Diaper rash is a common skin irritation that affects babies and toddlers and occurs in the diaper-covered region of a baby's bottom. Even with frequent diaper changes about 50% to 65% of all babies get a diaper rash at some point in their lives. It causes red splotches and scales to appear in the genital area and on the child’s bottom and makes skin underneath the diaper become red and tender.
All Babies have very delicate and sensitive skin. Despite the best effort of parents, sometimes diaper rash still occurs. If your baby’s diaper rash is not going away easily, or if you have concerns about caring for your diaper rash, you should consult a dermatologist.
What is diaper rash ointment?
Diaper rash ointment can help treat diaper rash, which is a common skin irritation that affects babies. Diaper rash ointment can create a barrier between the skin and the diaper, reduce friction, and soothe inflammation. Some diaper rash ointments also contain ingredients to heal the skin, such as zinc oxide, petroleum jelly, aloe vera, or calendula.
A diaper ointment, cream, or paste acts as a barrier and protects the skin from moisture, irritation, and infection. Choose fragrance-free products with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly as they provide a barrier to water and infection.
Diaper rash ointments include petrolatum. They are best for everyday use, prevention, or mild rashes. Examples include: Vaseline petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, Triple Paste Medicated, A+D Original ointment etc. Diaper rash creams containing zinc oxide are very good for prevention. They can treat mild to moderate rashes within two to three days.
There are many types of diaper rash ointments available, and some may work better for different causes and severities of diaper rash. Some factors to consider when choosing a diaper rash cream are: price, ingredients, safety, effectiveness, and preference. You can also consult your pediatrician for recommendations on the best diaper rash cream for your baby.
The best diaper rash ointments and creams
The best treatment for diaper rash is to always keep your baby's skin clean and dry as much long as possible. Depending on the severity of diaper rash, it might take several days to improve. If the diaper rash hasn't improved after a few days of treatment at home or come back again and again, talk with your doctor or other health care professional(dermatologist).
Diaper rash ointments are products that help protect and heal the skin from diaper rash. Some of the best diaper rash ointments are:
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment is a natural ointment that helps treat and prevent diaper rash. It contains 40% zinc oxide, which is the maximum strength needed to seal out moisture and protect the skin from irritation.
It also has beeswax, herbs, and oils that nourish and soothe the skin. It is pediatrician-tested and free of phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and SLS.
To use this ointment, you should change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, and apply the ointment liberally with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when the exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If the rash persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.
- A natural ointment with beeswax and herbs.
- Best for those who want a rash ointment with natural ingredients
- Contains 40% zinc oxide to provide a barrier from moisture and protect the skin from irritation.
- Also has beeswax, herbs, and oils to nourish and soothe the skin
- Free of phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and SLS.
- Contains almond oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, which all work to soften and recondition baby’s skin
Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream
Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream is a plant-based cream that helps prevent and heal diaper rash. It contains 15% zinc oxide, which is the maximum strength needed to seal out moisture and protect the skin from irritation. It also has NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend, which is a blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils that nourish and soothe the skin.
Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, petroleum-free, and mineral oil-free. It is suitable for everyday use and can also be used for other skin conditions such as chapped cheeks, minor scrapes and scratches, and dry skin .
To use this cream, you should change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, and apply the cream generously with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when the exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If the rash persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.
- A plant-based cream with zinc oxide and aloe.
- 15% zinc oxide to act as a barrier from moisture and protect the skin from irritation.
- Also has NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend to nourish and soothe the skin
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, petroleum-free, and mineral oil-free.
- Suitable for everyday use .
- An also be used for other skin conditions such as chapped cheeks, minor scrapes and scratches, and dry skin.
Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash
Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash is a pediatrician-recommended ointment that helps prevent, treat, and soothe diaper rash. It contains 12.8% zinc oxide, which is the maximum strength needed to seal out moisture and protect the skin from irritation. It also has oat extract, beeswax, and other ingredients that moisturize and nourish the skin.
Triple Paste is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, preservative-free, talc-free, phthalate-free, and dye-free. It is suitable for everyday use and can also be used for other skin conditions such as chapped cheeks, minor scrapes and scratches, and dry skin.
To use this ointment, you should change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, and apply the ointment liberally with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when the exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If the rash persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.
Triple Paste is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, preservative-free, talc-free, phthalate-free, and dye-free. It is suitable for everyday use and can also be used for other skin conditions such as chapped cheeks, minor scrapes and scratches, and dry skin.
- A medicated ointment with zinc oxide for severe rashes.
- Suitable for everyday use
- A pediatrician-recommended ointment that helps prevent, treat, and soothe diaper rash.
- Contains 12.8% zinc oxide to prevent moisture and protect the skin from irritation.
- Also has oat extract, beeswax, and other ingredients that moisturize and nourish the skin.
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, preservative-free, talc-free, phthalate-free, and dye-free.
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
quaphor Baby Healing Ointment is a skin protectant that can help treat and prevent diaper rash. It contains 41% petrolatum, which forms a barrier to seal out moisture and irritants. It also has mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol, which moisturize, nourish, and soothe the skin.
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and preservative-free. It is suitable for everyday use and can also be used for other skin conditions such as chapped cheeks, minor scrapes and scratches, and dry skin.
To use this ointment, you should change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, and apply the ointment generously with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when the exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If the rash persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.
- A multipurpose ointment for everyday use
- Contains 41% petrolatum to form a barrier to seal out moisture and irritants.
- Also has mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol, which moisturize, nourish, and soothe the skin.
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and preservative-free.
Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama
Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama is a natural balm that helps prevent and heal diaper rash. It contains organic oils, herbal extracts, and botanicals such as calendula and lavender, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is EWG verified, petroleum-free, and artificial fragrance-free.
To use this balm, you should change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, and apply the balm liberally with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when the exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If the rash persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.
Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama is hypoallergenic, vegan, and gluten-free. It is suitable for everyday use and can also be used for other skin conditions such as chapped cheeks, minor scrapes and scratches, and bug bites.
- An organic balm with calendula and lavender.
- Contains organic oils, herbal extracts, and botanicals such as calendula and lavender, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- EWG verified, petroleum-free, and artificial fragrance-free.
- Hypoallergenic, vegan, and gluten-free.
Vaseline petroleum jelly
Vaseline petroleum jelly is a product that can help prevent and treat diaper rash. It contains 41% petrolatum, which forms a barrier to seal out moisture and protect the skin from irritation . It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and preservative-free.
To use this product, you should change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area and allow it to dry, and apply the petroleum jelly generously with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or when the exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If the rash persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.
Petroleum jelly is not a moisturizer and does not nourish the skin. It also does not allow the skin to breathe and may trap bacteria and residue under the barrier.
- A simple ointment for prevention or mild rashes.
- Contains 41% petrolatum, which forms a barrier to seal out moisture and protect the skin from irritation .
- Not a moisturizer and does not nourish the skin.
- Fragrance-free, and preservative-free.
Please note that it’s important to first determine the cause of the rash before applying any ointment or cream to the affected area. If the rash persists or worsens, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.
If the rash is severe, unusual, or doesn't improve with home care, you should see a doctor or other health care professional for advice. They may prescribe a stronger cream or diagnose the rash as another condition.
If a rash persists even with prescription products, your doctor or other health care professional may recommend that your baby see a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist).