Diapers are mostly used for babies to keep them dry and warm during the day and make them sleep comfortably during the night. Using diapers also helps to prevent bad odors and helps to reduce the growth of bacteria in the baby’s clothes and bedding.
Did you know using diapers constantly can create rashes on your baby’s skin? You might already come across this problem when your little one cries when you remove or put on diapers. Most mothers generally use the babycare products including lotion and powder to prevent this skin issue.
Do you use the majority of the skincare products for babies available in the market containing harmful chemicals like Parabens, Formaldehydes, etc.? According to Fox News, there are 5 toxic chemicals available in baby care products that you should avoid at any cost.
Alternatively, you should rely on using home-based remedies like cornstarch for diaper rash to provide your baby instant relief from irritation caused by the long use of diapers. Cornstarch is a natural remedy for treating rashes which calms sensitive skin and dries out the area.
However, there is still confusion among mothers regarding the safety of cornstarch or any side effects it can cause. In this write-up, we will make you aware of the cornstarch and help you decide whether you should use it for diaper rash or not.
What Is A Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a fine, powdery substance that is made from the starch of corn kernels. It is commonly used in cooking as a thickening agent for sauces, gravies, and dessert fillings. Besides that, it can also be used for non-culinary purposes, such as in personal care products like body powder, and as a natural remedy for skin irritation or diaper rash.
As per the data shared by the US Department Of Agriculture, cornstarch for diaper rash contains approximately 128 grams of portion in 1 cup quantity. Talking about the nutritional facts about cornstarch, here are the further details:
- Water- 8.32 gram
- Energy- 381 kcal
- Protein- 0.26 gram
- Total Lipid- 0.05 gram
- Ash- 0.09 gram
- Carbohydrate- 91.3 gram
- Fiber- 0.9 gram
- Sugar- 0 gram
Talking about the effectiveness of cornstarch for diaper rash, it has a soothing property that treats skin issues like irritation. In the case of babies, who have delicate skin, it is vital to understand the safety of cornstarch.
Can I Use Cornstarch For Diaper Rash?
According to the National Institutes Of Health(NIH), the use of cornstarch for a diaper rash can be beneficial if used under the prescribed amount. It can even worsen the rashes with candidal infection. Using too much cornstarch or leaving it on the skin for too long can also cause the following problems:
Respiratory Infections
Accidental inhalation of cornstarch or talcum powder can also lead to severe respiratory infections in infants. The FDA recommends the following warning on talcum powder products: “Keep powder away from a child's face to avoid inhalation, which can cause breathing issues.” In addition, cornstarch powder spread in the air via a Ceiling fan can make a newborn sick. So it is advised to keep the cornstarch for diaper rash away from to avoid inhalation.
Choking
Choking by cornstarch can be a rare occurrence in babies but it can be possible as the baby wants to eat whatever they see in front of them. If the babies eat the cornstarch accidentally it can cause choking. That’s why you should avoid keeping the cornstarch powder in front of the baby.
Skin Infections
While cornstarch is effective in reducing friction and absorbing moisture, it may not be beneficial for every baby with diaper rash. If the rash is caused by another reason then it may not be effective and may cause skin infection or other issues.
How To Use Cornstarch For Diaper Rash?
Applying cornstarch on diaper rashes can be helpful to get instant relief but it should be used correctly and in moderation. Overuse of cornstarch can cause skin problems and severe infections. However, if you decide to use cornstarch for diaper rash you can follow these steps:
- Always remember to keep away the cornstarch from the baby's face while using it.
- Clean your hands properly before using cornstarch.
- Dry out the area before applying cornstarch and sprinkle a small amount on the affected area.
- Gently massage the cornstarch into the skin until it is fully absorbed.
- Repeat the same process whenever you change the baby's diaper.
- If your baby's diaper persists or becomes worse you should consult the issue with a pediatrician.
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Alternate Home Remedies For Treating Diaper Rashes
You should be more careful with the products you put on your babies because their skin is very sensitive. Although cornstarch is a safer option for treating diaper rash, there are also many other safer alternatives available. We’ll talk about some of the top home remedies for diaper rashes below.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can be helpful and a great alternative to cornstarch for diaper rash as it is a natural product and is non-toxic. It is an odorless ointment that can be applied directly to the skin. Petroleum jelly helps to keep the bottom area of the baby and prevent the area from rash with regular friction of the diaper.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil proves to be an amazing and natural remedy for rashes. It contains natural oil which helps to soothe the skin and prevent irritation. It can help to protect the skin from infection and other skin problems.
Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel can be another home remedy for diaper rashes. It does not contain any harmful chemicals and can be used to treat skin rashes. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce diaper rashes naturally.
Breast Milk
As we all know breast milk contains a lot of nutrients and it is the best milk for the baby. Many researchers believe that breast milk can also help to heal the diaper rash when used on the baby's skin as breast milk contains antibodies that can lessen the growth of bacteria. However, it is also essential to know how long breast milk is good for after warming for applying on diaper rashes. You should use the breast milk within 3-4 hours after pumping it.
How To Prevent Diaper Rashes In The Future?
Diaper rashes can irritate a baby's skin and cause other skin infections. To prevent rashes you can try different remedies like cornstarch for diaper rash at home and can also follow a few preventive measures which are discussed below.
Use Cloth Diaper
Cloth diapers are eco-friendly which can also reduce waste and promote sustainability. Using cloth diapers can also prevent diaper rash, remember the cloth diaper should be made of cotton. It cannot hold baby pee for a longer duration so you should change them frequently.
Avoid Tight-Fitting Diaper
Tight-fitting diapers can also produce rashes on the baby's skin. If the child is healthy you can choose one size larger than the regular one. Larger sizes can allow your baby's skin to allow air to circulate and prevent skin rashes.
Less Use Of Diaper
To protect your baby's skin from rashes it’s important to avoid using a diaper. While at home you can use cloth diapers and give your baby some diaper-free time. You can use them at night or while going out.
Wrap Up
From the above discussion, we learn that corn starch is a helpful remedy for diaper rash, but it should be used correctly to avoid other infections in the baby's skin. Always note that any product you put on the baby's skin should be checked properly before using it as the infant's skin is more sensitive. It is also important to note that cornstarch for diaper rash is not effective with all babies' skin.
You should try to use it in the right manner and avoid keeping it in contact with the baby. As an alternative, you can use breast milk on the skin-affected areas. According to the experts, pumped breast milk is the best to treat diaper rashes. If your rashes appear severe, do not improve, or cause any other problems you should consult with your healthcare provider.
We hope you will get the information regarding cornstarch for diaper rash in this blog. Make sure to follow the steps discussed above while using cornstarch and reach out to a child medical expert in case of severe skin issues. To get such insightful medical information, subscribe to our newsletter.
