To try to get rid of a diaper rash in 24 hours, fast and consistent home care is key, though not all rashes will resolve fully in that time. Here are the most effective steps:
- Gently clean with water. Avoid baby wipes, as their chemicals may irritate the rash. Clean the baby’s bottom with warm water using a soft cloth or rinse under running water when changing diapers. Pat the skin dry, never rub[7].
- Let the area air dry. Give your baby periods of time without a diaper, allowing the skin to breathe and dry out as much as possible. Consider placing your child on a waterproof pad to give them “naked time”[2][7].
- Use a thick layer of barrier cream. Apply a generous amount of zinc oxide or petroleum jelly-based diaper cream to protect the skin from further irritation. Don’t wipe off all the cream between changes—add more on top as needed[2][5][6].
- Change diapers frequently. Change wet or soiled diapers right away to minimize skin exposure to moisture and irritation[2].
- Make sure diapers are not too tight. Looser diapers reduce rubbing and allow better air circulation[5].
- Soothe raw skin. If the skin is very raw, you can soak your baby’s bottom for 10 minutes in warm water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda twice a day, then allow the area to dry before applying ointment[4][6].
- If a yeast infection is suspected (rash is bright red, raw, spreading, or has red dots), use an antifungal cream like Lotrimin or Micatin as directed by your pediatrician, usually sparingly four times a day[3][4].
Most mild diaper rashes will show improvement within 24-48 hours with these measures, but full healing may take several days. If the rash is not improving within 3 days, worsens, or shows signs of infection (sores, pus, fever), consult your doctor[1][4][5].
References
- [1] Diaper rash – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
- [2] How to Heal Your Baby’s Diaper Rash
- [3] Diaper Rash Treatment: How Often to Apply Lotrimin and Other Ointments?
- [4] Diaper Rash – Seattle Children’s Hospital
- [5] Diaper Rash: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment – Cleveland Clinic
- [6] Diaper Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – WebMD
- [7] How to Get Rid of a Diaper Rash in 24 Hours | Virtual Pediatrics
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