Diaper rash is a common childhood ailment, affecting up to a third of babies at some point. While most common between the ages of 9 and 12 months, it can happen any time diapers are being worn.
Treating diaper rash focuses on soothing the current outbreak and establishing a barrier against moisture to prevent future rashes. There is a wide variety of creams for sensitive skin that treat the rash, moisturize skin and prevent other occurrences.
In this article: Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream, Burt's Bees Baby 2-in-1 Diaper Cream and Powder and Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream.
There are three types of diaper rash treatments, based on consistency and application.
Zinc oxide is often used in diaper rash creams. A mild astringent with some antiseptic properties, it forms a barrier between the skin and diaper to allow healing and prevent moisture from reaching the skin again.
There are other natural ingredients often incorporated, too.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several things you can do to prevent diaper rash.
Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream
The top choice of pediatricians, this thick diaper rash cream contains 40% zinc oxide, clinically proven to protect skin for up to 12 hours. It is hypoallergenic and not only heals diaper rash but prevents its recurrence.
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Burt's Bees Baby 2-in-1 Diaper Cream and Powder
This popular brand's diaper rash cream turns into a powder upon drying, keeping a baby's skin comfortable by absorbing wetness. It is free of parabens and petroleum and is clinically proven to be non-irritating.
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Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream
This diaper rash cream features zinc oxide combined with beeswax and oat extract to immediately calm irritated skin. The thick formula creates a protective barrier. It is free of fragrance, talc and dyes.
The Honest Company Diaper Rash Cream
Made with zinc oxide for treating diaper rash and buffered for moisturizing with organic shea butter, jojoba, tamanu and coconut oils, this cream protects irritated skin during and after an outbreak.
This hypoallergenic cream is made from 98% natural ingredients and clinically tested to be low risk for allergic reactions. It can be used on all skin types from birth into early childhood.
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Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Diaper Cream
Made in the U.S. with 25% zinc oxide and colloidal oatmeal to calm even the most sensitive skin, this diaper cream is free of soy, dairy and fragrance and forms a soothing barrier against moisture.
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This long-trusted brand has been clinically proven to lessen diaper rash symptoms in 3 hours. It is made with 11% zinc oxide, vitamin E and evening primrose for extra soothing.
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With a mix of shea butter and jojoba oil, this soft cream has a sweet cream scent like a newborn baby. It is made without gluten, peanuts and soy, and free of fragrances and parabens.
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Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
This advanced-therapy-formula ointment is ideal for active rashes but also is useful for preventing future outbreaks. It is free of fragrance and preservatives and gentle enough to use with every diaper change.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Ointment
This thick diaper rash cream comes in a convenient pop-top container for easy access. It contains 40% zinc oxide for fast relief and seals out moisture against future irritation. It is free of dyes and preservatives.
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