Diaper rash is a common ailment that babies deal with. It is a specific form of dermatitis that comes in the form of inflamed skin and patchy redness on your baby’s bottom.
In most cases, infants are the subjects of this condition, but it can appear in anyone who wears diapers. Infrequent changing or extra sensitive skin are factors that trigger diaper rash.
Making changes to the diaper routine and applying home remedies and ointments, including baking soda, can go a long way towards helping diaper rash. Let’s learn more about how baking soda can help this condition.
What Is Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is skin inflammation that is mostly characterized by redness in the genital and buttock area. Changes in your baby’s behavior, such as increased crying during washing/diaper replacement, could be a warning sign of the ongoing condition.
While a relevant treatment (ointment/home remedies) can usually improve the situation, you will want to consult with a doctor if it doesn’t go away in a matter of a few days. Symptoms such as bleeding, fever, or pain during urination/bowel movements are red flags that you should pay attention to.
The main cause of diaper rash is the infrequent changing of diapers. If the skin is exposed to feces or urine for a long period of time, irritation/inflammation is almost inevitable.
Another common cause is a reaction to a new product, such as baby wipes or diapers that your child isn’t used to. This is quite common for babies who have more sensitive skin.
Lastly, antibiotic treatment can have a side effect of depleting good bacteria. This can result in a yeast infection that can further lead to inflamed skin and diaper rash.
What Is a Baking Soda Bath?
Compared to Epsom salts, baking soda is less expensive. It is used for treating skin conditions rather than for improving circulation and nerve function. Furthermore, even if you aren’t suffering from any ailment, it can go a long way in terms of providing relaxation after a hard-working day.
Can you use it for treating diaper rash? Absolutely, it is fantastic for a number of skin conditions, and it can also help reduce perspiration, boost your immunity, and relieve pain.
Additionally, baking soda can be used as a home remedy for relieving yeast infections, as well as chickenpox, eczema, and psoriasis symptoms.
How To Use a Baking Soda Bath For Diaper Rash
The first question is whether this method is safe, and the answer is generally yes.
While most people don’t have any negative reactions to baking soda you will want to take extra precautions and consult your doctor if you suffer from diabetes, have high blood pressure, or currently have any open wounds.
One of the best ways to test whether your baby is sensitive to baking soda is to apply a paste on their inner forearm, rinse it off, and wait 24 hours to see whether any skin reaction will appear. If it doesn’t, then you can be 100% confident to use it as a natural ointment.
It is as simple as putting two tablespoons of baking soda into a warm bath and letting your baby enjoy the bath for 10 minutes or longer. After that, take a clean towel and gently wipe your child with it (like you usually do).
Is There an Alternative?
While we consider the baking soda bath to be one of the most effective home remedies, all-natural yogurt also works fantastic.
It not only provides a relieving, cooling effect, but it also moisturizes the skin, which can go a long way in terms of healing diaper rash.
Summary
The most important thing is not to panic if your baby has developed a diaper rash. At the end of the day, changing your baby’s diapers more often, as well as applying some home remedy treatment (such as the baking soda bath that we have reviewed), should relieve and heal the condition in as little as a few days!
