash your baby's bottom with warm water, and dry it thoroughly. Then apply an antiseptic cream and a barrier ointment, such as sorbolene cream mixed with water, or zinc oxide, to protect the skin. Use oilated oatmeal or raw oats in your babys bath. Oatmeal is very good to use on the rashes. Change your baby's nappy as soon as it becomes soiled. Until the rash clears up, avoid plastic pants or diaper covers, which trap moisture. Prevention Keep your baby dry and clean and change the baby's nappy as soon as it becomes soiled. Do not use strong detergents and creams which may irritate your babys skin. When drying nappies, hang them outside in the sun, then put in the drier for several minutes to soften them. Keep nappies off as often as you can to let air into the area - not too often outside in the open hot sun. Wash cloth nappies in hot water and sterilise well. If the entire nappy area is red and irritated, the child may be allergic to your detergent. Try another brand to see if the rash clears. The best preventive measure is to let your baby go without nappies as much as possible. When to seek further professional advice
|