Diaper rash is the appearance of rashes or inflamed patches on the baby’s bottom. [1]
Babies who wear disposable diapers are the most common victims of this skin condition [2].
It can also affect elderly adults who wear adult diapers. For instance: those who suffer from paralysis or urinary incontinence [3].
One of the best natural solutions to try is baking soda.
Medical research supports the efficacy of baking soda for diaper rash treatment.
Read on to learn how to use baking soda for diaper rash natural remedy. Plus, know
the causes and symptoms of diaper rash in babies.
How Baking Soda Can Help Cure Your Baby’s Rashes
The question in every parent’s mind:
Does baking soda work in relieving diaper rash?
Those who have tried this remedy would say yes, but let’s look at the scientific evidence that support the use of baking soda for diaper rash.
1. Baking Soda Fights Bacterial and Fungal Infection
One of the most common causes of diaper rash is a fungal infection.
Bacteria, meanwhile, can cause secondary infection once the rashes break into lesions.
It’s a good thing baking soda is both an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
A study conducted at the University of Iowa proved that baking soda’s bactericidal effects work on Staphylococcus aureus. It is a strain of bacteria found in the skin [8].
This bacterial strain causes infection on the skin when it multiplies and spreads [10].
Other studies show that baking soda can inhibit the growth and spread of fungal species [11, 12].
It also prevents fungal strains from adhering to the skin.
2. Baking Soda Alleviates Itching
Itching is one of the most annoying symptoms of diaper rash that can make your baby very fussy.
To relieve this, you can make use of baking soda. A study found in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology proved that baking soda has anti-pruritus effects. [13]
3. Baking Soda Maintains Proper pH Balance of The Skin
Baking soda is alkaline in nature. So, it can reduce acidity in the skin.
It is also believed to restore the proper balance of pH. Thus, it helps in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as diaper rash.
How to Use Baking Soda for Diaper Rash Treatment
Try these remedies that make use of baking soda and other natural ingredients to get rid of diaper rash.
1. Baking Soda and Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulfate. The natural ingredient is very effective for soothing aches, pains, skin itch, and irritations. [14]
Adding baking soda and Epsom salt to your baby’s bath water is an easy way to tone down diaper rashes.
How to prepare baking soda and Epsom salt bath for diaper rash:
Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in warm bath water. Soak a washcloth in the bath water.
Press this on your baby’s skin. Let your baby soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Use warm water to wash it off.
Pat your baby’s skin dry with a clean towel. Do this procedure every day for one to two weeks.
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2. Baking Soda and Water
A mixture of baking soda and water is also effective in reducing diaper rashes. You can use this remedy for spot treatment.
Learn how you use baking soda for spot treatment:
To prepare this remedy, you will need 1 tablespoon of water, 1 ½ tablespoon of baking soda, and warm water.
Combine baking soda and water to form a paste. After rinsing your baby’s bottom with warm water, apply the paste using a sponge. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off Pat it dry, and put on a new diaper.
Repeat the remedy once a day for one week.
3. Baking Soda and Yogurt
The good bacteria in yogurt fights off harmful microorganisms that causes skin infection.
How to use yogurt and baking soda for diaper rash in baby:
For this, take cool water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
Mix baking soda and yogurt. Before changing a new diaper, wash your baby’s bottom with this combination. Rinse it off with cool water. Use this remedy every time you’re about to change a diaper. Do this for up to two weeks only.
4. Baking Soda and Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a mild and safe cleanser for your baby’s sensitive skin.
How to prepare oatmeal and baking soda bath for diaper rash :
To prepare this, you will need ¼ cup of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of milk, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and warm bath water.
Put oatmeal in a blender. Blend until oatmeal turns into fine powder. Add this to milk and stir in baking soda. Pour the mixture into your baby’s bath water. Bathe baby in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
Pat her dry with a clean towel. Do this daily for up to one week.
5. Baking Soda, Honey, and Milk
Both milk and honey work in relieving inflammation and pain caused by diaper rash.
How to prepare diaper rash bath using baking soda, honey, and milk:
To prepare this remedy, you will need 1/2 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 cup of milk, and warm bath water.
Add all ingredients to the bath water. Have your baby soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse her with warm water. Dry her with a clean towel. Use this procedure once a day until rashes disappear.
6. Baking Soda and Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has soothing effects. It not only tones down swelling and pain but also helps in calming down your fussy baby.
Here is a simple method of using baking soda and lavender oil:
Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and 2 drops of lavender oil.
Dilute lavender oil in water. Add baking soda and mix to form a paste. Apply the mixture to your baby’s bottom before changing her diaper. Wait for five minutes before wiping it off. Put on a new diaper.
Do this technique once or twice a day for one week.
Read More: 14 Essential Oils for Babies to Relieve Colic, Diaper Rash, and Other Issues
7. Baking Soda and Aloe Vera Gel
We all know that ‘aloe is so good for almost everything!’
So why not use this all-good thing for your baby’s soft bottom as well? The bottom of your baby deserves to be pampered. Nothing can be more pampering that an aloe vera remedy.
Aloe vera gel mixed with baking soda creates a soothing effect in its application. It reduces the inflammation caused by the diaper rash.
It deals with the redness. And it also creates a protective layer to prevent more rashes from appearing.
How to use baking soda and aloe vera gel to make a remedy:
For this remedy, you will need 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 3 tablespoons of lard, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Mix aloe vera gel and half of the lard. Clean your baby’s soft bottom with cold water and then apply a thin layer of the mixture.
Next, mix the rest of the lard with the baking powder. Apply another layer of this mix over the previous layer. Wait for five minutes before wearing off your baby a fresh diaper. Do this twice a day for a faster response.
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Other Benefits of Baking Soda
Most people think of baking soda as nothing more than an ingredient for baking.
The truth is:
There are many uses of baking soda that people should make use of. It has countless practical purposes in and around the home.
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. Historical records show that this substance has many beneficial effects on human health.
Some of its health benefits include:
- Ease stomach pain
- Treats a cough and sore throat
- Promotes digestion
- Heals injuries
- Relieves bloating and flatulence
- Neutralizes acid in the stomach
- Destroys harmful microorganisms like fungi, parasites, and molds
- Shortens the duration of flu and cold
- Balances pH level in the body
- Relieves pain and exhaustion
- Promotes kidney health [6, 7]
Read More: How to Use Aloe Vera for Gastritis, Ulcer, and Stomach Infections
Causes Of Diaper Rash
Here’s a quick list of some of the most common causes of diaper rash:
- Friction – Rubbing the skin against wet diapers causes rashes to develop.
- Skin irritation – The skin can also get irritated from urine, feces or baby wipes.
- Fungal infection – Diaper rash can be caused by an infection of fungi. Particularly by Candida albicans, which thrive in wet and moist environments.
- Allergic reaction – Rashes may be an allergic reaction. It may occur because of the diaper itself or soap, laundry detergent, or baby wipes.
- Dietary changes – The introduction of solid food can increase the acidity of your baby’s poop. This can make your baby more prone to diaper rash. [4, 5].
Read More: How to Effectively Use Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash
When to See a Doctor?
Diaper rash is usually not a cause for concern, and it can be easily solved at home. But, there are certain circumstances in which you should consult a doctor. The cases include:
- Severe rashes
- Rashes that worsen even after home treatment
- Rashes that bleed, ooze or itch
- Rashes that affect urination and bowel movement
- High fever
- Rashes that have spread to other parts of the body
- Rashes that have pus-like leakage or yellow crusting
- Diarrhea for more than 48 hours [5, 6]
For such cases, it’s best to visit your doctor for a check-up. But, for minor diaper rashes, you can turn to baking soda for immediate relief.
Bottom Line
Diaper rash is a very common problem in babies. Almost every baby around the world goes through this at least once during the first three years of their life [2].
Most cases occur when the baby is between nine to 12 months of age [2].
It is during this stage that babies start to eat solid foods. Thus, it can make bowel movements more acidic, which in turn can trigger the appearance of rashes [2].
Diaper rash can make your baby fussy. It can also make it difficult for her to sleep.
Consider using these remedies to put an end to your baby’s suffering. The mentioned remedies include the use of baking soda and other effective natural ingredients.
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