What is dimethicone 5% cream used for?

What does dimethicone do?

Dimethicone is an occlusive ingredient, meaning it forms a barrier that helps limit water loss. Barrier creams help protect the skin surface from irritants and drying out. A barrier cream helps keep irritants out and moisture in, which is a more useful job than giving the bathroom shelf another resident. These creams can be useful for very dry skin and hands exposed to frequent washing or friction. Silicone barrier creams are generally less greasy than petroleum based products, although petroleum based products reduce water loss more effectively.2

Which 5% cream do you have?

The directions below are for US Secura; Canada also lists Smith & Nephew Dimethicone Protectant as a nonprescription topical cream containing 5% dimethicone by weight. Follow your own tube's directions. US Secura is fragrance free and also contains petrolatum, paraffin and beeswax, so its texture depends on more than the dimethicone alone.13

How do you apply Secura 5% cream?

1. 1Change wet or soiled diapers, garments and linens promptly.
2. 2Clean the affected area and let it dry.
3. 3Apply the cream liberally with each change, especially at bedtime or before prolonged exposure to urine or stools.
4. 4For chapped or cracked skin and lips, apply as needed.

Who should be careful?

Barrier creams are usually well tolerated, but some ingredients can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy inflammatory reaction to something touching the skin. Some occlusive creams can aggravate acne on the face. Most barrier creams should not be applied directly to broken skin; protection for dry skin is not the same as wound care.2

Secura is for external use only. Keep it out of eyes, and do not use it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. Stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, lasts more than seven days, or clears and returns within a few days. Keep it away from children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.1

What is Remedy dimethicone 1.5% cream?

Remedy Specialized Skin Cream is a different product, despite the skincare industry's commitment to making names sound interchangeable. Medline Remedy contains 1.5% dimethicone to protect and relieve dry, cracked skin. It is paraben free, and its listed ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, olive oil and aloe. It appears in the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance directory. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, check ingredients for your known irritants and allergies before choosing it. The lower percentage alone is not a reason to treat Remedy as interchangeable with Secura.4