Diaper Rash Cream / Diaper Cream

Choosing the right diaper rash cream, applying it correctly, and using it regularly can help reduce the severity and duration of diaper rash. In this guide, we will discuss how to choose, buy, and use diaper rash cream, as well as which diaper rash creams are most effective and which treatments are best to avoid.

What Is Diaper Rash? 

Diaper rash is a skin irritation caused by prolonged contact with a wet or soiled diaper. It is most common in babies and toddlers but can also occur in adults, especially those who wear diapers or other absorbent products for incontinence. Symptoms of diaper rash include redness, itching, and tenderness in the diaper area. In severe cases, the skin may be cracked, blistered, or even bleeding. Diaper rash is usually uncomfortable but not serious and can be easily treated with the proper steps.

What is Diaper Rash Cream?

A diaper rash cream is a product that is specifically designed to treat diaper rash. Made with ingredients that protect, nourish, soothe and heal the skin, these creams can be applied as needed or at every diaper change. Read on to learn how you can use diaper rash cream to help make your loved one more comfortable.

How to Choose Diaper Cream 

When choosing a diaper rash cream, there are several things to consider.

Ingredients

Look for a product that specifically says it is designed to treat diaper rash. Then check the ingredients for things that may be particularly good - or bad! - for your specific situation. Many of these ingredients will be discussed in more detail later on in this guide.

Diaper Cream Ingredients at a Glance

• Zinc oxide: excellent barrier properties; may stain reusable products
• Petrolatum: crucial ingredient; not compatible with reusable products
• Fragrance: pleasant scent; not recommended for sensitive skin
• Talc: potentially harmful
• Sulfates: not recommended for sensitive skin
• Antifungal ingredients: as per doctor's recommendation
• Antibacterial ingredients: as per doctor's recommendation
• Steroids: as per doctor's recommendation
• Aloe vera: soothing
• Chamomile: soothing
• Oatmeal: soothing
• Menthol: cooling
• Parrafin: not compatible with reusable products
• Calamine: not compatible with reusable products
• Fish oil: not compatible with reusable products
• Mineral Oil: not compatible with reusable products

If your loved one has any known allergies, check the ingredient list to make sure it doesn't contain any concerning ingredients.

Product Effectiveness

The perfect product for diaper rash should work fast to eliminate and prevent it. If a product can both prevent diaper rash and treat mild cases, it should not require repeated use before showing any results. 

Ease of Use

It is important to choose a diaper rash cream that is easy to apply. Some creams are designed to be thicker and more difficult to spread, while others are designed to be easier to apply. Choose a cream that is easy to apply and that will stay put after it is applied.

If you want a thick protective layer, avoid products that absorb quickly into the skin as they won't effectively coat the treated area.

Additionally, make sure the cream is easy to remove or wash off the skin for easy cleanup. This is important for the caregiver in case their hands get dirty during application and for the user if the cream needs to be removed for any reason.

Prices

While some may recommend buying a more expensive brand for better results, prices can be misleading as more expensive creams are not always more effective. Most diaper rashes are not a serious medical concern, so it is reasonable to use your budget to help you decide which diaper rash treatment product to buy.

Diaper Type (Disposable vs. Reusable)

Not all creams are created equally, and the type of pampers or adult diapers you are using matters. If you are using cloth diapers, you should look for a diaper cream that is specifically designed for cloth diapers and/or washable incontinence underwear. This is because some standard diaper creams can ruin cloth diapers by creating a barrier that causes the diaper to repel moisture instead of absorbing it. There are however some regular products that work, and there are even creams specifically designed with reusable diaper users in mind, utilizing ingredients that help keep the diaper soft and absorbent even while protecting the wearer's skin. A good rule of thumb for reusable diaper users is to check for ingredients such as petrolatum, paraffin, calamine, mineral oil, and cod liver oil; if any of these are present, it is probably not safe for cloth diaper use. While zinc is compatible with cloth diapers, creams containing this helpful ingredient may cause harmless staining.

Where to Buy Diaper Cream 

Once you have chosen the right diaper rash cream for your needs, it is time to buy it. Look for the following things when choosing where to buy it from:

• Pricing
• Selection
• Ease of purchase
• Level of discreetness (if important to you)

Most diaper rash creams are available at drugstores, department stores, and online retailers. Buying online is the most efficient, easy, and discreet way of buying supplies, so consider buying what you need right here at AvaCare Medical's online incontinence store. With our price match guarantee and regular discounts, you are sure to get the best price, no matter which product from our large selection you are considering.

How to Use Diaper Cream 

Once you’ve bought the right diaper rash cream, it is important to use it properly to get the best results.

1. Remove the soiled diaper.
2. Gently clean the diaper area with warm water and mild soap.
3. Thoroughly pat the area dry.
4. Apply a thin layer of diaper cream to cover the entire affected area.
5. Allow the cream to absorb into the skin.
6. Put on a clean diaper.

Note: It is important to apply the cream at every diaper change, as this will help to prevent further irritation and keep the skin dry. 

A Deeper Dive: Diaper Rash Cream Types

Daily-Use Diaper Barrier Cream

Diaper creams aren't just for treating severe diaper rash anymore. Many creams and ointments available today are designed for daily use to both treat and prevent mild diaper rash. One ingredient that top pediatricians recommend for preventing diaper rash is petroleum jelly. For decades, white petrolatum-based diaper creams and ointments have been used to protect delicate baby skin and prevent diaper rash. Today, white petrolatum remains a crucial ingredient in many modern diaper creams. And if you're looking for even more advanced protection and prevention, vitamin A&D ointments can also be used daily. When it comes to your baby's skin, prevention is key, and using a daily diaper cream can make all the difference. 

Soothing Diaper Rash Cream

For improved relief, look for ingredients that can help soothe or cool the skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, menthol, or oatmeal.

Diaper Rash Cream with Zinc Oxide

Different products utilize different ingredients and combinations in an effort to make the most effective diaper rash cream. Diaper rash creams usually have zinc oxide, which helps form a protective barrier over the skin, thereby preventing further irritation.

When dealing with stubborn diaper rash, zinc oxide barrier creams are particularly beneficial. While not explicitly medicated, these readily available creams are formulated with potent zinc oxide, making them ideal for addressing moderate to severe cases. The active ingredient works wonders by minimizing inflammation and redness, absorbing excess moisture, and promoting healthy skin regeneration, particularly in severe instances. 

Zinc oxide creams also offer essential relief from the itching and discomfort of diaper rash. Moreover, they are generally quite safe, as zinc oxide rarely triggers allergic reactions or sensitivities. Many of these creams are also safe for everyday use; just keep in mind that a little goes a long way.

Severe Diaper Rash Treatment 

Most diaper rashes can be treated at home. However, if your loved one's diaper rash does not improve with regular diaper rash cream, speak to your medical provider to see if other diaper rash treatment options may be helpful. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream or an antifungal cream. In rare cases, a doctor may also recommend an oral antibiotic. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your loved one’s diaper rash.

Medicated Diaper Cream Options

When you need more than just a zinc oxide cream to get the job done, medicated ointments and creams offer specialized treatment options to address specific conditions. These powerful creams often contain key ingredients that target diaper rash at its source, providing much-needed relief for your loved one.

Note that while such creams can help to reduce the severity of a more serious rash and yield faster, better results than standard butt rash creams, they can easily harm the skin if used without guidance from a health professional.

• Hydrocortisone cream: This corticosteroid cream is used to reduce redness, swelling, and itching which is caused by diaper rashes. OTC diaper rash creams won't have steroids, so you would only get this if your doctor prescribed it for a more stubborn rash.
• Antifungal creams: Certain creams used to treat jock itch and genital yeast infections might contain Nystatin, Clotrimazole, or Miconazole. These creams may be suggested or prescribed by a pediatrician to treat diaper rash in infants. It is crucial to adhere to the doctor's instructions to prevent any potential health problems. 
• Antibiotic creams & ointments: Many antibiotic ointments and antibiotic creams can help treat and prevent bacterial infections. However, in certain cases, prescription antibiotics may still be needed.

Bad Diaper Rash Treatments to Avoid 

When treating diaper rash, it is important to avoid any treatments that are not specifically designed for diaper rash. For example, it is not recommended to use wet wipes or lotions on diaper rashes, as these can further irritate the skin.

It is also not recommended to use talcum powder, as this may be harmful to the skin and can increase the risk of breathing in dangerous particles. While talc is not commonly found in diaper creams these days, it is important to keep in mind your individual needs. For example, if you are using reusable diapers, are treating sensitive skin, or have topical allergies, some ingredients may not be suitable. Additionally, fragrances, sulfates, artificial colors, and other ingredients in these creams can irritate sensitive skin, so if you are caring for a baby or someone with delicate skin, it is best to choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream with only natural ingredients.

Conclusion

Looking for the best diaper rash creams at reasonable prices? Look no further than AvaCare Medical! Whether you need to protect or heal skin in the diaper area, we have the perfect diaper rash cream to meet your needs - for yourself, your little one, or your patients. We're here to help you find the perfect diaper rash cream that suits your requirements without hurting your budget. Don't wait, contact AvaCare Medical’s friendly customer service team now to get the relief and protection you and your loved ones deserve!