Aloe and Calendula for Diaper Rash

A recent study suggests that topical aloe and calendula may be effective for diaper rash.

A gel from the leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other skin conditions. There is promising preliminary support from animal and human studies that topical aloe gel has properties that may improve skin inflammation.

Calendula, also known as marigold, has been widely used topically to treat minor skin wounds, skin infections, burns, bee stings, sunburn, warts and cancer. Most scientific evidence regarding its efficacy as a wound-healing agent is based on non-human studies.

The new study included 66 infants younger than three years of age with diaper rash. The infants were randomly chosen to receive either aloe or calendula ointment. The ointments were applied three times daily for ten days. Diaper rash severity was graded on a scale from zero to four.

Both the aloe and calendula treatment improved diaper rash. However, infants receiving calendula had a significantly greater reduction in their diaper rash score, compared to infants receiving aloe. No adverse effects were reported from either ointment.

For more information about aloe or calendula, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

References

1. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. 
   
2. Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A. A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:810234.