Organic Remedies for Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common condition that affects most babies at some point in their new lives. It appears on the buttocks, thighs, or any area covered by diapers. It is characterized by a red rash and may be caused by a number of things. Diaper rash affects the baby physically but the family as a whole. The last thing a new mother and father needs is to stress from seeing their newborn suffer.
Causes and Remedies for Diaper Rash
Baby's skin is very delicate and doesn't stand up to diaper friction. Compare it to if you've ever had a tag on the inside of your shirt rub you until your skin was raw. This can usually be remedied by loosening the diaper and airing out your baby's skin. Application of an organic, protective solution may also be warranted. Allergic reactions from detergents, wipes, diapers or clothes can also cause diaper rash. Try switching to an all-natural laundry detergent. Use natural diapers and baby wipes such as Seventh Generation®. It is important also to use only organic clothing with newborns. Hanna Anderson or UnderTheNile.com have a good selection.
Stool or urine on the skin can contain substances that can irritate your baby's skin and create prime conditions for the development of diaper rash. Stool or urine may contain bacteria, yeast, parasites or other toxins which could cause diaper rash. Change the diaper regularly and clean thoroughly. Apply an organic solution to provide a barrier against harmful toxins. Heat rash, sometimes called prickly heat rash, is caused by the baby's skin getting too hot under the diaper. It can be relieved by frequent airing and cooling of your baby's skin.
Moisture left on the skin for a long period of time causes the skin to become more permeable and susceptible to bacterial/yeast infection and damage. Frequent diaper changes can help ease the discomfort and minimize the symptoms of this type of diaper rash. You may also want to change to a more absorbent, all natural diaper.
Are Diaper Rash Creams Safe?
When treating a baby's irritated skin with a commercial diaper rash cream, you may actually be slathering your child's sensitive skin with toxic chemicals. Talc, a common ingredient in many children's products, and is also a common carcinogen.[1][2]
Watch for these ingredients in diaper rash creams or powders:
- DMDM Hydantoin - Type of Formaldehyde
- Parabens - May cause Skin Irritation & Immune System Issues[3]
- Triclosan - Has been linked to Hormone Disruption[4]
How to Make My "Organic Diaper Rash Remedy"
I developed the formula below at the request of many mothers and my wife. I have personally used this formula with my 2 children who never had diaper rash and have recommended this formula to many new mothers.
Making an organic, toxin free diaper rash remedy at home is economical, fun, environmentally friendly and friendly to your baby's skin.Ingredients Needed:
- 3 ounces organic extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
- 3 ounces organic hempseed oil. I use the Living Harvest Brand.
- 1 ounce organic raw unprocessed extra virgin coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- 9 drops organic lemongrass essential oil
- 9 drops organic tea tree essential oil
Directions: Add the olive, coconut and hemp oils together in a glass bowl (pyrex bowels work great) and place over the lowest heat on your stove until the coconut oil has melted and blended with the olive and hemp oils - you can also hold the glass bowl slightly above the burner. As soon as the oil is melted, remove from heat, stir and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add the 9 drops of lemongrass and tea tree and stir to mix well. Store the solution at room temperature with a lid at your changing area. Apply to diaper area with an organic cotton ball after cleaning your baby's skin and just before applying a new diaper 2-3x daily or every third diaper change. If your baby experiences a reaction, discontinue use immediately and please let me know.
It is best to make small batches at a time to keep the oils fresh and active so I do not recommend doubling or tripling the recipe to make larger batches. Avoid refrigeration as this will solidify the oils.
This combination of oils will not only moisturize your baby's backside, it will also protect and disinfect it without disrupting the skin's natural protective properties.
Let me know how this works for you!!
References (4)
- Hollinger MA. Pulmonary toxicity of inhaled and intravenous talc. Toxicol Lett. 1990 Jul;52(2):121-7; discussion 117-9. Review.
- National Toxicology Program. NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Talc (CAS No. 14807-96-6)(Non-Asbestiform) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies). Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser. 1993 Sep;421:1-287.
- Nagel JE, Fuscaldo JT, Fireman P. Paraben allergy. JAMA. 1977 Apr 11;237(15):1594-5.
- Nik Veldhoena, Rachel C. Skirrowb, Heather Osachoffb, Heidi Wigmoreb, David J. Clapsona, Mark P. Gundersona, Graham Van Aggelenb, Caren C. Helbinga. The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology. 2006 December 1. vol.80 issue 3, pages 217-227.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
