After sickness and a reaction to antibiotics, my son had a severe diaper rash. Store-bought butt paste seemed to be painful and not helping at all. My sister filled me in on browned flour and by the next diaper, I could already tell a difference.

It saved his little tush – and mine! So I had to dedicate an entire blog post to it just in case any mommas are looking for a serious diaper rash solution.

I am by no means a doctor. Please consult your doctor if you are worried about your child’s diaper rash. Also, if the rash is caused by yeast – browned flour may not help.

Why browned flour?

As I said, I am no doctor. Many sites will tell you that it will make the diaper rash worse, but I was at a point where I had tried everything and his little bum was bright red and shiny. My doctor was not open so I had to try something.

The positives that I read were:

• it soothes the skin
• it creates a barrier from moisture
• it helps draw out bacteria and moisture

None of these are backed by science that I could find. However, many distressed mothers claim their mothers or mothers-in-law suggested it and couldn’t be happier. Some old fashion cures whether backed by science or not need to be kept alive.

How to make and use browned flour for rashes

Just like it sounds, you are going to brown flour and here is how:

1. Add flour to pan on medium heat

Add any amount of flour to a dry pan – I did one cup. Turn your stove on to medium heat.

2. Slowly stir until browned

It takes a little time. Watch as the flour begins to turn brown and continue to stir until the flour is an even golden brown color. Be careful not to burn

3. Let cool and store

Let the browned flour cool completely and add to storage. I used a mason jar.

4. Sprinkle browned flour on rash

Make sure the affected area is clean and sprinkle the browned flour over the entire rash.

My Results

His hiney was to the point I’d use the words raw and blistered. The browned flour coated the open sores without a whimper and created a barrier from future messy diapers.

Changings became very easy and I almost didn’t even need to wipe him because the browned flour coated him so well. After the first diaper, he had already scabbed up and his skin began to heal.

I used the flour until all the redness cleared and will continue to use it every night since he isn’t waking up to let me know he’s soiled his diapers.

Other tips for diaper rashes

• Wipes become very irritating to a chapped rash. Stop using them aggressively and consider gently using a warm damp cloth.

• For a stubborn yeast rash try using plain no added yogurt

• Coconut oil is antibacterial and soothing – this is also a good natural option to use.

• diaper free time is good to allow the affected areas to breathe. Long bathtimes are helpful in this way if you are too worried about the mess that could ensue from a diaper-free baby.

Wives tale or not, browned flour worked for my son’s terrible diaper rash when nothing else would. I am thankful to my sister and other moms that have shared their home remedies to save past little bums. So I felt the need to pass on what I now know.

Maybe it is not backed by science, but it is backed by moms. If you have tried browned flour for a diaper rash, what was your experience? Please let other moms know by commenting below.