Is it safe to use coconut oil for diaper rash?

Diaper rash is common in babies, and there are many diaper rash creams available at your local pharmacy. However, many parents want to use as many natural products as possible with their children. Coconut oil is a popular remedy for diaper rash, but does it work and is it safe?

Coconut oil for diaper rash

Coconut oil is obtained from the fruit of the coconut, as the name suggests. In addition to being mild and sweet smelling, the oil has natural properties that are great for the skin. Dermatologists note its ability to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin, reversing the aging process. While your baby won't need help getting older, the fact that coconut oil helps heal skin means that it can also help heal diaper rash.

Various types of rash

Before treating your baby's diaper rash, it's important to determine what type of rash it is:

Chafing: It is the most common rash. It is red in color and often includes small patches or bumps where diapers or clothes often rub against the skin.
Yeast infections: They are a tender, bright red rash caused by an overgrowth of Candida, often due to a buildup of moisture.
Cradle cap. Although it usually appears on the baby's head, this dark red, scaly rash can also appear in the diaper area.
Eczema: Instead of a general rash, your child develops dry, scaly red patches that may itch and cry.
Impetigo: a bacterial infection that develops from another rash or irritation and has large blisters that ooze or ooze

Causes of diaper rash

All diaper rash boils down to irritation. Since your baby is peeing and pooping in the diaper, you might think that this is the cause of all the breakouts. While they are certainly contributing factors, other factors may also be to blame. You may notice fraying where your diaper rubs against your baby's legs and stomach. Over time, these areas become damp.

If you don't change your baby's diaper often enough, the humidity leads to an overgrowth of candidiasis and yeast rashes. Because yeast thrives in warm, humid environments, it can be more difficult to get rid of than other types of rashes.

If your baby has other skin conditions, they may spread to the diaper area. In this case, the rash should be considered as part of the general condition. Remember that if your child's butt gets rough due to the typical rash or chafing, it makes them much more susceptible to other developing skin conditions, such as impetigo.

Diaper rash treatment

Coconut oil is a great way to gently treat diaper rash in your baby. However, it is so mild that it may not be strong enough to improve a persistent rash. If you don't see improvement within 24 hours, try other diaper rash products that contain oil or zinc oxide.

If their rash still doesn't go away, it could be yeast. Look for an antifungal cream to stop the candida overgrowth. After you get rid of the rash, use coconut oil to treat your child's skin and help it heal from damage.

Prevention of diaper rash

Once you've resolved your current diaper rash problem, it's important to prevent it from happening again. It is much easier to prevent a rash than to treat it. You can easily prevent diaper rash with these tips:

Change diapers frequently
Watch the sugar and acidity in your baby’s diet once they are eating real food
Encourage diaper-free time
Use ointment or coconut oil to protect your baby’s delicate skin
Consider diaper and wipe brands that don’t have irritants in their ingredient list

Pain and discomfort

If your baby's diaper rash doesn't go away or gets worse, talk to your doctor. Diaper rash can be very painful and cause other problems if not treated quickly.