Best Remedies for Diaper Rash

Baby backside wearing diaper
iStock/Kuzmik_A

The dreaded diaper rash: When your baby has it, all you want to do is get rid of it. Find out what an expert and other moms consider to be the best cure.

Hydrocortisone Cream

"I recommend applying FixMySkin Healing Body Balm Unscented with 1% Hydrocortisone to help soothe the symptoms of diaper rash. The hydrocortisone helps to treat inflammation and irritation. Check with your dermatologist or pediatrician if your baby is under 6 months of age. It's important to change your baby's diaper often -- usually as soon as it is soiled -- and to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. If you notice signs of infection (blisters, fever, redness, swelling, or a worsening rash), it's time to see your pediatrician. Often, diaper rash can be caused by a yeast infection, so it may be important to be seen to treat this with an alternative medication." -- Joel Schlessinger, MD, board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf contributor, New York, NY

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Ointment/Powder Combo

"The only things that worked for us were Aquaphor and cornstarch baby powder. My baby has only had two diaper rashes, but when we're going to be in the car for a long time and before we put her to bed, we just use the baby powder and she stays dry."

Paste With Zinc Oxide

"My son had a bad rash when he was just a wee thing. I tried so many creams and nothing helped. Then my sister suggested Triple Paste and within a couple of days he was healing well!"

Breast Milk

"Breast milk works for everything -- rashes, cuts, scrapes, scratches, burns, sun burns, and pink eye. It clears it all up within two days max."

Oatmeal Bath

"Run a tub of warm water and put plain oatmeal in it. It's very soothing. There are also pastes and creams that have oatmeal in the ingredients."

Ditching the Baby Wipes

"We use damp washcloths instead of wipes and then leave baby without a diaper for a little bit throughout the day on a waterproof surface."

Prescription Cream

"I tried various diaper rash creams and the rash became 100 times worse. I ended up taking my baby to the doctor and they prescribed Nystatin, which is for yeast diaper rashes. I used it one time and the rash was almost completely cleared up."

The advice on CafeMom aims to educate, inform, and provide a range of solutions to the issues moms care about. It is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.

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What's the best remedy for my baby's diaper rash? Skin Care