Diaper rash is a common condition in babies and children under two years. It occurs when the skin gets irritated and red due to continuous wetness or chafing in diapers. While it isn’t serious, it can be very uncomfortable for the affected person. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies you can use at home that will help.
Essential oils are great at treating skin conditions. They have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the affected area. Additionally, they reduce redness, itching, and inflammation on inflamed skin. The best essential oil for diaper rash is lavender oil due to its antiseptic properties which can help fight infections in your baby’s irritated skin.
Spearmint and tea tree oils also have antibacterial and antifungal properties which help in fighting infections, while chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that reduce redness and inflammation.
Safe essential oils for babies and how to use them
If you want to use essential oils its vital that you only use safe ones. We have done a full guide to natural remedies for diaper rashes and you can read the guide here.
Lemon
Lemon oil is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic that boosts the immune system and treats infection in your baby’s irritated skin.
Lavender
This is one of the best essential oils for diaper rash because it has antiseptic and analgesic properties. It reduces inflammation and redness while keeping your baby’s skin soft and supple.
Tea Tree
This is one of the most popular essential oils for diaper rash.
It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can fight infections in your baby’s irritated skin.
It also reduces inflammation and redness, while keeping your baby’s skin soft and supple.
Spearmint
This is another effective essential oil for diaper rash because it has antiseptic properties which can fight infections in your baby’s irritated skin. It also has analgesic properties that reduce redness and pain caused by diaper rash.
Chamomile
This is an effective essential oil for diaper rash because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces redness and pain caused by diaper rash, giving your baby immediate relief.
How to use essential oils for diaper rash
The best way to incorporate lavender oil into your baby’s care regimen is by adding a few drops of it in your baby’s bathwater after each bath. You can also apply a few drops of this oil directly to the affected area. Itching and inflammation will be reduced almost instantly and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in a few days.
Tea tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil can be added to your baby’s bath water or applied directly to the affected area after every diaper change. Alternatively, you can combine a few drops of this oil with carrier oils such as coconut or olive oil and apply it to the inflamed skin. Apply this mixture several times daily until the rash clears up.
Spearmint oil
Spearmint can be added to your baby’s bathwater or can be directly applied to the affected area after every diaper change. If you prefer topical applications, mix spearmint oil with another carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil and apply it several times daily until the rash clears up.
Chamomile Essential oil
Chamomile can be added to your baby’s bath water or applied directly to the affected area after every diaper change.
Alternatively, you can mix chamomile oil with another carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil and apply it several times daily until the rash clears up.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil has antiseptic properties that can fight infections in your baby’s irritated skin, just like tea tree and spearmint oils. It also has analgesic properties that help soothe the affected area. Just mix frankincense essential oil with another carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil and apply it several times daily until the
Clove Essential Oil
Any essential oil that contains high levels of eugenol is known to have antiseptic properties. Clove essential oil has high levels of eugenol and can be used as a safe alternative for tea tree or lavender oil because it can promote healing in your baby’s irritated skin. Mix clove oil with another carrier oil such as coconut or aloe vera gel (aloe vera is amazing for diaper rash). This is great for blood circulation.
What not to do when using essential oils for diaper rash
It’s important you understand that essential oils aren’t a substitute for diaper rash ointments. You should still use the recommended diaper rash ointment on your baby’s skin when needed.
Make sure you’re not allergic to any of these essential oils before using them on your baby’s skin by testing a few drops in a small area of the affected area or on his inner forearm.
If you’re unsure of what ratio of essential oils to use or which oil to use, consult a doctor or a qualified aromatherapist for more information on how to use these oils in your baby’s care regimen.
Why essential oil is considered a natural remedy?
Essential oils are natural remedies because they are distilled from plant products.
They have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including respiratory infections, skin problems, digestive issues, stress relief and more.
Their effectiveness is attributed to the compounds found in these oils that work synergistically with our body’s systems to help maintain our physical and emotional wellness.
When applied topically to the skin, essential oils are easily absorbed into the body through your baby’s thin skin which makes them effective for treating diaper rash symptoms.
The benefit of using essential oil in your baby’s care regimen is that it can reduce itching and pain while fighting off infections in his irritated skin.
The topical application of essential oils is considered to be safe for your baby because it’s non-toxic. Even when used in high concentrations, they have no negative effects on the body. However, you should stop using essential oils if your baby shows signs of a rash or an allergic reaction such as swelling and itching.
What Should You Mix Essential Oils With?
When using essential oils for diaper rash you need a base oil like coconut oil to mix to create your diaper rash cream. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter – any base oil for your DIY diaper rash cream for use on baby’s diaper rash.
You can also use these oils in babies bath. We’ve done a full guide to the best baths to heal diaper rashes here.
What do you need to know before starting your baby’s aromatherapy treatment?
Choosing the right essential oils Always use high quality organic essential oil when using it in your baby’s care regimen. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts that can be very potent especially if they’re not of good quality. Higher quality essential oils have more therapeutic benefits with fewer risks.
How to administer essential oils safely for your baby?
You should never use undiluted essential oils directly on the skin. Mix a drop of your chosen oil with a teaspoon of coconut or jojoba carrier oil and then apply it over the affected area. This will help avoid any allergic reactions that may occur while protecting your baby’s delicate skin.
A safe alternative to using essential oils topically on your baby’s skin is by diffusing them in the air so they can be inhaled. You should also consider using baths and foot pads for your baby if you’re planning to use essential oils or vitamin e oil as a treatment for diaper rash symptoms.
What other substances are commonly used alongside essential oils?
Herbs such as calendula and chamomile get rid of diaper rash symptoms by reducing redness and inflammation. Lavender oil is also a good addition to your baby’s care regimen because it has antiseptic properties that fight off infections.
Salves or ointments with beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter and zinc oxide also provide effective treatment for diaper rash symptoms. Vitamin E oil can be included in your baby’s care regimen to help reduce the look of scars caused by diaper rash.
What essential oils treat diaper rash?
- Chamomile oil is an excellent choice in your aromatherapy regimen because it works as a natural anti-inflammatoryto reduce swelling and redness.
- Tea tree oil is also a good choice because it’s known for its antimicrobial properties that help fight off infections that usually lead to the development of diaper rash.
- Lavender essential oil works as an analgesic, which means it can relieve pain caused by diaper rash symptoms and the antioxidants promote healing and enhances blood circulation which allow skin cells to heal quickly.
- Lemongrass or lemon essential oil has antifungal properties that can kill the yeast responsible for diaper rash.
- Rosemary oil has antibacterial agents that also work to treat yeast infections in the diaper area..
- Geranium oil is an excellent choice because it helps in treating a full range of skin problems including rashes, wounds and scratches.
Put in a spray bottle and dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil or aloe vera gel. You can even use this with baby wipes for any skin-related conditions. To create a protective barrier mix with shea butter to prevent diaper rash. You can even mix with breast milk to create a natural protective barrier with incredible healing properties.
What other essential oils treat diaper rash?
- Basil essential oil has antifungal properties that can treat diaper rash and yeast infections.
- Jasmine oil is used for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. It’s known as a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce redness and irritation caused by diaper rash.
- Orange oil contains anti-inflammatory agents that help decrease the pain caused bydiaper rash.
- Lemon oil is effective in treating diaper rashes because it has antiseptic properties that can help heal wounds and prevent infections.
How do essential oils treat yeast infections in babies?
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus containing yeast cells that form when the good bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina are killed off. These can lead to diaper rashes because Candida albicans feed on carbohydrates found in urine.
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective essential oils for yeast infection as it contains antifungal properties that help eliminate fungi and prevent new yeast cells from growing.
Rosemary oil has antibacterial agents that also work to treat yeast infections.
What are common side effects of essential oils?
Essential oils are generally considered safe, but they’re not free from possible side effects. These can range from skin irritation to nausea if you inhale too much of them during aromatherapy sessions.
Always consult a medical practitioner before using these products to avoid possible side effects.
Are essential oils safe to ingest?
Never ingest essential oil because it can be toxic if you do. If you’re planning to use them as dietary supplements, ask a medical practitioner first and follow the recommended dosage information on the packaging label.
What other substances are commonly used alongside essential oils?
Herbs such as calendula and chamomile get rid of diaper rash symptoms by reducing redness and inflammation. Lavender oil is also a good addition to your baby’s care regimen because it has antiseptic properties that fight off infections.
Salves or ointments with beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter and zinc oxide also provide effective treatment for diaper rash symptoms.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good for diaper rash?
Yes. Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for yeast infections caused by Candida albicans, which are one of the most common causes of diaper rash. Always dilute essential oils and change a soiled diaper quickly. If your baby has more sensitive skin remember to do a patch test.
The Bottom Line on Using Essential Oils to Treat Diaper Rash
Essential oils are a natural way to treat diaper rash and other related symptoms. In addition to tea tree oil, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary essential oils may also be effective in treating diaper rash. Always consult with a medical professional before using any essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Oils should never be ingestedt.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
