There are doctors who opine against cornstarch, baby powders, or any other kind of powders on a baby’s skin. Instead, they recommend lubricating emollients for diaper rashes. On the other hand, many parents swear by the effectiveness of the healing abilities of cornstarch.
Experts try to explain this contradicting view on cornstarch by trying to draw your attention to the reason behind the diaper rash. As you know, diaper rashes are usually caused due to a combination of wetness, friction, too little air, and sometimes irritants (external products that come in contact with your baby’s skin, like wipes, bath products, etc.) as well. There are different types of diaper rashes –
- Chafing (most common type)
- Yeast
- Intertrigo (red area that oozes)
- Impetigo (bacterial infection)
- Eczema
If your baby’s diaper rash is caused due to chafing (caused by friction), then cornstarch is the most effective. Cornstarch being silky in texture not only minimizes friction between the skin and diaper, but also protects the skin.
In case of intertrigo, where the rash oozes out, cornstarch – which is also a drying agent – is actually recommended.
As far as using cornstarch on diaper rashes caused by yeast is concerned, there are notions that it may aggravate it further. However, it is NOT true.
According to a study conducted by J.J.Leyden in 1984, it was found that cornstarch does not increase the growth of yeast on skin instead it acts as a shield against injuries that could be caused by friction on the affected area of the skin.
Cornstarch has been shown to minimize frictional rashes (yeast-infected skin is red and sore) experimentally induced in volunteers.
Among the other reasons behind the popularity of cornstarch are that it is easily available, natural, and cost effective. However, if cornstarch or other home remedies for diaper rashes do not seem to work, visit your pediatrician.
Note:
- Use cornstarch sparingly
- Ensure that you keep it away from your baby’s face
- Use 100% pure cornstarch
