What is Medline dimethicone cream used for?

Which Medline cream do you have?

Medline sells several dimethicone products with different strengths and directions; the US creams discussed here are not the same as the Canadian Sween 24 cream or Remedy Barrier Cream Cloths. For the US creams, the product reference helps distinguish the formulas.3

For dry, sensitive skin, choose a product labelled fragrance free. "Unscented" is not an equivalent promise: products with that wording can contain ingredients that hide other smells. Both US cream formulas contain glycerin, aloe leaf juice, niacinamide and retinyl palmitate alongside dimethicone.126

How should you apply the cream?

Medline's direction is to apply the US cream to the full body as needed. General moisturiser guidance makes that practical:

1. 1After washing, gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser while the skin is still damp.
2. 2Smooth the cream gently in the direction your hair grows instead of rubbing vigorously.
3. 3Reapply after handwashing and whenever your skin feels dry or tight. General emollient guidance suggests at least 3 or 4 applications daily when regular moisturising is needed.
4. 4If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between applications and ask your doctor which to apply first.

What should you expect?

The cream's purpose is temporary skin protection and relief, not a timed course of treatment. Moisturising treatments called emollients cover skin with a protective film that traps moisture. For dry skin, creams and ointments generally add more moisture than lotions; dimethicone and glycerin are among the ingredients dermatologists suggest looking for.167

Are the barrier cloths interchangeable?

Remedy Barrier Cream Cloths are cloths rather than a tube of cream, despite a name that seems determined to have it both ways. Their uses include treating and preventing diaper rash, protecting associated minor irritation and sealing out wetness. Open the pack, remove fresh cloths and thoroughly cleanse the soiled area as needed. Use them for one patient only, keep the pack tightly sealed and dispose of used cloths in the bin, never the toilet.5

What if you are buying in Canada?

Medline Remedy Simplified Moisturize Sween 24 Skin Cream has DIN 02564645, which is useful when the product name reads like an entire shopping list. This Canadian cream is a nonprescription topical product with approved status. The older Dimethicone Moisture Barrier Cream, DIN 02291584, contains 5% dimethicone and has cancelled post market status. Match the exact product and follow its own package directions rather than borrowing the US cream's instructions.34

When should you stop or seek help?

Use the US cream externally only and keep it out of your eyes. Do not apply it to deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. Stop and ask a doctor if symptoms worsen, last longer than 7 days, or clear up and return within a few days. Keep it away from children; accidental swallowing requires immediate medical help or Poison Control advice. Protect the cream from freezing and excessive heat.12

Emollients can cause persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles or facial rashes that aggravate acne. Discuss these reactions with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Keep emollient contaminated clothing, bedding and dressings away from flames and cigarettes because they can catch fire easily, even after washing.7