Can I put breast milk directly on diaper rash?

The Efficacy of Breast Milk for Diaper Rash Treatment
In the realm of natural remedies for common infant ailments, breast milk has emerged as a potential treatment for diaper rash. Many parents have heard anecdotal claims about its effectiveness, but what does the research say?
Understanding Diaper Rash
Diaper rash, or diaper dermatitis, is a prevalent condition affecting infants, characterized by red, inflamed skin in the diaper area. It can be caused by various factors, including prolonged exposure to moisture, friction, and irritants in diapers. While conventional treatments often include barrier creams and ointments, some parents are turning to breast milk as a more natural alternative.
Research Insights
Recent studies have indicated that breast milk may indeed have beneficial properties when applied topically to diaper rash. According to experts, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing. One study highlighted that infants treated with breast milk showed a significant reduction in the severity of their rashes compared to those who received standard treatments.
In a controlled study, mothers applied breast milk to their infants’ diaper rashes three times a day, allowing the area to air dry before re-diapering. The results suggested that breast milk could be as effective as traditional treatments, such as hydrocortisone ointment . This aligns with findings from another study, which concluded that breast milk was not only safe but also comparably effective in treating diaper rash.
How to Use Breast Milk for Diaper Rash
For parents considering this natural remedy, the application process is straightforward. Experts recommend applying a small amount of breast milk directly to the affected area, allowing it to dry before putting on a fresh diaper. This method not only utilizes the healing properties of breast milk but also minimizes the risk of further irritation from moisture.
Conclusion
While the evidence supporting the use of breast milk for diaper rash is promising, it is essential for parents to monitor their child’s condition closely. If the rash persists or worsens, consulting a pediatrician is advisable. Overall, breast milk presents a gentle, natural option for treating diaper rash, aligning with the growing trend of using natural remedies in infant care.

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.

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.

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 worsens diaper rash?

Overzealous cleansing can cause or worsen irritation and delay skin healing. Gentle cleansing with warm water and a soft cloth is usually sufficient. If soap is desired, a mild, fragrance-free product (sample brand names: Dove sensitive or Cetaphil) is recommended.

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).

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.

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 …

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 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.

How to make breast milk diaper cream?

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil until it’s all melted and smooth.
2. Stir in room temperature breastmilk.
3. Stir in your essential oils (I did 2 drops tea tree oil, 4 drops orange oil, 4 drops lavender oil)
4. Pour into jar, put lid on and put in fridge.