As a parent, there’s nothing more distressing than seeing your baby suffer from diaper rash. Red, irritated skin can be painful and uncomfortable for your little one. About 50% of infants experience diaper rash because of their immature delicate skin and poor skin barrier function. Therefore, as a parent, you must choose the right treatment to soothe and heal the affected area. However, many parents still hold doubts about which one to use – diaper rash creams or ointment.
In this short guide, we will talk about the differences between diaper rash cream and ointment. Furthermore, we will help you pick the best product that can alleviate diaper rash problems in infants. So let’s begin!
What Are Diaper Rash Creams?
Diaper rash creams are topical applications specially formulated to soothe, manage, and protect your baby’s skin from irritation. These creams typically contain a combination of ingredients, such as Zinc Oxide, Petroleum Jelly and other moisturising ingredients that help hydrate and manage the affected area.
What Are Diaper Rash Ointments?
Diaper rash ointments are thicker, more potent treatments that provide an intense dose of moisture and protection to the irritated area. Ointments are preferable to creams for certain skin conditions, including eczema, contact dermatitis, etc.
Key Differences Between Diaper Rash Creams And Ointments
So, what sets diaper rash creams and ointments apart? Here are the fundamental differences:
| BASIS | DIAPER RASH CREAMS | DIAPER RASH OINTMENTS |
| Proportion Of Oil | Contain equal parts of oil and water | Ointments typically contain 80% oil and just 20% water |
| Appearance/Texture | Light-weight and non-greasy | Has a thicker texture than creams |
| Absorption Rate | It gets absorbed quickly when rubbed onto the skin | When rubbed onto the skin, it doesn’t absorb too quickly |
| Effectiveness | They can be used on all body areas including the face, and are especially effective on genital areas | They’re the most effective in glabrous areas, namely the palms and soles, or on skin with short or sparse hair as they are difficult to wash off |
| Application | Less greasy and spread easily | Greasy and more difficult to spread |
Choosing the Right Formulation for Your Baby
If you’re still unsure about which formulation to choose – diaper rash cream or ointment, then consider the following factors.
- Severity: For mild rashes, a rash cream is the best choice. For severe ones, you can try ointments. However, in both cases, do visit the baby’s paediatrician for consultation.
- Skin type: Ointments work well on thicker skin. However, if your baby has a sensitive skin type, then a rash cream would be preferable.
- Personal preference: Ointments are non-aqueous solutions that have a strong emollient and moisturising effect. They form an occlusive layer on the skin and are difficult to spread. This may not look appealing to some parents, thus preferring rash creams over ointments for their babies.
Conclusion
As a parent, deciding between a diaper rash cream and ointment can be overwhelming. Regardless of which formulation you choose, remember to take preventive measures. Eg, always change diaper freequently, clean the area gently with mild soap and warm water, pat dry, and don’t rub the affected area, etc.
Besides this, as discussed above, use a rash cream or ointment (whatever you prefer) on the affected area. That being said, if you need a reliable barrier against diaper rash, look no further than AreoVeda Unscented Diaper Rash Cream. It forms a protective barrier against wetness and helps minimise both the severity and occurrence of diaper rash. Most importantly it’s cellularly proven for safety and efficacy.
For more such mom & baby exclusive skincare products, visit www.areoveda.in/
