Adult Diaper Rash Relief In 24 Hours: Creams, Baths, and Care Tips

Have you ever wondered just how many adults have incontinence?

According to the study published in 2024 in Medicine, urinary incontinence impacts about 29.9% of people, with women being affected more.

Although incontinence happens to many, it remains hidden due to pressure from society and misunderstanding about aging.

That said, living with incontinence isn’t easy, and one of the hardest outcomes is adult diaper rash. Being worn all day, having sensitive skin, or a warm day can all cause diaper rash to show up, and when that happens, you want help right away.

Following the proper care process can give you noticeable relief within the next 24 hours. Let’s look at how creams, baths, and helpful skincare tips can improve your skin.

What Causes Adult Diaper Rash?

Knowing what the problem is makes it easier to come up with solutions. The main reasons for diaper rash in adults are:

• Continual exposure to either urine or stool
• Rubbing or trying to put on briefs that do not fit properly
• Sensitive skin or allergic reactions to materials
• Poor hygiene or infrequent changing
• Fungal or bacterial infections

Because of these factors, you might end up with red, itchy, and even blistered skin. Any sign of redness, hurting, itching, or burning in the diaper area usually indicates diaper rash.

Figuring out the reasons for a rash is the initial step to know how to get rid of a diaper rash in 24 hours and prevent it from coming back. Now that you know the cause of adult diaper rash, let’s explore the various steps to be taken to get rid of it.

Step 1: Clean Gently, But Thoroughly

First things first: keep the area clean. We’re not suggesting that you use rough soaps or strong scrubs. Think gently.

Quick Tips:

• Clean the sensitive area using lukewarm water and either a soft washcloth or wipes for sensitive skin.
• Avoid using wipes that have alcohol, scent, or strong chemicals, since they may cause stinging.
• Gently pat dry and don’t rub.

You should avoid making your skin dry and raw by overwashing it.

Step 2: Soothe With A Healing Bath

A relaxing bath not only lifts your mood but is good for your skin.

What To Add:

• Oatmeal (also known as colloidal oatmeal) is well-known for its ability to calm and reduce irritation of the skin.
• Baking soda helps maintain the pH balance and soothes itching.
• Epsom salt – Helps cut down swelling and aids in the healing process (until the skin clears or is healed).

Allow the wet cloth to sit on your body for 10–15 minutes, then dry it gently and let your skin air out before using any cream.

Step 3: Apply A Soothing Cream

Since everything is clean and the skin floor is dry, you can now do the magic touch: a protective and healing cream. It’s like having both weapons and shields in one.

Top Ingredients To Look For:

• Zinc oxide forms a layer on the skin that shields it and helps it heal.
• Petrolatum, the main ingredient in Vaseline, seals moisture and protects from possible allergens.
• Aloe vera helps to calm and soothe inflamed skin.
• Calendula is a mild herb that has healing powers.
• Dimethicone is a skin protectant that helps prevent any irritation from friction.

Creams That Work Well:

• Desitin Rapid Relief
• Boudreaux’s Butt Paste (Yes, it works for adults too!)
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• Calmoseptine Ointment

Apply a generous coat to help the product do its job. You need a covering that stops moisture from getting to your skin.

Step 4: Let Your Skin Breathe

Although this step is commonly skipped, it can play a big role in helping skin heal faster: air exposure.

Give your skin a break from diapers whenever you can. Taking 20–30 minutes out of your day to let your skin breathe a few times daily is good.

Pro Tip: Lie down on a towel or waterproof pad during this time and catch up on your favorite show or podcast while giving your skin a break.

Step 5: Stay Dry With Frequent Changes

If you’re managing incontinence, moisture is your skin’s worst enemy. One of the best ways to prevent and heal diaper rash quickly is to change diapers frequently.

Tips For Staying Dry:

• Use high-absorbency briefs designed for sensitive skin.
• Consider adding booster pads to wick moisture away.
• Use moisture-wicking barrier creams even when there’s no rash to prevent future irritation.

Setting a timer to remind yourself to check and change every 2–3 hours can make a big difference.

More Care Tips

• Stay Hydrated: It may sound counterintuitive, but concentrated urine can be more irritating to the skin. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps dilute your urine, making it less harsh and reducing the risk of further irritation or rashes. Aim for at least 6–8 glasses daily.
• Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Tight pants or synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture, worsening skin irritation. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton that allow air circulation and reduce friction. This helps your skin stay cool and dry, promoting healing and preventing chafing or further damage.

You Deserve Comfort

Let’s face it: diaper rash as an adult isn’t just a skin issue. It can make you feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, and downright miserable. But the truth is, you’re not alone, and there are fast, effective ways to get relief.

By keeping things clean, soothing the skin with baths and healing creams, letting it breathe, and making a few lifestyle tweaks, you can start feeling better in as little as 24 hours.

And remember—managing incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re doing your best, and your skin deserves the same care you give to everything else in life.

Here’s to comfort, healing, and confidence—one cream, bath, and care tip at a time.