Baby Bottoms

I have been meaning to write this post for a while. I have been battling diaper rashes almost constantly since Dillon started teething at 6 months. I have tried everything! I have tried all of the over the counter rash remedies, and even nystatin which was prescribed for his yeast rash.

Lets start out with what exactly we've been battling. Its called a yeast rash, but its not yeast at all. Its fungus, known as candida albicans. This is the same stuff that causes yeast infection in women, and also thrush. Its usually part of our normal flora, but sometimes there is too much of it and it becomes a problem. Yeast rashes cannot be treated the same as other diaper rashes that are caused from prolonged exposure to moisture in the diaper. They appear FAST. It can go to a clear perfect bottom to a blotchy, bumpy red tush in less than 15 minutes.  It can often bleed, and cause sores if it is severe enough.  It is extremely painful for baby. Dillon will shake in pain and cry when I change his diaper during a break out. Its heart breaking.

After almost 9 months of battling these awful rashes, I've learned a lot!

• POSSIBLE CAUSES: teething, too much juice or fruit (c. albicans feeds on sugar)
• THINGS NOT TO USE:  perfumed diapers, baby wipes with alcohol, corn starch as powder, regular diaper rash creme
• THINGS TO TRY: airing out bottom as often as possible, baking soda bath, changing diapers immediately after soiled, cleanse bottom with witch hazel or a tucks pad during every change, give probiotics (I love Culturelle for Kids), if you use cloth diapers- wash them several times in vinegar
• BEST THING EVER: make your own diaper cream that works BETTER than a prescription! Apply it every single diaper change until rash is gone. Its may take a few days so be patient. Here's how to make it:

YOU'LL NEED

Coconut oil (cold pressed & unrefined)

Lavender oil

Tea Tree oil

Chamomile oil

Microwave safe container

Storage containers

WHAT TO DO

slowly melt about 12 oz of coconut oil in the microwave in 15 sec intervals until liquefied

add 1tsp of lavender oil

add 1/2 tsp of tea tree oil

add 1/2 tsp of chamomile oil

I usually separate the mixture into smaller containers so I have one in each room. I have also bought travel size containers (usually for shampoo) and poured the mix into those to keep in diaper bags

Let set in the fridge until completely hardened. It will soften up and may become a liquid again over time if its warm out, just pop it back in the fridge.

SCIENCE BEHIND IT

Coconut oil: the fatty acids, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid, fight against fungi by breaking down cell walls which kill the fungus

Lavender oil: promotes healing of the skin, and soothes

Tea tree oil: works as a powerful anti fungal and antibacterial

Chamomile oil: soothes irritated skin

This diaper cream can be used for any kind of rash, and also works great for mommy as a face lotion for breakouts!

Here's to happy bottoms!