Diaper rash is a localized red rash or blistering that occurs in the area covered by a baby's diaper. It is caused by the combination of frequent urination and defecation, along with the constant exposure to moisture due to the diaper. This creates a moist environment that allows for repeated irritation from microorganisms, bacteria, and fungi present in the urine and feces. A cheap traditional Chinese medicine called "purple grass" can be used to treat diaper rash at home.
Purple grass refers to the dried roots of plants in the Lithospermum genus, specifically Lithospermum erythrorhizon or Lithospermum officinale. The roots are purple in color, fluffy in texture, and resemble purple weeds, hence the name "purple grass." Purple grass has a bitter taste and a cold nature. It is known for its ability to clear heat, cool the blood, promote blood circulation, detoxify the body, and treat various skin conditions such as rashes, measles, ulcers, eczema, and burns.
In most cases, diaper rash can be treated with local care and does not require medication. To use purple grass, grind 5-6 grams of the herb and mix it with half a small bowl of sesame oil or fragrant oil. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and steam it over boiling water for about half an hour, similar to steaming buns. After it cools down, remove the residue and keep the oil. Clean the affected area of the baby's skin with warm water, pat dry, and gently apply a thin layer of the oil. Repeat this process three times a day for 2-3 days, and you will see a reduction or disappearance of redness and swelling, as well as the formation of scabs. This method is simple and effective, but it is important to note that since the purple grass oil is homemade, it should be sealed and stored properly. If the color changes or there is a strange smell, stop using it immediately.
A few years ago, there were reports on China Central Television about the hepatotoxicity of American purple grass ointment, which made people skeptical and reluctant to use purple grass products. However, it is important to note that traditional Chinese medicine purple grass primarily refers to plants in the Lithospermum genus, while American purple grass belongs to the Lithospermum echinatum genus. Although both belong to the Lithospermum family, there are significant differences between them, just like bamboo and rice both belong to the Poaceae family but are different genera.
Plants in the Lithospermum echinatum genus contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (HPAs), with higher levels found in the roots and lower levels in the stems and leaves. Some believe that American purple grass ointment uses the leaves of Lithospermum echinatum as raw materials, but the amount of HPAs is minimal, so it does not cause hepatotoxic effects. However, there is currently no solid evidence to prove its safety, and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States strictly prohibits its marketing.
New Xinjiang purple grass also contains HPAs, but it also contains various purple grass polysaccharides and lithospermin, which are the main medicinal components of traditional Chinese medicine purple grass. These components have been proven to have significant hepatoprotective effects.
Modern research has shown that purple grass oil and lithospermin have inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its naphthoquinone derivatives have significant antifungal effects, and lithospermin has obvious anti-inflammatory effects. The oil can also isolate the skin from the stimulation of urine and feces, preventing prolonged contact with wet diapers.
In the prevention and treatment of diaper rash in infants, daily care is very important. It is essential to choose diapers with good breathability, change diapers frequently, allow the buttocks to breathe, and clean the buttocks promptly after the baby defecates to keep the area clean. The use of diaper creams can also help keep the skin lubricated and prevent diaper rash.
