Can I use hemp ointment for diaper rash?
Author: Lucie Garabasova
Diaper rash is a common skin condition that is likely to appear during the first few years of life, even in your child. In addition to children, adults can also suffer from diaper rash. Diaper rash creams offer an effective solution to soothe rashes in both adults and children and help prevent their occurrence. Learn everything about diaper rash and whether hemp ointment can be used for it.
Diaper rash in children
In children, especially babies, diaper rash is quite common due to skin irritation from moisture (this happens mainly in children who wear diapers). It is often related to wet or insufficiently changed diapers. However, diaper rash in babies can also occur if they have very sensitive skin. It definitely does not mean that you are changing your baby's diapers too infrequently.
Diaper rash in children is also called diaper dermatitis and appears as red, inflamed spots on your baby's bottom.
Besides the bottom, diaper rash in children can also appear on the legs or in the crook of the elbow (in skin folds).
Diaper rash in children can also be caused by allergic reactions, so it is definitely not something to overlook.
Did you know?
More than half of children aged 4 to 15 months experience diaper rash at least once within two months.
When does diaper rash most commonly occur in children?
Diaper rash in children occurs more frequently when:
- Children are not kept clean and dry enough.
- Children have frequent bowel movements, especially if the stool remains in the diaper overnight.
- Children have diarrhea.
- Children start eating solid foods.
- Children take antibiotics, or the mothers of breastfed babies take antibiotics.
Diaper rash in adults
The cause of diaper rash in adults is moisture buildup. People who are overweight are prone to this, as rashes tend to form in skin folds. Additionally, elderly people or long-term ill individuals who are bedridden are also at significant risk.
Diaper Rash Can Also Appear in Young People (e.g., Athletes) as a Reaction to Clothing (Synthetic Materials).
Causes of Diaper Rash in adults:
- Neglected hygiene
- Excessive moisture
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial infection
- Allergic reactions to food
- Immune system disorder
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Excessive sweating
- Non-breathable clothing (synthetic materials)
- Illnesses that leave a person bedridden
What are the symptoms of Diaper Rash?
Mildly reddened skin with itching to burning pain.
The affected area may feel warm to the touch.
Where do Diaper Rashes most commonly occur?
Diaper rash usually appears in the groin, lower abdomen, genitals (rash on the anus), and upper thighs.
Treatment of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash (commonly referred to as chafing) is very uncomfortable, burns, and itches. Therefore, it is crucial to start treatment early to soothe the skin and prevent further rashes.
The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep the skin as clean and dry as possible. If a rash has already developed in an adult or child, we recommend using suitable creams and ointments for diaper rash.
Improvement of the rash can take several days, depending on its severity. If the condition does not improve or worsens with home treatment, always consult a doctor who may prescribe hydrocortisone cream or antibiotics if necessary.
Does hemp ointment help with Diaper Rash?
Yes, hemp ointment helps with diaper rash.
Hemp ointment for the skin has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its natural composition, the ointment moisturizes and regenerates the skin. It contains no chemicals, so it does not irritate sensitive skin (it works just as well on eczema-prone skin as it does on diaper rash).
Thanks to its gentle composition, hemp ointment is suitable for use even in children.
Hemp ointment contains:
- Hemp oil, which gently and carefully cares for the skin
- Lanolin, which absorbs directly into the skin without creating an air cushion, aiding healing
- Calendula, which is also very beneficial for moisturizing
- Shea butter, which is highly recommended for diaper rash treatment
Additionally, the ointment is free of chemicals and toxic substances, which is essential for a diaper rash ointment.
Hemp ointment for Diaper Rash
Due to its richer consistency, hemp ointment is more suitable for treating diaper rash rather than preventing it. For prevention, we recommend using either zinc ointment for diaper rash or specialized creams (such as those from the Weleda brand).
How to prevent Diaper Rash?
The best solution is to avoid diaper rash altogether. That’s why prevention is key.
Preventive measures include:
- Regular hygiene and thorough drying of the skin after bathing or showering, followed by moisturizing
- Wearing breathable clothing whenever possible (cotton is ideal)
- Applying creams against diaper rash in areas prone to sweating
- For babies with diaper dermatitis, frequent diaper changes and applying diaper rash cream
What natural remedies can help with Diaper Rash?
More and more people are turning to nature for solutions to their problems, and diaper rash is no exception. So, what natural remedies can be used?
You can make a homemade ointment (hemp or chamomile). Besides ointments, you can prepare a chamomile or agrimony decoction—use it for a "sitz bath" (for rashes near the anus, sit in the bath for a few minutes) and dry thoroughly afterward. Alternatively, use the decoction to wipe the affected areas with a cloth (again, dry well).
Other herbs that help treat diaper rash:
- Calendula
- Lavender
- Coconut oil
- Hemp oil :-)
- Shea butter
Grandma’s remedies: What helps with diaper rash?
Black tea – A tried-and-true trick from our grandmothers: wash the affected areas with black tea. This is a well-established traditional method.
Our grandmothers also used the herbs mentioned above to make compresses. Additionally, baby powder was a popular and effective remedy.
The best prevention against diaper rash in children and adults
To sum up, diaper rash in both adults and children is an unpleasant, itchy, and burning skin condition, and it's best to avoid it altogether. Preventing diaper rash is possible through good hygiene practices for yourself (or your child).
If your baby frequently develops diaper rash, consider switching diapers or wet wipes, as they may be causing irritation.
For adults, in addition to increased hygiene, it’s important to wear high-quality, breathable clothing that allows the skin to breathe. If you sweat excessively and this leads to diaper rash, try using antiperspirants. If diaper rash becomes unmanageable, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.