Diaper rash has been around since humans started using diapers, but we haven’t always had the treatments for it that we do today. From olive oil to zinc oxide and everything in between, here’s how humans have treated babies’ bottoms over the centuries.

Ancient Remedies

Long before the 19th century, many cultures used natural resources to treat diaper rash. Most of these remedies were plant-based, like herbs and oils. And olive oil and honey were popular methods for soothing all types of irritated skin.

19th Century

As cloth diapers became more popular in the 19th century, diaper rash remedies evolved. People realized that keeping their babies’ bottoms dry prevented irritation, so they turned to more absorbent treatments like powders. Before the baby powder that we know today, parents often used talcum powder or cornstarch as preventative measures.

20th Century

In the early 20th century, inventor Marion Donovan introduced the world to the disposable diaper, and as diapers became more innovative, so did remedies for diaper rash. Parents started to focus more on basic hygiene during diaper changes to prevent diaper rash, and petroleum jelly and zinc oxide creams became popular products for protecting the skin of the diaper area.

At the same time, doctors and scientists were studying the causes of diaper rash to develop more effective treatments, and they started rolling out antifungal creams and ointments to treat more severe forms of diaper rash, like rashes caused by yeast infections.

By the late 20th century, diaper rash treatments had become more formulated and more accessible. These products carried a long-trusted ingredient, zinc oxide, in addition to other vitamins and protectants to nourish and treat babies’ skin.

Today

In the 21st century, the technology behind diaper rash treatments has changed in amazing ways, along with diaper technology. More diapers are moisture-wicking and breathable, and parents have a wide variety of options to keep babies’ bottoms clean, such as wipes, soaps and more.

Many people are also returning to the original, natural methods for treating diaper rash, like shea butter, coconut oil, and other gentle, organic ingredients to soothe skin in the diaper area.

And now, we are introducing a new generation of treating and preventing diaper rash based on science. We’ve worked with scientists, pediatricians and parents to develop the first clinically proven microbiome-mindful system to treat and prevent diaper rash — nourishing baby’s skin and restoring its natural protective properties and skin health. As much as we all would like a one-step solution, we found through research, development and a clinical trial that a systematic approach yields better outcomes when it comes to diaper rash. That's why we developed the Buddle Diaper Rash System.

Check out the Buddle Diaper Rash System and experience the difference for  your baby’s bottom.