The Best Treatment Options for Diaper Rash

Oh no, while changing your baby's diaper, you discover he or she has an awful rash. Diaper rash grows in warm, moist places. It appears when the skin becomes red and inflamed around the child’s bum and genital area. Sometimes it can spread up the legs and to the stomach. Diaper rash may be more common due to antibiotics, diapers being too tight, irritated skin, the introduction of new foods, and sensitive skin. Fortunately, it is not a serious medical condition, and there are home remedies and creams that can be used to treat it. Let's take a look at some of the best treatment options for diaper rash as well as things you can do to avoid it.

It is best to change diapers often. A small amount of trapped moisture or solids may aggravate the skin and cause a rash. If the baby has a rash, you may need to wake up during the night to change diapers to prevent the rash from getting worse. Furthermore, when changing each diaper, use warm water to rinse your baby’s bum. Do this without rubbing with a soft cloth, and then pat dry.

For babies prone to diaper rash, it is best to use a diaper containing an absorbent gel. This is because it draws the wetness away from the skin.

• HealthyBaby
• Rating: 4.9

These diapers are the first and only EWG-verified diapers. Moreover, they are super absorbent and made with plant-based materials that are gentle on baby's skin. To minimize irritation and rash, it also features flashdry technology. Finally, HealthyBaby diapers are free of lotions, parabens, latex, phthalates, chlorine, fragrances, optical brighteners, and 2,800+ other prohibited ingredients.

• Kudos
• Rating: 4.8

These diapers are hypoallergenic, breathable, and ultra-soft. The inner lining is 100% cotton, and no plastic is used. Furthermore, their diapers are OEKO-TEX Standard certified, meaning they are 100% free of most detrimental chemicals.

• Coterie
• Rating: 4.8

These diapers offer 12-hour leak protection, four times faster absorbency, and can hold 70% more liquids. Baby’s skin will be three times dryer, preventing the possibility of diaper rash. It contains 25% plant-based materials and is free of 200+ chemicals. Finally, it features a wetness indicator for when the diaper needs to be changed. There is also a V-shape slit in the newborn size for the umbilical cord.

• Andie Pandy
• Rating: 4.5

These diapers are ideal for babies with sensitive skin. These premium diapers are made with bamboo and are ultra-breathable, keeping babies dry day and night. Andie Pandy's diapers are TBT, latex, chlorine, PVC, phthalate, and alcohol-free.

• Millie Moon
• Rating: 4.4

This brand is only available at Target; their diapers are free from lotions, fragrances, and latex. They offer 12-hour protection with a high, snug waistband and double leak guard, and they are feather soft.

• Terra Eco Baby Products
• Rating:  4.1

These diapers contain 0% chlorine, bleach, parabens, and phthalates and are latex and fragrance-free. Furthermore, it features a plant-based wetness indicator, helps protect against diaper rash, and has a 100% bamboo fiber breathable back sheet.

• Nest Bamboo Diapers
• Rating: 4

They are 85% regenerative bio-based materials and contain 0% bleach, chlorine, phthalates, latex, parabens, or fragrances. They also provide 12+ hours of breathable dryness and protection against diaper rash. Furthermore, they have a soft waistband with preventative leak guards and are 100% natural wood pulp. Suitable for all skin types.

If your baby has an acute diaper rash, you should let your baby go diaper-free for a couple of hours daily. First, start with about 15 minutes and work your way up. During nap time, it is a good idea. To avoid any mess, consider putting down a large towel or waterproof sheet. When the baby is awake, try diaper-free during playtime, tummy time, and before and after bath time.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean cloth diapers properly. Make sure to use the correct amount of detergent. You may want to consider the type of cleaning product that you are using, as baby could be sensitive to the ingredients used in them. Use fragrance-free detergents, and give cloth nappies an extra rise cycle.

Check the size of the diapers. Babies grow fast, and if wearing the wrong size, it can cause irritation. Diapers that are too small might hold in too much moisture and cause rash growth. On the other hand, diapers that are too big can cause friction when they rub on the skin, making the rash worse. It is important to get the right size to avoid chafing. 

A research study found that colloidal oatmeal may ease inflammation in skin conditions and reduce the itching and pain of diaper rash. Furthermore, oatmeal baths can also benefit those who suffer from eczema. Oatmeal bath treatments are available online and at most drug stores. However, if you don’t have colloidal oatmeal on hand and you have some oats in the pantry, just blend them up into a fine powder and add a spoonful or two to the baby’s warm bath water. Then soak for 10-15 minutes.

You might have bought a different brand of wet wipes that your baby could be sensitive to. Consider switching to a fragrance-free wipe, like Pampers Aqua Pure Baby Wipes, or try a water-based wipe, such as Waterwipes. These wipes are 99% water and less irritating. Waterwipes are available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

When introducing new foods, it should be done in small quantities. Some foods, such as oranges, strawberries, lemons, limes, and tomatoes, can cause stools and urine to become acidic. Keep in mind other foods that contain tomatoes, like pasta sauces and ketchup. These foods should be avoided until the diaper rash has cleared up.

Aloe vera gel is handy to have in the cupboard. It contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it ideal for soothing cuts, scrapes, and sunburn. It has also been used to heal diaper rash. When purchasing, be sure to choose a gel that is 100% aloe vera.

Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and is available at the pharmacy. Firstly, if you want to try it to get rid of diaper rash, do not apply it distilled. Dilute it with equal parts of water and apply it gently to the affected area with a soft cotton ball. Check with your pharmacist about how many times a day it should be applied.

Shampoo Clay should first be mixed with water and then applied to the diaper rash. A recent study found that 93% of babies with diaper rash had seen an improvement within 6 hours of applying Shampoo Clay. It is said that Shampoo Clay works faster than calendula cream.

• Cost: $7.29
• Size: 3.5 oz
• Rating: 4.8

Desitin Skin Protectant and Diaper Rash Ointment is a multi-purpose cream with vitamins A and D. It treats and helps protect diaper rash. Contains 13% zinc oxide and is suitable for the whole family. It is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. This multi-purpose cream can be used to treat diaper rash and relieve chapped lips, minor burns, cuts, and scrapes. According to Robyn on Amazon’s review, “Forever love this product. It's awesome clear, and it works to prevent the diaper rash.”

• Cost: $10.89
• Size: 75ml
• Rating: 4.7

Calendula Cream is a natural anti-inflammatory cream used to get rid of diaper rash. It has been around since 1921 and contains 12% zinc oxide. To use, first cleanse the area and gently pat it dry, then apply a thin layer of cream. According to Nicole on Amazon’s review, “Exceptional cream for baby’s delicate skin. This is an incredible product because it is so effective! The cream is excellent and we absolutely love it. We use it all day long and it keeps our baby's skin from getting sore. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a high-quality diaper cream.”

• Cost: $10.04
• Size: 2 oz
• Rating: 4.7

Triple Paste Sheer Zinc is designed to treat, prevent, and soothe diaper rash. It is multi-purpose and can be used for drool rash and other rashes on the body, face, and hands. Furthermore, it contains 12.8% non-nano sheer mineral zinc oxide and blends with beeswax and oat extract. It is free from preservatives, parabens, talc, alcohol, dyes, and fragrances. Gentle enough to use every day. According to AnnaMarie on Amazon’s review, “Really works. This is the only diaper rash cream I’ll use after trying this product. Works and works fast. Huge difference within a few hours.”

• Cost: $9.97
• Size: 1.7 oz
• Rating: 4.7

Boogie Bottoms Diaper Rash Spray contains 25% zinc oxide and is dye, fragrance, and paraben-free. Furthermore, it contains 20% Dimethicone which creates a thin, breathable barrier that prevents moisture. According to Angela on Amazon’s review, “Easy to use with no mess. This spray is amazing! It provides really good, thick coverage, is easy to use, and I love that I do not have to get cream on my hands. It makes applying it so much quicker during a diaper change. I am not going back to the paste/cream in a tube.”

• Cost: $14.50
• Size: 3 oz
• Rating: 4.7

Esembly Rash Relief Cream contains a 14% non-nano zinc oxide other ingredients include vitamin E, organic sunflower oil, olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter nut oil. A perfect cream for a baby's sensitive skin. Perfect for cloth diapers.  According to Hanna C. on Esembly’s review, “Wonderful, I love the consistency and how it helps my little ones bum. Although I have found there are much less diaper rashes with cloth diapers in general.”

• Cost: $11.79
• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Rating: 4.6

Munchkin HYP03 is the 2023 NAPPA Award winner. This spray is zinc-free and uses a natural substance called hypochlorous, which your white blood cells use to remove bacteria that cause diaper rash. It is not scented and dries without leaving residue. Furthermore, it is steroid-free and can be used seven times per day. Each bottle has over 600 sprays. According to Kelly Michele on Amazon’s review, “Impressed, diaper rash is finally rare in our household!”

Finally, diaper rash usually improves within 2–3 days of treatment. But when should you see the doctor?

• If you have not seen improvement within 4 days of treatment.
• Baby seems lethargic or has a fever.
• Redness in the skin folds.
• Yellow crusty areas. This could be a bacterial infection.
• Small red pimples or white scales. This might be a yeast infection.