If you’re struggling with diaper rash on your little one’s bottom, you may be wondering if that miracle moisturiser that you use, shea butter would help? This is part of our natural treatments for diaper rash series.
Shea butter is known to treat many kinds of skin irritation including diaper rash. The creamy texture makes it easy to apply without using too much cream. Also, it’s rich in Vitamin A, E and F which can help nourish and moisturize dry skin and have many skin healing properties.
Pure shea butter should be unrefined, cold-pressed and organic. It is also safe to use since it is not made from any chemicals or other substances that could cause allergic reactions. If you love natural living and natural diaper rash remedies, then read on!
What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) which also makes it one of our favourite vegan-friendly products!
It is said that Cleopatra used to bathe in pure milk, honey and olive oil with shea mixed in. So it is a natural product that has been used for centuries. Talking of healing baths, read our guide to how soothing baths can cure diaper rash!
Shea butter is made from the seeds of the African shea tree. It’s one of the few vegetable butters to solidify at room temperature and has been used in Africa for hundreds of years to moisturize and protect skin and provide relief for a variety of conditions such as:
- Sunburn
- Eczema
- Poison Ivy
- Scars
- Insect bites
- Friction rash
- Yeast Rash
- Scaly skin
- Common rash
Shea butter contains cinnamic acid which is a natural sunscreen and sun block, Vitamins A, E & F as well as essential fatty acids. All of these components make it great for moisturising our little ones delicate skin as it is not a harsh material. Shea butter is also said to protect the skin from bacteria getting in – which can lead to diaper rash.
What makes Shea Butter beneficial to a baby’s bottom?
Shea butter contains cinnamic acid which is a natural sunscreen and sunblock, Vitamins A, E & F as well as essential fatty acids. All of these components make it great for moisturising our little ones delicate skin. Shea butter is also said to protect the skin from bacteria getting in – which can lead to diaper rash.
What would happen if you used shea butter when the baby has a diaper rash?
If the baby already has a diaper rash, it might be too late to act as an immediate barrier against any further moisture (like poo). However, his/ her butt might still benefit from the soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter.
It will not make things worse (unless you overdo it), but will certainly help to reduce pain and itchiness (and may even speed up the process of healing).
If your baby develops a diaper rash (usually once they start on solid foods or new foods), try applying some pure organic shea butter liberally on the rash/ infected area twice or three times a day. If you are using disposable diapers, make sure to change the diaper frequently.
How much shea butter should I use?
Pure organic shea butter is solid at room temperature with no need for any additional ingredients which makes it fantastic to mix into your little one’s bath or in your baby’s favorite lotions or creams.
Most of the time, you only need a small amount to get the desired effect (1/4 teaspoon is usually more than enough for an entire bottom). If you find that you’ll need more, simply mix it with cocoa butter or coconut oil (coconut oil is also amazing for diaper rash) and apply as usual.
You can use it directly, make a diaper cream with it or even just put a scoop or two in your babies bath to make a healing baby bath. It can be mixed with other great healing baths like an Epsom salts bath or a baking soda bath and our favourite, mix it with oatmeal for an amazing oatmeal bath (do this for yourself as well if your skin needs a pick me up!)
Is shea butter Good for Diaper Rash?
Yes, shea butter is good for diaper rash. Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, an anti-inflammatory agent that may reduce redness associated with a diaper rash. Shea butter may help soothe mild skin irritations. It also acts as a natural ointment to help prevent further damage to the skin.
It’s a much nicer treatment than zinc oxide in the diaper area. Any friction caused will be smoothed by the butter.
Is shea butter a safe and effective treatment for Diaper Rash?
Yes! It’s very rare that anyone has an allergy or reaction to shea butter so it is safe. Even people who are allergic to tree nuts, of which shea nuts are a member, have a low chance of having a reaction to shea butter. However, like any topical treatment always do a patch test first.
The type of diaper rash your child has will determine if it is effective. if your child has a yeast infection, then it does not effectively kill the yeast spores, however, it will really soothe and heal the damaged skin. Combine it with apple cider vinegar to kill the yeast infection.
Is shea butter safe on baby’s skin?
Yes, this natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat skin irritations. However, like any treatment so a patch test first. If you are mixing with something like tea tree oil then, again, do a separate test for each mixture.
Can you use shea butter as diaper rash cream?
Yes, you can use shea butter as a diaper rash cream. Shea butter is a popular natural ingredient with many uses, including for use on diaper rashes. Diaper rash is a common problem for babies and toddlers. It happens when wet diapers irritate the skin of the baby’s bottom. T
The irritation causes redness, chafing and itching on the baby’s bottom, which can make it uncomfortable to wear a diaper. Diaper rash can be painful for your little one, but you don’t need to use commercial products containing harsh chemicals. You can make your own diaper cream with natural ingredients like shea butter.
Shea Butter Homemade Diaper Rash Cream Recipe
There is nothing more satisfying than making your own diaper rash cream (and hey why stop there, I started making diaper rash cream and now I make my own moisturisers, pretty much using the same ingredients!).
Today’s recipe is simple, effective and dirt cheap to make. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 part organic raw shea butter (find out where to buy it here )
- 2 parts coconut oil or cocoa butter (if you want to keep it vegan) – see which one works best for your child! You can even use olive oil which is also great to treat diaper rash.
Mix both ingredients in a small stainless steel bowl with a fork or a spoon. Do not use a microwave as this will cause the mixture to melt and it will be impossible to mix! If you want to make it pack a punch you can also add in bentonite clay once you have mixed the oils.
Once both ingredients are well-mixed pour into any container you like (I used an old baby cream jar) and your homemade remedy is ready for use!
If you find that the mixture is too runny, add more shea butter. If it’s too hard add more coconut or cocoa butter.
You can keep the mixture in a cool and dry place for up to six months (if you can make it last that long!).
You can also add in optional extras like essential oils, such as tea tree essential oil, frankincense essential oil or lavender oil, again always do a patch test before putting on baby bums.
If you are breastfeeding, just combine the breast milk and shea butter to make a breast milk lotion.
So what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients and get ready to pamper your little one!
How soon after the first application can you expect to see results?
You can see results on a baby’s diaper rash by using homemade diaper cream in just a few days!
Typically, I recommend you apply shea butter as a protective treatment at each diaper change.
Is Shea Butter Diaper Rash Cream Cloth Diaper Safe?
Yes! Unlike petroleum jelly it won’t damage your cloth diaper fibers, however, always ensure you do a hot wash to remove any residue from the cloth diapers. You may want to put on a paper liner to protect the wet diapers from absorbing too much of the butter or diaper creams.
Natural creams always tend to work with cloth diapers, but if you are not sure check out our guide to diaper rash creams and cloth diapering here. Always remember if your child has diaper rashes never leave them sitting in a wet diaper for too long. Baby’s bums also need plenty of diaper-free time and at diaper change time pat dry their bums before putting the fresh diaper on and ensure any excess moisture is removed.
So why does it work so well?
Well for starters, raw shea butter is composed mostly of olein oils, stearic acids, cinnamic acid esters, linoleic acid esters, unsaponifiables, butyrospermum parkii sterol estersand other fatty acid esters. It’s super nourishing, and it contains natural vitamins A and E in the form of non-tocopherol (which is a more bio available source of vitamin E), as well as cinnamic acid, an extract known for its antibacterial properties
It can be used to treat pretty much any skin ailment you can think of, whether it’s dry skin, acne scars, eczema or psoriasis. It’s also used as a natural sunscreen! Did I mention it’s great for soothing razor burn and preventing stretch marks during pregnancy? So don’t just use it on baby’s bum, treat yourself as well!
Is shea butter good for yeast rashes?
So there are a few different types of rashes you can get, but yeast rashes are caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast on the skin. These cause red, itchy and burning rashes that come in a variety of shapes and sizes – including red patches, blisters or white fluid-filled bumps called vesicles.
Yeast infections occur from yeast spores entering the body from a variety of sources, such as antibiotics which can kill off beneficial bacteria and throw off pH levels in the vagina, sugar, sweat, tight clothing or synthetic materials. When your immune system is compromised by illness or stress – it makes it even easier for yeast spores to grow out of control.
So basically, you need to get rid of these things in order to treat a yeast infection. And since the skin has its own microbiome, caring for it is essential in preventing yeast infections from occurring – especially if you’re someone who likes to wear tight clothing and certain fabrics which can trap moisture and heat, creating a hotbed for yeast spores to grow.
So what does this all have to do with shea butter? Well, first and foremost it’s an antimicrobial food, and as we’ve mentioned before, the skin has its own microbiome – so keeping the balance of “good” bacteria on your skin can actually help prevent yeasts from overgrowing on the surface.And since it’s rich in antioxidants, shea butter can help fight off any yeast spores that manage to get past the barrier of your skin. So using this natural cream on babies skin can be a great preventative measure.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a way to help get rid of diaper rash, Shea Butter is the answer. It can be used at each diaper change as well as in the bath or after bath time or whenever your child feels uncomfortable and it contains natural vitamins A and E, as well as cinnamic acid, an extract known for its antibacterial properties that can also fight off any yeast spores that manage to get past the barrier your skin. So using this natural cream on babies skin can be a great preventative measure!
