As part of our series of natural remedies to treat diaper rashes, using olive oil is right up there as a natural, effective diaper rash treatment.
If your baby has an irritated diaper area, then it’s best to use natural remedies such as olive oil for diaper rashes to soothe their skin. We explain why!
The fact is, using olive oil in the baby’s diaper area to treat a diaper rash is one of the most favored treatments. It can help to restore your baby’s skin and relieve their discomfort in no time at all.
Does Olive Oil Help Diaper Rash?
Olive oil is a very popular solution to soothe diaper rashes. It works for all types of rashes including those from yeast infections and fungal infections as well as those caused by dry skin or diarrhea.
What makes olive oil such a great treatment is that it doesn’t just help to keep the skin moisturized but can also help to restore the skin’s pH balance. In fact, olive oil has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions from rough skin and rashes to minor wounds and abrasions.
Olive oil contains properties that help it work as a natural disinfectant making it an excellent choice for treating diaper rash. It can further be used along with other natural remedies such as vinegar to help restore the skin’s natural pH balance and protect it from irritants, allergens and other environmental factors.
When using olive oil and vitamin e oil for diaper rash, you can use pure organic extra virgin olive oil or even the regular cooking kind. The only thing that matters is whether or not it has been properly processed to avoid the risk of contamination and chemicals
How to Use Olive Oil for Diaper Rash
Here are some simple steps on how to use olive oil for diaper rash:
• Apply the olive oil directly to the affected areas with a cotton ball or gauze pad • Massage it gently into the skin and allow your baby skin to absorb it.
• Make sure you rub the oil in until it is completely absorbed and doesn’t leave any kind of residue on the skin.
• If you want, you can also use olive oil along with other natural ingredients such as baking soda and essential oils for instance
How Long Does It Take for Olive Oil to Work?
Olive Oil for Diaper Rash can take a little while to work because it has to be absorbed into the skin. It doesn’t just sit on top of the skin like other rash treatments or creams. Usually, you should see results within 24 hours after using olive oil with diaper rash.
In addition to helping treat diaper rash, olive oil can also be used to help prevent it from returning. Aside from being a great moisturizer, olive oil is also an effective disinfectant that can kill off bacteria and fungus while preventing other irritants such as ammonia in urine from working.
What to Expect When Using Olive Oil
With olive oil, you can expect a soothing and moisturizing effect. Your baby’s skin will feel soft and happy but not greasy or oily.
Some people do complain about olive oil leaving a greasy residue behind or having to use too much for their baby’s skin to be properly moisturized. If this is the case for your baby’s sensitive skin, then it’s best to use another natural remedy such as coconut oil or shea butter for instance.
Is olive oil Safe for Babies?
Yes, olive oil is safe for babies and infants. It’s actually a very popular and effective treatment, especially when it comes to alleviating diaper rashes and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
You can even use extra virgin olive oil as a baby massage oil, so it’s not just for your child’s rash or other skin irritations.
How often should I use olive oil as a diaper rash cream?
You can use olive oil as often as you need it. The best way is to apply a thin layer of olive oil over the affected area immediately after changing your baby’s diaper.
You can also reapply it after each new diaper change or at least twice daily – morning and night- for optimal results. If you have breast milk, combined you can make a breast milk lotion which is also great on irritated skin baby’s bum.
Other Tips on How to Treat Diaper Rashes with Olive Oil
Here are some quick tips for treating diaper rashes with olive oil:
• To avoid infection, you might want to use a fresh cotton ball or gauze pad for each application to help maintain hygiene.
• Make sure your baby’s skin is completely dry before using olive oil.
• You can mix in some pure lavender essential oil or tea tree oil to help promote faster healing and prevent future breakouts. Put in a spray bottle when changing disposable diapers.
• If your baby experiences severe discomfort, itching or burning, then it’s best to seek medical care.
Can An Olive Oil Bath Help Baby’s Diaper Rash?
Olive Oil Baths can be a great way to treat diaper rash because of their moisturizing and disinfecting effects.
• For the best results, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda or colloidal oatmeal into your baby’s bathwater. These ingredients are safe for a baby’s delicate skin unlike some other treatments such as bubble baths.
If your baby has a yeast infection then add in apple cider vinegar which is prove to kill the yeast overgrowth. Another great bath option is to combine it with organic corn starch in a warm bath, again no harmful chemicals but a great protective barrier with antimicrobial properties.
• If you’re only using the oil, then you should make sure to take extra care in washing it off. You don’t want your baby’s skin to feel greasy after their bath. You can mix with tea tree oil which will make it a less greasy feeling.
• Also, try to avoid getting water in your baby’s eyes since this can be quite painful for them.
Is Olive Oil Safe to Use With Cloth Diapers?
Yes, it is safe to use olive oil with cloth. However, as a ‘fat’, you need to put your diapers on a hot wash to ensure it is thoroughly rinsed out. Read our guide to washing cloth diapers and our guide to which diaper creams are safe for cloth diapers should you need any further guidance.
Take Away on Using Olive Oil for Diaper Rash
Baby’s skin is sensitive and needs to be nurtured with natural ingredients that will not irritate them or dry out their delicate skin. Olive oil has long been used as a gentle moisturizer for babies for generations, since Roman times!
It can also help keep your baby from getting diaper rashes in the first place. If you wish to return to natural ways and use natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, then check out our guide on home remedies for diaper rash. For severe rash mix with aloe vera to make a butt paste, or for other benefits just use a daily ointment to prevent your child’s skin is irritated.
