Diaper rash most commonly occurs between the ages of six and nine months, or when the baby begins to sleep through the night. This skin irritation is characterized by the red and inflamed bumps which develop where the diaper lies against the skin. The rash is itchy and irritating to the child. Cases range widely from mild and easy to treat, to fierce and stubborn. Persistent rashes are usually complicated by an additional candida fungal infection, where pimples and scales develop. Candida yeast usually shows up in the creases of the groin. If the rash spreads to other areas of the body, it is more likely to be psoriasis, seborrhea or eczema.
Diaper rash is primarily caused by prolonged contact of wet or dirty diapers against the child's skin. In addition, ammonia is formed as a result of bacterial decomposition of urine and stool. Some rashes persist, despite regular changing. A highly acidic urine due to acid-causing foods, such as canned, boiled or concentrate of fruit juices, can be the cause of a persistent rash. Breast-fed children are less likely to be troubled with rashes in general. If the irritation occurs around the anus, rather than the skin of the buttocks, a food allergy is likely the cause.
Plastic and rubber prevent air circulation and trap moisture and heat, which hinder healing. Using too much or too harsh a detergent on cloth diapers, or using disposable diapers on particularly sensitive skin, also causes problems. Candida yeast infections often complicate simple diaper rash and require persistent treatment. These are particularly common after antibiotic use. Digestive disturbances should also be considered if the stool or urine smells strongly, and other possibilities have been eliminated.
Diaper rash is often caused by an acidic urine due to excess acid-causing foods in the diet, particularly meats, grains, boiled or canned fruit juices and juices from concentrate. Instead, give the child fresh-pressed juices and raw or lightly steamed vegetables and fruits, which are non-acidic. Mashed bananas and cooked rolled oats are healing foods.
Diaper rash in a breast-fed infant may be due to a deficiency in the mother's diet of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K or essential fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The body makes GLA from omega-6 linoleic acid, found in cold-pressed, unrefined nut and seed oils. Unrefined, cold-pressed safflower oil should be used daily on salads of dark green, leafy vegetables as a good source of vitamin K as well as of omega-6 linoleic acid. Eggs provide the nutrients the mother may be lacking. Wheat germ is another valuable source of fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin E, and should be added to the morning breakfast cereal or muesli until the diaper rash is cleared up.
Diaper rash in bottle-fed babies can sometimes be a symptom of a fungal infection called thrush, due to vitamin A deficiency. If the baby is ready for his or her first solid foods, puréed carrots are an excellent starter food rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A).
As long as the diaper is being changed regularly, rashes respond well to supplementation with essential fatty acids. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid available in evening primrose oil, is highly recommended. A deficiency in GLA prevents the body from forming prostaglandins, which are necessary for developing healthy skin. This deficiency is common in bottle-fed babies. Open a capsule and rub onto the skin inside the wrist and upper legs for absorption through the skin.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus supplementation is essential in cases of thrush or candidiasis, as these repopulate the natural beneficial bacteria which fend off fungal infection. This is most important for bottle-fed children. Cradle cap and eczema are also helped by this supplement.
Daily dosages:
For the Baby:
Vitamins A and E, 1 capsule each opened and applied directly on the baby's rash
Evening primrose oil, open 1 capsule onto the skin
Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus combination, 1 capsule or 1/2 tsp. in the bottle
For the breast-feeding Mother:
For the rash that persists despite regular changing, take 15,000 IU of vitamin A and 400 IU of vitamin E for three or four days
Apply medicinal herbs directly onto the baby's rash or add to bath water for soothing relief.
To soothe and heal the rash, add a 1/2 cup of lemon balm, camomile and/or marigold infusion to the baby's bath water.
After the bath, dry the area well and dab on St. John's wort oil mixed with a tiny amount of orange or lemon oil to soothe and heal.
Make a paste with ground comfrey and lemon balm for healing and soothing the affected area. Make sure the area is meticulously clean when applying ointment or paste of the comfrey root as a poultice. Add 1 drop of tea tree oil to the poultice to control fungal infection.
For an old country remedy that always brings relief, prepare a paste from 1 cup of fresh marigold petals, 1 cup of olive oil, and 1 tbsp. of beeswax. Melt the ingredients and sieve into a jar. Dab on affected area.
Place fresh, washed and crushed plantain leaves in the diaper for cooling and soothing the rash.
Calendula cream with flax seed oil, tea tree oil and aloe vera gel are also effective topical remedies.
Calendula ointment is recommended by most homeopaths for diaper rashes. It is more effective than calamine or zinc lotion and is very soothing and healing on the skin.
Before choosing a tissue salt, be sure the conditions are ideal for the skin to heal, including regular changing, as poor conditions will delay healing. Tissue salts will often help resolve persistent problems. Give 2 tablets twice daily for up to one week if necessary. Stop once the rash improves.
Use Ferr phos for inflamed skin which is red, hot and irritated. It can also be applied locally as a paste when mixed with a little water.
Kali sulph helps resolve a variety of skin problems—rashes that form watery yellow discharges or crusts and wet eczema. Skin that peels away in scales or is sticky also indicates this remedy.
Nat mur resolves tiny, watery blisters that irritate or thin, white scales. The skin can be greasy or dry.
Nat phos is useful for creamy, golden, acidic discharges associated with sour perspiration and irritation.
Consider Silicea for persistent skin problems associated with copious sweating of the head and feet. Sensitivity to cold and desire for warmth are common.
Bathe the child in lukewarm water a few times daily. Warm water increases circulation and promotes healing.
Soap is not absolutely necessary. Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to bath water. After bathing, thoroughly pat dry and apply a mild skin oil, such as olive oil, calendula cream, comfrey ointment or plain, natural yogurt.
Petroleum jelly prevents healing, and perfumed lotions and creams irritate the skin further.
Two tbsp. of vinegar into the second of two or three layered diapers at night will neutralize the ammonia.
Use cornstarch, arrowroot powder or clay powder rather than talc or commercial baby powders to keep the area dry. Talc is considered a cancer-causing agent and scented commercial powders contribute to the rash.
Change diapers immediately after they are wet and, especially after a bowel movement, wash baby's bottom with clean water. The chlorine in tap water also causes irritation, so use distilled water instead.
Fresh air and sunshine promote healing.
If possible, keep the baby's bottom well ventilated. Instead of using diapers, place absorbent materials under the baby. Spagnum moss is known for its absorbent qualities. American Indian women used cattail down. Sheepskin is a cost-efficient cradle liner. It absorbs moisture and is easy to launder.
Instead of using strong detergents to wash diapers, add 20 drops of pure tea tree oil to each gallon of water, stir and soak diapers overnight.
Nutritional Supplements
DDS Acidophilus (Inno-Vite)
Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)
Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)
Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
St. John's Wort Extract (Natural Factors)
External Therapies
Evening Primrose Complexion & Body Lotion (Aubrey Organics)
Rescue Cream / Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd)
Bentonite Clay, Hydrated (Inno-Vite)
Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)