“Baby rash” refers to a skin rash that appears on a baby’s body. Baby rash can occur on different parts of the infant’s body, and for different reasons. Here, we take a look at the ramifications of baby rash, and four topical products that can help remedy it.
What Is Baby Rash?
Baby rash is a broad term that applies to many different types of rash that can appear on a baby’s body. A baby’s skin is sensitive, thin, and easily susceptible to various forms of irritation. Various factors that can cause baby rash include infection, heat, allergies, dampness, certain fabrics, and certain fragrances, as well as contact with the baby’s own urine or feces.
Fortunately, most cases of baby rash are very treatable. While baby rash is often uncomfortable for the baby, it is rarely cause for alarm. Only in a minority of instances is baby rash an indication of a more serious illness. A few forms of baby rash include:
- Diaper rash, caused by the wetness or acidity of baby’s urine or feces
- Cradle cap, a mild form of dermatitis, usually on a baby’s head.
- Eczema, usually on the face, arms, or behind the knees
- Heat rash, caused by overheating in clothes, usually on arms, armpits, neck, torso, or legs
In some cases, baby rash can be accompanied by fever, fatigue, or other symptoms. If this is the case, these could indicate the presence of a viral or bacterial infection or other medical condition. That’s when parents should seek medical attention for their baby. However, mild forms of mere baby rash can often be managed at home by gently cleaning the rash, regular diaper changes, and careful use of appropriate topical remedies.
Products to Remedy Baby Rash
Topical treatments can be useful for treating baby rash, when applied properly. Here are four of the most-recommended topical products that could help remedy baby rash:
Baby oil, also known as mineral oil,is useful for moisturizing a baby’s skin. It could effectively help to remedy or prevent diaper rash, and the skin flakiness and irritation that it causes. Baby oil helps to soften and moisturize the skin. When applying baby oil to a baby’s diaper rash or other rash, first gently clean the skin and allow it to dry. Then gently apply and rub baby oil into your baby’s skin.
Shea butter is a natural moisturizer made from the fat of the shea tree nuts of the karite tree. It has a long history of use as a remedy for minor skin ailments. Shea butter is useful for a baby’s skin because it is considered safe for all skin types, including the thin epidermis of babies. It can be applied to help remedy baby rash. Shea butter can be heated up in the microwave to a mildly warm temperature, and gently applied to a baby’s skin. For a baby’s eczema, shea butter should be applied at room temperature.
Witch hazel is an astringent, meaning that it is used to tighten the skin and its pores. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it potentially useful for treating baby rash. Witch hazel, after being diluted to 50% with water, can be gently applied to baby rash by being dabbed on with a cotton ball. This could treat the skin, such that baby rash begins to be remedied.
Petroleum jelly, or petrolatum, is a fragrance-free topical product that might be useful in alleviating baby rash. It can be soothing on a baby’s skin. However, petroleum jelly works differently than other topical applicants because it retains moisture against the skin. For this reason, other products might be preferred over petroleum jelly.
Baby rash is treatable, and each of the four topical products discussed above could be useful for such treatment. Clean your baby’s skin before applying one of these. Parents should always consult their healthcare provider before using one of these products to treat their baby’s rash, since these may not be safe for some babies, or could have side effects in a minority of cases.