Why Try Cornstarch for Diaper Rash

If you are searching for a natural home remedy for diaper rash, cornstarch may be helpful for mild cases. Cornstarch absorbs moisture and reduces friction, which can help dry out a simple diaper rash and prevent it from worsening. Many parents and caregivers consider cornstarch a safer alternative to talc-based baby powders. However, cornstarch may not effectively treat all diaper rashes, especially those caused by yeast infections.

Cornstarch and Diaper Rash: What’s Possible?

Cornstarch is a natural, gentle, cost-effective kitchen ingredient that’s easy to apply. It absorbs moisture, reduces friction, and forms a protective barrier against irritants, helping to prevent mild diaper rash from worsening. There is evidence that cornstarch helps relieve itching from chicken pox or bug bites, so it may help soothe itching associated with a diaper rash.

How to Make Cornstarch Paste

One of the easiest ways to use cornstarch for diaper rash is to lightly sprinkle it on your fingers and gently apply it to the rash. However, cornstarch particles can fly in the air, and the baby might inhale it into their lungs, potentially causing breathing problems. A safer alternative is making a paste to help reduce this risk. Here's how to make and apply cornstarch paste:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and one tablespoon of water (or breast milk, if available) until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
• Clean the baby's skin thoroughly before each application to avoid trapping bacteria, urine (pee), or stool (poop) under the paste.
• Gently apply the paste to the child's clean, dry skin.
• Use the paste at every diaper change until the rash improves.

How to Draw a Cornstarch Bath 

A cornstarch bath may be helpful when the rash covers large areas or if the baby has extra-sensitive skin. Here are the steps for drawing a therapeutic bath:

• Fill the baby’s bath with warm (not hot) water, checking the temperature to ensure it is comfortable for their sensitive skin.
• Slowly add 2–4 tablespoons of cornstarch to the bath, stirring to distribute it evenly.
• Place the baby in the bath and allow them to soak for 10–15 minutes while you monitor them.
• Gently splash the water over areas affected by the rash (optional).
• After the bath, pat the baby’s skin dry with a soft towel. Thoroughly dry the diaper area before putting on a new diaper.

When Not to Use Cornstarch for Symptoms

Cornstarch may help with rashes due to excess moisture but doesn’t treat yeast infections. Yeast infections require antifungal treatments like Mycostatin (nystatin), Lotrimin (clotrimazole), and Monistat (miconazole). It also doesn’t treat secondary bacterial infections, which may require Neosporin (bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B) or Bactroban (mupirocin) ointments or creams. 

Here is a comparison to help you distinguish between a common diaper rash and a possible yeast rash.

Store-Bought Cornstarch Powders vs. Baby Powder 

Commercially prepared cornstarch and talc-based baby powders both absorb moisture and reduce skin friction but differ in ingredients, safety, and environmental impact.

Cornstarch-based baby powder is natural, talc-free, and highly absorbent. It's gentle on sensitive skin and safe for babies. As a plant-based product, it's biodegradable, eco-friendly, and aligns with vegan and cruelty-free values. However, risks include potential inhalation, skin caking, and rare allergic reactions.

Talc-based baby powder contains talc, a mineral known for its silky texture and excellent moisture absorption. Due to health concerns, many consumers are switching to talc-free alternatives. Talc powders pose inhalation risks, particularly for infants, and added fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Talc mining also raises environmental and ethical concerns.

You can also follow the "ABCDE" method to help alleviate and prevent diaper rash, which stands for:

• A: Air out the skin (diaper-free time).
• B: Apply barrier creams with zinc oxide or petroleum.
• C: Clean the area gently with a mild, fragrance-free product.
• D: Change diapers every two to four hours.
• E: Educate yourself on prevention and when to notify the provider.

While it’s unclear whether cloth or disposable diapers are superior in preventing diaper rash, experts recommend using disposable diapers while treating a rash as they are highly absorbent. 

When using baby wipes, choose ones with minimal chemicals and fragrances, or avoid them if they irritate the skin. Loosen dried poop with mineral oil on a cotton ball and clean the area with lukewarm water using a squeeze bottle or wet washcloth.

If the rash worsens or if symptoms like fever over 100.4 degrees F, bloody poop, or signs of infection (such as pus) appear, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Summary 

Cornstarch is a natural remedy for mild diaper rash. You can apply it as a paste, add it to a bath, or sprinkle it as a powder to reduce irritation and discomfort. However, it won’t treat yeast infections. To manage diaper rash, follow the "ABCDE" method—air out the skin, apply a barrier cream, clean gently, change diapers frequently, and educate yourself on when to seek help.

Experts recommend disposable diapers during flare-ups since they absorb more moisture. You can also apply ointments or pastes with zinc oxide, petrolatum, or lanolin, along with natural remedies like breast milk, coconut oil, and oatmeal. If the rash worsens or you notice signs of fever or infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately.