Babies have sensitive skin, making them prone to various types of skin irritations. Their antibodies and immune systems are just starting to develop, so it is usually hard for their body to fend off infection. As a parent, seeing your baby suffer from diaper dermatitis is difficult.
This is why parents must make sure that their baby is cleaned well. Aside from this, parents often make an effort to seek natural products that won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin or allow harsh chemicals to be absorbed.
If you are a concerned parent who wants the best for your baby, this article is ideal for you. Because rashes and infections are an inevitable part of your baby’s life, we will discuss two of the most common types of rashes among infants, and the natural remedies that you can use to treat them.
What Is Diaper Dermatitis?
Diaper dermatitis is the term given to any one of a number of skin rashes. The most common types of diaper dermatitis can be broken down into two main categories — irritant diaper dermatitis and candidiasis.
A third type, seborrheic diaper dermatitis is a chronic condition that affects the diaper area as well as other parts of the body. Its cause is not known.
Source of (Irritant) Diaper Dermatitis vs Candidiasis
Irritant diaper dermatitis
Irritant diaper dermatitis is also referred to as contact diaper dermatitis. This type of diaper rash can be caused by chafing, or harsh chemicals within the disposable diapers, or due to the presence of chemicals in laundry detergent.
Candidal diaper dermatitis (yeast infection)
Candida albicans is a fungus that lives in the GI tract. The dark, warm, moist environment that the inside of the diaper poses, along with the bacteria in urine and feces, creates an ideal situation for candidal diaper dermatitis to develop.
Diarrhea can also increase the risk of acquiring this infection. Often an infant yeast infection occurs in conjunction in association with oral thrush. Moreover, irritant diaper dermatitis is often a precursor to candidal diaper dermatitis.
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Signs Of Irritant Diaper Dermatitis vs Candidiasis
Irritant diaper dermatitis and yeast infections may seem similar but are quite different. Irritant diaper dermatitis is typically seen around the baby’s genital area, buttocks, and may extend to the thighs, stomach, and waist area. The rash is red and shiny. Mild inflammation may occur.
The rash of a yeast infection is a deeper shade of red and shiny. Satellite lesions may also be present. Moderate to severe inflammation may occur.
The skin may develop flakes and pus. Shedding of the first layer of skin might also be present. Candidiasis begins in the creases of skin folds, then spreads.
Both types of diaper dermatitis typically start within 2 months of age and can last for up to 24 months.
Treatment – Irritant Diaper Dermatitis vs Candidiasis
Diaper dermatitis treatment varies between irritant diaper dermatitis vs candidiasis because the source differs. Irritant diaper dermatitis is caused by chafing or exposure to harsh or potentially toxic ingredients. A fungal or yeast infection causes candidal diaper dermatitis.
Irritant Diaper Dermatitis Treatment
Apply cornstarch
Applying powder to your baby’s diaper area will help prevent the formation of moisture, which causes diaper rash. You can use it after you apply organic baby rash cream when changing the diaper. Ideally, you can keep a container of cornstarch in your diaper changing area for convenience.
When using cornstarch, pour it first in your hands – away from your baby. Then, apply it to your baby’s bottom. This ensures that the powder does not get into your baby’s lungs.
Consider coconut oil
Coconut oil provides a protective barrier to your baby’s skin while soothing and hydrating it at the same time. Organic coconut oil can be an ideal treatment for irritant diaper rash because of its easy application. It is natural and easy to access because it is readily available.
Candidiasis Dermatitis Treatment
Breast milk
Moms who are breastfeeding may be surprised to learn that breast milk doesn’t just provide nourishment to their baby; it also treats diaper rash.
Breast milk has biodynamic properties and natural anti-infective properties. It is also packed with antibodies. (It should be noted that scientific results remain mixed regarding the effectiveness of breast milk [1] )
Apple cider vinegar
According to research, apple cider vinegar blocks candida growth that can cause fungal infections. It is an ideal home remedy that’s readily available in your kitchen.
During bath time, you can pour a cup of apple cider vinegar in your baby’s bathwater to kill harmful bacteria and yeast.
Or, dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and use it to cleanse your baby’s bottom. These methods may help prevent diaper rash and keep your baby safe from infection.
Make sure that you dilute the apple cider vinegar to ensure you don’t further irritate your baby’s skin [2].
Olive oil
Olive oil is another soothing and natural alternative, as it contains antimicrobial properties. Apply a small amount of olive oil using cotton balls to soothe your baby’s diaper area. Olive oil is cheap, easy to find, and it will not harm your baby’s soft skin [3].
Homemade diaper cream
You can create your own natural diaper cream at home. You need a few basic ingredients, and you probably already have some in your home.
To make the cream, combine ½ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup shea butter, 1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles, 1 tablespoon bentonite clay, 2 Tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide.
(A few drops of chamomile essential oil is optional. These ingredients have antifungal properties that may help prevent yeast diaper rash by applying the cream after every diaper change.
You can store the homemade cream in your refrigerator. (Remember, first to rub it with your hands to warm it up before applying it to your baby’s skin.)
Organic Diaper Rash Cream – Diaper Dermatitis Treatment
For those parents who care deeply for their child, but don’t have the time for homemade treatments, MADE OF organic baby skincare has the solution.
Their diaper rash cream is free from soy, nuts, bleach, fungi, or bacteria. Also, no GMO ingredients are used.
With MADE OF diaper rash ointment, you know what you are putting on your child. On each product page, you can see what organic ingredients are used in creating their products, where they are sourced, and where the end product is made.
MADE OF calls this their Ultimate Transparency Promise. Because their diaper rash cream is NSF Organic Standard, at least 70% is organic content by weight.
These organic baby products also have been certified by Leaping Bunny, is EWG Verified, and Certified Gluten-Free.
MADE OF understand that parents want to ensure their child’s well-being. Using MADE Of products allow parents to know what they are putting on their child.
Parents can take advantage of valuable time with their baby as they don’t have to make natural products themselves.
When to call the doctor
If the rash does not heal or worsens within a few days, it is best that you see your baby’s doctor so that they can give a diagnosis. Infections sometimes require antifungal creams, antibacterial ointments, oral antibiotics, or prescription-strength steroids.
Sometimes, it is not just a simple rash but a symptom for a more serious condition. Never use a medicated cream on your infant without first checking with their doctor.
Prevention is key
The chances are excellent that at some point, your baby will develop diaper dermatitis. Prompt diaper changes are a necessity to try to reduce episodes of diaper rash.
Since their immune systems are still developing, babies are somewhat defenseless against bacteria and infection.
Their diaper area needs to be washed with a mild organic cleanser to wash away bacteria without the use of harsh or potentially toxic chemicals.
After washing your baby’s bottom, the area should be patted dry to prevent moisture formation. Lastly, give your baby some “air time” without a diaper.
Diaper Dermatitis Resources:
[1] Mayo Clinic; Diaper Rash, March 21, 2018.[2] Healthline; 10 Easy Home Remedies for Rashes, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., October 25, 2018.
[3] Mayo Clinic; Diaper Rash, March 21, 2018.
