Skin rashes are common among children. It’s especially problematic because a baby’s delicate skin is still underdeveloped and fragile, making it susceptible to dryness, burns, and skin irritation.
For many parents, cornstarch for baby rash remains a popular natural solution for irritated skin. But is cornstarch for diaper rash a reliable treatment that is safe for your baby’s sensitive skin?
In this article, we tackle the common types of baby rash and their causes, the effects of using cornstarch for baby rash, and its good and bad alternative solutions.
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Types Of Baby Rash
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash or nappy rash is the most common type of skin irritation among babies. It occurs when the baby’s skin is irritated by the moisture and friction caused by cloth or disposable diapers.
It is even more prevalent among older children who have to wear a diaper throughout the night. The wetness of the diaper can not only cause a diaper rash but also potentially trigger a yeast diaper rash as well [1].
Symptoms of diaper rash include red patches of skin that can be seen around the baby’s bottom where a diaper has been. Sometimes the skin is more pinkish with bumps but is slightly raised and feels warm when touched.
Parents can help prevent diaper rash by changing wet diapers promptly when soiled. Also, make sure that your baby’s skin is dry before putting on a new diaper. Parents often apply baby powder as a skin protectant on their babies after a diaper change.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is another type of skin irritation that babies can quickly develop. Unlike a diaper rash, a heat rash typically occurs during dry, humid weather. Baby’s sweat can get trapped under their skin when their sweat glands are blocked, resulting in itchy red bumps.
The rash can spread from the baby’s head and neck down to the shoulders and chest. Infrequent diaper changes can also trigger the heat rash on your baby’s bottom.
To prevent both heat rash and diaper rash from developing during the summer, make sure to dress your baby in lighter garments. In warm locations, make it a point always to keep your baby’s room cool and well-ventilated.
Heat rash in babies usually resolves on its own after three or four days. When you see a heat rash developing, remove the clothes in that area and allow the air in to cool down the skin. However, if it becomes worse, seek help from your pediatrician.
Baby Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that is believed to be influenced by genetics. While it can sometimes look similar to a diaper rash, remember that eczema is rough to the touch and can spread to various regions of the body.
Many babies grow out of this skin problem. If baby eczema flares up often and your little one becomes fussy or uncomfortable, contact your pediatrician.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis is common among newborn infants. The condition causes skin inflammation with crusty or oily patches. It typically develops on a baby’s scalp, but it can also affect the cheeks and the area around the nose and eyes.
If your baby is not experiencing any distress, there is no need to treat cradle cap. If you do want to treat it, wash your baby’s head with gentle organic baby shampoo to loosen the patches. Follow up with a soft bristle brush to remove flakes.
Baby Acne
Baby acne in newborn babies is nothing to worry about as it clears up on its own without treatment after a couple of weeks or months. Baby acne typically occurs in babies from 2 weeks to 6 months of age and appears as tiny, red pimples.
However, sometimes, it is present at birth. If your baby’s acne still does not fade away after 2-3 months, check with your doctor to get a second opinion.
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Common Causes Of Baby Rash
Bacterial Infection
Infections caused by bacteria can cause various skin problems, including diaper dermatitis. One complication of diaper dermatitis is the development of bacterial infections. With cases of cellulitis, the red, swollen area may feel warm to the touch.
A parent may see fissures (cracks) in the skin when they look closely. Impetigo typically occurs around the mouth and nose as well as the hands and feet. The sudden rash swelling and itchy scabbing are highly contagious. Both of these infections should be treated with antibiotics, either in cream or dropper form.
Allergens/Irritants
It’s easy for babies to develop skin problems when exposed to allergens and irritants, including pollen, dust, milk, dairy products, peanuts, or chemicals in the diaper.
Your child can also develop an allergic rash from chemicals in detergents, soaps, shampoos, and baby wipes. Skin allergies can look like diaper rash, often appearing as red patches of skin.
Why Cornstarch Is Used To Treat Diaper Rash
Organic cornstarch is effective against diaper rash because of its high moisture absorbency. Cornstarch baby powder is a safe substitute to talcum powder for keeping your baby’s skin dry, clean, and comfortable [2] .
Although some parents believe that cornstarch powder will aggravate a baby rash that is accompanied by a secondary yeast infection, there isn’t hard evidence to support that. It is safe to soothe baby’s bottom with cornstarch. A yeast infection is typically bright red in appearance with defined borders.
It can be quite itchy and uncomfortable for your baby. A yeast infection should be treated with a medicated anti-fungal diaper rash cream. It’s essential you contact your pediatrician before applying any medicated cream on your baby, regardless if they are over-the-counter.
Talc Baby Powder vs. Cornstarch
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. Some talc contains asbestos. Unlike talcum powder, cornstarch does not pose the risk of asbestos contamination. Talc that contains asbestos is generally accepted that, if inhaled, can pose severe health risks.
Any powder should be applied with caution so that it is not inhaled. To do this, you can put some on your hand, then apply it to your baby [3].
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Alternatives For Diaper Rash – Good Or Bad?
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, an oil-based ointment that acts as a skin protectant for your baby, is considered an alternative for cornstarch for diaper rash. Petroleum jelly is known to seal moisture in your baby’s skin after a diaper change. Petroleum jelly is a popular choice for many parents, as many remember it from their childhood.
However, though generally regarded as safe, it may not be as harmless as you think. This is because depending on the grade of purity, it may not be completely non-toxic. Moreover, petroleum jelly can clog pores and rub off easily against your baby’s diaper, further disabling the diaper to absorb wetness efficiently [4].
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a rock that originates from volcanic ash. For centuries, this mineral has been thought to help clear skin up from acne as well as dirt and toxins. Recently it has become more known in the baby skin care industry.
However, there is little evidence to support its touted benefits. Not only that but the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) found that there can be dangerously high levels of lead [5].
Organic DIY Diaper Rash Cream or Ointment
Some parents choose to make their own diaper rash remedies. If you make your diaper rash cream or ointment, you can easily incorporate skin-healing oils such as coconut oil, tea tree oil, and aloe vera.
However, although tea tree oil is especially filled with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it is not recommended for children under 6 months old. Always spot-test an area of the affected skin first to check for allergies.
Choose MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder
For parents looking for a natural solution to sooth or prevent baby rash, but do not have the time to make DIY baby powder, consider MADE OF organic baby powder. This talc-free baby powder is made from 94% organic ingredients and 6% natural ingredients.
MADE of baby powder is formulated using organic kaolin clay, organic arrowroot, corn starch, and sodium bicarbonate to form the base of the powder. It also includes organic argan oil, organic aloe vera, and organic vitamin E for added healing and soothing comfort.
Cornstarch For Baby Rash Resources:
[1] Medline Plus; Rash – Child under 2 years.[2] Made Of; In Cornstarch (Maize) Safe For Baby?, Vanessa Fontenot.
[3] American Cancer Society; Talcum Powder and Cancer, The Cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association, 1976.
[4] Campaign for Safe Cosmetics; Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly.
[5] Food & Drug Administration; FDA Warns Consumer Not to Use “Best Bentonite Clay”, March 23, 2016.
