Diaper rash is a common infant skin condition that causes redness, irritation and pain. It's typically caused by prolonged contact with moisture, but it can also be caused by a yeast infection or exposure to high acidity in baby's urine or feces. Most babies will develop a diaper rash at some point, but it's very easy and inexpensive to treat.
Lanolin
Lanolin is an oil produced by the skin of sheep and is extracted from their wool. This substance does a fantastic job of protecting skin from rashes and chafing. Furthermore, it's one of the most natural diaper rash creams available, and many parents prefer it over those containing synthetic ingredients. If you breastfeed, it's likely that you already have some lanolin in your home. It's commonly sold as an ointment for chapped nipples in breastfeeding moms.
Butt Pastes
Despite the odd name, butt paste is the actual name of a diaper rash cream. This treatment was once only available by a doctor's prescription and had to be mixed up by a pharmacist. These days, however, butt pastes are readily available over the counter and are suitable for use on severe diaper rash. Butt paste can contain a blend of zinc, beeswax, castor oil, mineral oil, balsam, petrolatum, paraffin or lanolin.
Zinc Oxide
Few things aid skin healing like zinc, a naturally occurring mineral. Zinc oxide creams are the most common products used to treat diaper rash, and they tend to clear it up quickly. However, you may wish to choose a brand with a softer cream. Some can be very thick, and spreading them on may worsen skin irritation.
Antifungal Ointment
When diaper rash is caused by yeast infection, a standard rash cream won't help. Instead, you'll require an cream with antifungal properties, which is usually only available with a prescription from your baby's pediatrician. These contain similar ingredients to vaginal yeast infection treatments.
Considerations
Choosing a diaper rash cream is usually a straightforward affair, but not in every case. The type you select can be affected by several factors. For instance, most oil-based creams, such as lanolin and butt pastes, aren't suitable for use with cloth diapers. They tend to accumulate in the fabric and interfere with absorbency. Furthermore, because they're greasy, they don't wash out easily. If you use cloth diapers, you'll want to look for a non-oil-based rash cream that contains red clover or calendula.
Another thing to consider is the type and severity of your baby's diaper rash. Zinc oxide cream works well for mild or moderate rashes, but it won't be very effective for severe ones. For severe rashes, you'll want to use a quality butt paste or ask your baby's pediatrician for a prescription-strength type. You'll also need to know whether your baby has a typical diaper rash or a yeast infection of the skin. Both can be caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, and a regular rash can become a yeast infection. To be sure, you should take your baby to his or her doctor. If it turns out to be a yeast infection, you'll need an antifungal cream.
