Common causes of diaper rash include moisture, irritants, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and allergies.
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How Does an Oatmeal Bath Work?
An oatmeal bath involves mixing crushed or groundoatsinto your babys bathwater.
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It’s OK to use any punch in of oats, including instant or quick oats.
The most common bang out of oat used for skin ailments iscolloidal oatmeal.
This throw in of oatmeal comes in the form of a very fine powder.
It can dissolve into liquid and is often added to skincare products.
Colloidal oatmeal can coat the skin and protect it from irritation.
Evidence-Based Benefits for Diaper Rash
Oatmeal is a proven treatment for dry and irritated skin.
One 2014 study found that skin creams that contained oatmeal were more effective than those without oatmeal.
People who used oatmeal skin creams reported less dry and cracked skin than those who did not.
Colloidal oatmeal is also an effective treatment for eczema.
Adults who use colloidal oatmeal products experience fewer and less severe eczema symptoms.
Colloidal oatmeal creates a barrier on the skin to help protect it from irritants and seal in moisture.
This bang out of oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness or discoloration, swelling, and itching.
Preparing
Preparing an oatmeal bath at home is simple and quick.
Start by gathering your ingredients.
You will need colloidal oatmeal or any oats that have been ground to a fine powder.
If using colloidal oatmeal, opt for products that do not contain any additives or fragrances.
If preparing your own oats, drop a spoonful of oat powder into a glass of warm water.
If the oats dissolve in the liquid, they are ready for a bath.
As the water runs, slowly add your oat powder, about a teaspoon at a time.
This will ensure the oats dissolve into the water rather than clump together.
You may need up to 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal for a bath.
Continue adding oats to the bath until the water appears milky white.
How Do You Give Your Baby an Oatmeal Bath?
Never leave a baby unattended in the bath.
Use the inside of your wrist to test the water temperature.
Limit bath time to 10 to 15 minutes.
After the bath, remove your baby from the water and pat their skin dry.
Avoid rubbing your baby with a towel, as this can irritate their skin.
Once dry, gently rub a baby moisturizer on their skin.
Is It Right for Your Child?
While diaper rash is common, it can become serious.
If your little one experiences frequent diaper rashes or one that never heals, see your childs healthcare provider.
Some diaper rashes can lead to fungal or bacterial infections thatrequire treatmentwith an antifungal or antibiotic medication.
A Word From Verywell
Barrier diaper creams can help heal mild rashes.
Summary
An oatmeal bath is an effective natural remedy for diaper rash.
Colloidal oatmeal is soothing and healing for diaper rash, eczema, and dry skin.
Its anti-inflammatory effects help with the redness or discoloration, swelling, and itching due to diaper rash.
To prepare an oatmeal bath, mix colloidal oatmeal into warm bathwater until the water looks milky white.
Place your baby in the bath for up to 10 to 15 minutes, never leaving them.
Then, pat your little one dry with a soft towel and apply a gentle moisturizer.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes & treatments.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Bathing your baby.
Maarouf M, Hendricks AJ, Shi VY.Bathing additives for atopic dermatitis - a systematic review.Dermatitis.
2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/CCID.S31375 This is the best source for this info, although from 2012.
