Pacifier rash is redness that occurs around the mouth in the area that a pacifier covers. It is typically caused because this area stays moist when a pacifier is in a child’s mouth. Most children don’t seem to be bothered by the rash but others feel like it’s itchy or irritating. There are several ways help heal pacifier rash from home.
Prevent It
One of the easiest ways to deal with pacifier rash is to cut down on the amount of time your child has their pacifier. If you can take it away some during the day while the baby is more active and easier to distract, that would help pacifier rash from forming. Some parents choose to let their baby have a pacifier when falling asleep but take it out after they are in a deep sleep. This method depends on how good of a sleeper your child is and wouldn’t be recommended for light sleepers so you might have to repeat the process several times.
Keep It Dry
One easy thing you can do is to try your best to keep the area clean and dry. Use a cotton ball to cleanse the area with warm water then use a clean cotton ball to fully dry the area. If your child is teething you may see an increase in the amount of drool your child has. Keep a close eye out for a developing rash if your child is drooling more than normal.
Home Remedies
A lot of parents use Aquaphor to treat pacifier rash because it creates a barrier between your child’s chin and the drool or water accumulation. This gives your child’s rash a chance to heal and repair itself. Vaseline is also used by some parents. It creates a barrier just like the Aquaphor and is safe to be used around a mouth. It can have a strong smell that your child may not like so if they act upset when it is applied that could be the issue.
If you'd rather use something more natural, then try coconut oil.It has a more pleasant smell than Vaseline so your child won't be as irritated by it. Apply the oila couple of times a day, especially before nap or bed time when your child will have the pacifier in for a longer amount of time. If you don't see an improvement, or your child seems bothered by the rash then it's time to consult your pediatrician. The rash could have developed into a bacterial infection and need to be treated with stronger medicines.
