How to Use Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash

Co-authored by Joel Warsh, MD

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References

Your life gets a quick change with an arrival of a new baby. One of the common problems the infant face in the early days is diaper rash. The red bumps on the bottom skin of your child indicate diaper rash.^{[1]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} The main cause of this disease is moisture and bacteria. Coconut oil can treat the diaper rash quickly due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties ^{[2]
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Research source} Here are some quick remedies of coconut oil for diaper rash.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Applying Coconut Oil Directly

The direct application of coconut oil provides a soothing effect on the skin of your baby. The healing properties of coconut oil treat the wounds of diaper rash and provides quick relief.

1
Clean your baby’s bottom with warm water and pat it dry.
2
Heat 2 tbsp of coconut oil in the microwave for 10 seconds.

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3
Apply coconut oil when it is a little bit warm on the affected area.
4
Massage gently and leave it for 15 minutes.
5
Keep your baby’s bottom free from the diaper for ½ hour. Then put on a new diaper.
6
Use this remedy every time you change your baby’s diaper.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Applying Coconut Oil with Lavender Oil

This remedy will quickly reduce the skin inflammation due to the use of lavender oil. Your baby can get a quick relief from diaper rash as coconut oil will promote the healing process and the wound will vanish in no time.

1
Mix 1 tbsp of lavender oil with ¼ cup of coconut oil.
- You can also add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to make the remedy more effective.
2
Make a uniform paste of it and keep it in the refrigerator for some time.
3
Apply the thick cream on the bottom of your baby.
4
Allow it to remain undisturbed for 30 minutes.
5
Use this method twice a day to get relief from diaper rash and reduce the redness of the skin.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Making a Homemade Diaper Cream

The homemade diaper cream is very reliable to apply to the sensitive skin of your baby. The cosmetic creams might contain chemicals which have an adverse effect on baby’s skin. This homemade diaper rash cream is natural and free from side effects.

1
Heat a mixture of ½ cup coconut oil with 1 tbsp each of chamomile flowers and calendula flowers in the microwave for 20 seconds.
2
Make sure the mixture turns yellow in color.
3
Strain the flowers from the mixture and add ¼ cup of shea butter along with 1 tsp of zinc oxide powder to it.
4
Use a blender to blend the mixture well.
5
Here, your diaper rash cream is ready! Just apply it on the affected area and allow it to remain for 10 minutes.
6
Twice a day application will provide instant relief from diaper rash.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Making a Nourishing Cream

Your baby’s skin will get ample of nourishment from this remedy. The vitamin A and E content of shea butter are high which keeps the baby’s skin hydrated. This cream will keep your baby’s bottom skin safe from infection and instantly treat the diaper rash.

1
Mix ½ cup of shea butter with ¼ cup of coconut oil.
2
Heat the mixture in a saucepan along with 2 tbsp of beeswax.
3
Turn off the heat once the mixture is melted completely.
4
Add 2 tbsp of glycerin and ¾ tbsp of zinc oxide powder to it.
5
Make a uniform cream using the blender.
6
Once the cream is ready, apply it on the affected area and allow it to remain for 10-15 minutes.
7
Use this remedy thrice a day to provide relief to your baby from diaper rash.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Spraying on Coconut Oil

It is a handy way to keep your baby’s skin hydrated and free from infection. The coconut oil has antibacterial properties which will create a protective layer on your baby’s skin.

1
Add 2 oz of coconut oil to 1 cup of water along with 2-3 drops of grape seed extract.
2
Stir it well and fill your spray bottle with this solution.
3
Gently spray the liquid on the diaper rash affected area of your baby’s bottom.
4
Allow it to remain for 10 minutes before you put on the new diaper on your baby’s bottom.
5
Use this spray every time you change your baby’s diaper to treat the diaper rash.

Expert Q&A

Question

What should I use if the diaper rash gets worse?

Joel Warsh, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Joel Warsh is a board certified Pediatrician and the Owner & Founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Warsh specializes in holistic and integrative medicine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Community Health, and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Thomas Jefferson Medical College, where he was elected president of the Jefferson Pediatric Society. Dr. Warsh then completed his Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), where he received the George Donnell Society Research Fellow.

Joel Warsh, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

If the diaper rash is red, apply a barrier cream like zinc oxide to the area to help soothe it.

Warnings

Use only virgin organic coconut oil for diaper rash treatment as it is more effective to treat the skin infection.^{[3]
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Do not apply the coconut oil on your baby’s skin when it is hot. Allow it to cool down before application to treat the diaper rash.

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