Here are some ways to treat diaper rash fast:
-
Keep the diaper area clean and dry. Change diapers promptly after they are wet or soiled. Use disposable diapers that contain an absorbent gel to draw wetness away from the skin. Clean the area with plain water and a soft cloth or wash their bottom in the tub if needed.
-
Apply a diaper rash cream, ointment, paste, or lotion. Various diaper rash medications are available without a prescription. Some popular products include A + D, Balmex, Desitin, Triple Paste, and Lotrimin (for yeast infections). Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in many diaper rash products. They are usually applied to the rash throughout the day to soothe and protect babies skin. A thin covering will do. The product can be applied over medicated creams, such as an antifungal or a steroid, when needed. You could also apply petroleum jelly on top, which helps keep the diaper from sticking to the paste, ointment, or cream.
-
Increase airflow. To aid the healing of diaper rash, do what you can to increase air exposure to the diaper region. Let your baby go without a diaper and ointment for short periods of time, such as during naps. You can also use a hairdryer (in the cool setting) a few inches away from the diaper area to maximize airflow.
-
Try alternative treatments. Some studies have shown that breast milk, calendula, aloe vera, and shampoo clay (bentonite) can be effective in treating diaper rash. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Positive ingredients or materials for diaper rash treatment include zinc oxide, petroleum jelly, allantoin, calamine, cod liver oil, dimethicone, kaolin, lanolin, mineral oil, talc, topical starch (also known as cornstarch), and white petrolatum.
Negative ingredients to avoid in diaper rash products include baking soda, boric acid, camphor, phenol, benzocaine, diphenhydramine, or salicylates, which can be toxic for babies.
