Is milk of magnesia the solution to diaper rash?
Surely this is just an old wives tale?
I mean a laxative for rashes, are you kidding me?
Well, let’s dig deeper into this!
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What is Milk of Magnesia?
Milk of Magnesia is a magnesium hydroxide suspension that is used as an antacid and laxative.
It works by neutralizing stomach acids and drawing water into the intestine, which helps to soften stool. Milk of Magnesia is available over the counter and comes in both liquid and tablet form.
Liquid milk of magnesia is usually taken by mouth, while tablets are often used as a rectal suppository.
Milk of Magnesia is not recommended for long-term use, as it can cause magnesium toxicity.
Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Milk of magnesia is a magnesium hydroxide suspension which is used as an antacid and laxative.
It contains about 12% magnesium oxide and has a pH of around 11.
This high pH makes it effective in treating diaper rash by creating neutralising acid skin irritants.
Our favorite magnesia for babies:
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Is milk of magnesia good for diaper rash?
There is some evidence that milk of magnesia can help to treat diaper rash.
It is thought to work because it is an antacid and it neutralises the acid in urine which might be causing the rash.
Some people also find that it helps to soothe the skin.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using milk of magnesia for rash.
For one, it can be a little messy to use.
It also needs to be applied regularly in order to be effective, which can be a challenge if you are already dealing with a fussy baby.
Finally, milk of magnesia is not always readily available and may require a trip to the pharmacy.
Is magnesium good for diaper rash?
Yes, but it can be messy.
We’ve found it’s best to make a natural diaper cream with milk of magnesia and shea butter or even coconut oil as a home remedy for diaper rash.
Mix these ingredients in a small container and have them ready to use when you change diapers.
First, clean the diaper area and apply milk of magnesia to the diaper rash.
After that, seal the diaper and wait five minutes.
After that, reopen the diaper and apply butt-paste. When applying the milk of magnesia, do not rinse or wash it away.
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How do you use milk of magnesia for diaper rash?
When mixed with a barrier cream like zinc oxide, to form a butt paste for baby’s skin it can be a very effective cure for diaper rash.
If you want to use it on its own, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, with a very very fine nozzle, then spray onto the affected area at the next diaper change.
To finalise you can then put corn starch over the terrible rash (as a baby powder rather than using talcum powder) to keep the baby nice and dry.
Anecdotal reports from mothers have told us this completely healed their baby’s bad diaper rash.
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Can Milk of Magnesia be Use with Cloth Diapers
Yes, it washes off very well if you use it either in spray form or in a paste form. You might want to use a paper liner to protect your cloth diapers from any staining.
Moms have told us how their poor baby have found relief from using a magnesia based butt paste.
If you are mixing the magnesia with zinc oxide, this can be used with cloth diapers as whilst it might stain the diapers it will not cause any repelling issues.
No matter what type of diaper you use, always ensure that you leave plenty of diaper-free time between changing and air dry your baby before putting a diaper back on.
You can then reduce pain and irritated skin for kids by using a natural ointment.
If your child has an adverse reaction always speak to your pediatrician.
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Will Milk of Magnesia Work on a Yeast Rash?
Yes, milk of magnesia can be used to treat a yeast rash, however it is better to use a cream specifically designed for yeast rashes.
It is important to make sure that you do not mix with cornstarch if you have a yeast rash.
Cornstarch is a common home remedy for diaper rash, but it can make a yeast rash worse. If you are not sure if you have a yeast rash, speak to your doctor.
The Bottom Line
So, is milk of magnesia a good solution for diaper rash?
It depends on your individual situation.
If you are comfortable with using it and have easy access to it, then it may be worth a try.
Otherwise, you may want to consider other options. It does neutralise acidic urine and poo and if you feel this is the cause of the diaper rash then it could be the best option for you.
Other natural remedies to cure diaper rash include aloe vera, olive oil for diaper rash or even an Epsom salts bath for diaper rash.
Remember never to give milk of magnesium to a baby orally.
