Diaper Rash Treatments

Our one year old just got over a raging case of diaper rash. We’re not really sure what caused it, but we think it might be his new-found love for mandarin oranges. Regardless of the cause, however, our pediatrician once suggested an interesting treatment…

First of all, use a soft wash cloth and a hair dryer to clean and dry their bottom. It’s much less irritating and a far more humane way to clean that sore little butt. Next, to sooth the rash area, begin with a skim milk compress. He wasn’t sure exactly how or why it works, but it does! Just soak a washcloth in cold skim milk and then press it against the affected area. The baby might fuss a bit, but take heart! It’s only because the milk-soaked cloth is cold. After the compress, put on a thick layer of Desitin ointment (NOT the creamy kind). The layer should be as thick as humanly possible. This acts as a barrier to moisture and irritants. Keeping the diaper area as clean and dry as possible will help fend off (or heal) diaper rash. In a few days his little toushy should be as good as new.

If you have any other diaper rash treatments and/or speculation as to what causes diaper rash in the first place, please post a comment.