4 Ways to Use Cornstarch for Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is very commonly seen in infants. These rashes pose a reason for concern for the parents as the baby is uncomfortable and irritating all the time. The need for prevention of diaper rash is main concern for the parents. The rashes can be prevented if the soiled diapers are removed on time and lot of air is in contact with the area. Removal of diapers on time will prevent the accumulation of moisture and hence the appearance of rashes. The usage of cornstarch for diaper rash is one of the home remedy. Cornstarch is made by grinding corn into a fine powder.(1)

Can you Use Cornstarch for Diaper Rash?

Cornstarch has to be used for diaper rash cautiously. It absorbs the excessive moisture from the skin and keeps it dry and promotes the healing of cracked skin and keeps it cool and prevents the friction between bottom and diaper. If the rash is caused by yeast infection, then the usage of cornstarch aggravates the infection and hence contraindicated in yeast infections.(2)

How to Use Cornstarch for Diaper Rash?

Cornstarch can be used directly or in combination with the coconut oil, boric acid or milk of magnesia for diaper rash.

1. Coconut oil and Cornstarch for Diaper Rash

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup of coconut oil
• ¾ cup of cornstarch
• Vitamin E capsule

Procedure:

• Pour the ¾ cup of coconut oil in a mixing bowl and beat it for 8 minutes
• Add ¾ cup of cornstarch to this mixture and stir it until it is mixed well.
• Add 1 Vitamin E capsule and smoothen the liquid.
• Store this mixture in an air tight container.
• Use it as required for the baby.

How it works:

• The coconut oil is very soothing and nourishing for baby’s skin and also has anti-fungal properties.
• The cornstarch acts as a natural talcum powder and prevents the accumulation of moisture in the area.(3)

Repetitions: As required.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Best time to apply: After bath of baby or after cleaning the soiled diaper.

Tips: If the mixture is to be thicker, add more of cornstarch and Vitamin E can also be added to keep the baby’s skin soft.

2. Milk of Magnesia and Cornstarch for Diaper Rash

Ingredients:

• Cornstarch
• Milk of magnesia

Procedure:

• Mix equal amounts of cornstarch and milk of magnesia in a bowl.
• Store this mixture at room temperature and in air tight container
• Apply on the clean dry diaper area by removing the old cream.

How it works: This recipe works for rashes caused by acidic bowel movements as it reduces the acidic nature of rashes and soothes the skin.(4)

Repetitions: Once/twice daily.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Best time to apply: After removal of soiled diaper or after bath.

Tips:

• Do not double dip the cream , so as to prevent the contamination of the cream.
• Only make enough for use for couple of days at a time.

3. Olive oil and Cornstarch for Diaper Rash

Ingredients:

• Olive oil -1/4 cup
• Cornstarch -1/4 cup
• Polysporin -1 cup

Procedure:

• Prepare ¼ cup of cornstarch in a small bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of polysporin to it
• Mix it well to create a thick mixture without lumps
• Apply the mixture on the baby’s bottom and leave for 10-15 minutes
• Wash the area with warm water and pat dry.
• Apply the new diaper on the baby.

How it works: The olive oil helps in healing the cracked skin and reduces inflammation and cornstarch keeps the skin dry.(5)

Repetitions: Every time while changing diaper.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Best time to apply: Every time while removing soiled diaper.

Tips: Make little quantity which is sufficient for a week only and do not preserve it for many days.

4. Boric Acid and Cornstarch for Diaper Rash

Ingredients:

• Boric acid (2 tablespoons)
• Cornstarch (1 cup)
• Vaseline (1 cup)

Procedure:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of boric acid with 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup of Vaseline in a bowl
• Apply this mixture on the affected area.

How it works: Boric acid works well for yeast infections and corn starch helps in absorbing moisture and keeps the skin dry.(6)

Repetitions: Every time while changing diaper.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Best time to apply: Every time while removing soiled diaper.

Tips: Do not use too much of boric acid for infants as it can lead to toxicity.

Though cornstarch can be used as a home remedy for diaper rash, parents have to be careful in its use as inhalation of corn starch can lead to cornstarch pneumonitis due to accidental aspiration leading to severe respiratory disease. The cornstarch can serve as a culture medium for Candida Albicans (yeast infection) and hence this has to be contraindicated in diaper rash due to yeast infections in the baby.

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