Diaper Rash Cream Ingredients to Heal and Prevent Irritation

If you have a child, you’ve probably experienced removing a diaper from a fussy baby only to recoil in horror at the sight of red, bumpy bottom that may even be hot to the touch. Nothing makes a mom feel worse than knowing her baby is experiencing the pain and discomfort of a fiery red rash in the worst possible place to have a rash. And a mom will want to get rid of that rash like—yesterday. But how do you know which cream will quench the fire in your precious baby’s skin and return it to the soft, sweet baby’s bottom you know and love? What ingredients make up the best diaper rash cream, and how do we know which to choose?

The Best Diaper Rash Cream Ingredients for Protective Barriers

Most diaper rash treatments are intended to perform as a protective barrier between moisture and baby’s fragile skin. There are several types of diaper rash treatments commonly used to form a protective barrier on baby’s skin.

Zinc oxide formula is probably the most commonly used ingredient in diaper rash creams that are intended to provide a protective barrier. Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound that is insoluble in water, making it ideal to keep baby’s skin dry even in a wet diaper. Zinc oxide will leave a white residue that can’t be completely rubbed in but works wonderfully to promote healing. It can be used preventatively, or at the first sign of redness. Zinc oxide creams can also help heal a rash that’s already appeared by protecting the skin from moisture and allowing it to remain dry and protected during the healing process.

Petroleum jelly is also commonly used as a protective barrier. Petroleum jelly is a blend of mineral oils and waxes. Petroleum jelly forms a protective seal over skin cells and locks in natural hydration while locking out the moisture and irritation of urine and feces.

Aquaphor is another popular diaper rash treatment that contains petrolatum but it’s blended with water, making it one of the best diaper rash cream options for helping to lock in hydration while sealing out the irritating substances found in urine and feces.

Lanolin is another top choice for a protective barrier between babies and their diapers. Lanolin is a natural, oily, waxy substance secreted from sheep. It keeps sheep’s wool protected from dampness, and does the same for baby’s bottom. It is sometimes preferred for its petrolatum-free composition and completely natural qualities, making it the best diaper rash cream for those who avoid mineral oils.

If diaper rash persists, a doctor might recommend a topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone.

The Best Diaper Rash Cream Ingredients for Yeast

If the diaper rash doesn’t clear up easily with one of the best diaper rash cream choices for protective barriers, it may be a yeast infection rash. Yeast infections develop in warm, damp places, making diapers the perfect environment for yeast to thrive. Yeast rashes on babies tend to have raised, defined borders on areas of redness. Common treatments for yeast-type diaper rashes are antifungal agents such as Lotrimin, nystatin, and miconazole. These are available over the counter, but your baby may need a visit to the doctor to confirm.

The Best Diaper Rash Cream Ingredients for Bacterial Infection

If diaper rash is persistent or develops pustules, it may be a bacterial infection which requires a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. This is something your doctor should advise you on treating. He may give you a prescription for an antibiotic cream or ointment, or steer you to an over-the-counter option.

The best diaper rash cream choices are all intended to soothe and protect your baby’s skin from moisture and irritation. Urine contains harsh, irritating substances that cause an inflammatory response in a baby’s skin. Feces contains enzymes that can damage fragile baby skin if left on the flesh for long periods of time. It’s essential to keep baby’s skin clean and dry. Experienced parents know to always have extra diapers and diaper cream along in the diaper bag and to never neglect to change wet or soiled diapers.

How can you prevent diaper rash?

While the best diaper rash creams can heal, protect, and repair a baby’s skin, persistent diaper rash may require more air than a typical diaper allows. Leaving your baby diaper-free to allow healing may result in messes, but it can be very beneficial for fragile baby skin.

Avoid using baby wipes on babies with diaper rash. Many baby wipes contain alcohol and perfumes that may increase irritation.

Resources— WhatToExpect, MayoClinic, Healthline

Coleen Figner (1302 Articles Published)

I am a mother of four and a freelance writer. I'm also the author of the novel, "The Harbinger," by Coleen Figner, now available on Kindle eBook. I have spent most of my life in the historical town of Micanopy, Florida. I spend quality time engaged in social media and I've used online research platforms extensively both for writing and for shopping research. Unlike most women, I hate malls and department stores. I do the bulk of my shopping online. I love the idea of a platform doing the research and comparison work to make online shopping easier for consumers. ReviewThis has given me the opportunity to engage in online shopping research even when I'm not doing the buying! (Though I've been known to splurge on some of the top-rated products for myself.)

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