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Can I put breast milk directly on a diaper rash?

Can Breast Milk Help Treat Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is a common concern for parents, affecting many infants at some point during their early years. As caregivers seek effective remedies, the idea of using breast milk as a treatment has gained attention. But does it really work?
The Science Behind Breast Milk’s Efficacy
Research indicates that breast milk can indeed be beneficial when applied topically to diaper rash. A study highlighted that breast milk possesses antibacterial properties, which may help in healing the skin and reducing inflammation associated with diaper dermatitis. This natural remedy has been noted for its effectiveness, with some studies showing that it can be as effective as conventional treatments like hydrocortisone ointment.
In a clinical evaluation, infants suffering from diaper rash were treated with either breast milk or a 1% hydrocortisone ointment. The results demonstrated that breast milk was not only safe but also comparably effective in alleviating the symptoms of diaper rash. This suggests that for many parents, applying breast milk could be a viable option, especially for those looking for natural remedies.
How to Use Breast Milk for Diaper Rash
Applying breast milk to a diaper rash is straightforward. Parents can simply express a small amount of breast milk and gently apply it to the affected area. It’s advisable to let the milk dry on the skin before putting on a fresh diaper, allowing the beneficial properties of the milk to work effectively.
Considerations and Expert Opinions
While many parents have reported positive outcomes from using breast milk for diaper rash, experts caution that results can vary. Some studies have shown mixed results, indicating that while breast milk can be effective, it may not always outperform other treatments. Therefore, it’s essential for parents to monitor their child’s condition and consult with a pediatrician if the rash persists or worsens.
In summary, breast milk can be a helpful and natural remedy for diaper rash, thanks to its healing properties. However, as with any treatment, it’s important to consider individual circumstances and seek professional advice when necessary.

How to air out baby diaper rash?

However, despite your best efforts, your baby still may get diaper rash. You can usually clear it up in three to four days on your own. Give your baby “air time” on a blanket on the floor without a diaper on. Exposure to the air will speed healing.

What should you not do with a diaper rash?

Wash your baby’s diaper area gently with warm water. When your baby has a diaper rash, try to avoid soaps and baby wipes (these can irritate sore skin). Let the skin dry fully. Then apply a diaper ointment or paste that contains zinc oxide (such as such as Desitin, Triple Paste, Balmex, or a store brand).

Can I put breastmilk on baby dry skin?

A 2015 study showed that breast milk was as effective as hydrocortisone 1% at treating mild to moderate eczema. Goodbye to dry, flaky skin.

Can I put breastmilk on a diaper rash?

Researchers concluded “breast milk can be an effective, safe and convenient remedy.” Similarly, this 2013 study found that breast milk was just as effective in treating diaper rash as hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment alone and reiterated that “human breast milk is an effective and safe treatment for diaper dermatitis …

What does acidic diaper rash look like?

Symptoms of severe diaper rash
Your baby’s skin is red, raw, broken or bleeding. Your baby has a rash with blisters, pimples (which may drain pus), sores, boils or other red bumps. The rash covers a large area. It may have a bright red border or be worse in the creases and folds.

What calms a diaper rash in a bath?

If the bottom is very raw, soak in warm water for 10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda to the tub of warm water. Do this 3 times per day. Then, put an anti-yeast ointment (such as Lotrimin) on the rash.

How much breast milk in bath for diaper rash?

Fill your baby’s bath with lukewarm water as usual. Add 150–300 mL of breast milk. This amount should be just enough to make the water cloudy or milky. Let your baby soak for 5–15 minutes while you splash the milky water over their body.

Can you put breast milk on a rash?

Breast milk has natural antibacterial properties, so it can be used to treat a range of skin problems, including cuts and scrapes. Common skin problems may appear during lactation and breastfeeding, particularly affecting the nipple, areola, and breast.

How to get rid of a rash overnight?

Simple ingredients like oatmeal, baking soda, apple cider vinegar (diluted), or aloe vera gel can aid in soothing skin rash. For instance, a colloidal oatmeal bath helps to calm inflammation, and a baking soda mixture can reduce itching. Over-the-counter creams and ointments are another effective rash relief option.

How to clear diaper rash fast?

How to Treat Diaper Rash in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Clean your baby’s skin. Always keep your baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible.
  2. Allow diaper area to dry. One key step to healing diaper rash is keeping the area clean and dry.
  3. Apply a DESITIN® diaper rash treatment to protect baby’s tender skin.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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