What does zinc oxide treat?

What skin problems does it help?

• Diaper rash: Zinc oxide protects chafed skin and helps seal out wetness, treating existing irritation and helping prevent another rash.
• Irritated skin folds: Zinc oxide creams and ointments create a barrier that reduces friction where skin surfaces rub together.
• Other skin irritation: Medicated zinc oxide products can protect irritated skin associated with cuts and burns. Follow the product's labelled uses.
• Sun exposure: Zinc oxide in sunscreen helps protect skin from UV damage. Choose a sunscreen rather than assuming a barrier ointment provides sun protection.

How do you use zinc oxide for diaper rash?

1. 1Wash your hands and change wet or soiled diapers promptly.
2. 2Gently clean the diaper area with water and a soft cloth or cotton ball. Do not rub or scrub.
3. 3Pat the skin dry or let it air dry completely.
4. 4Apply the diaper rash ointment as its label directs. A 40% zinc oxide diaper ointment directs liberal application with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or before prolonged exposure to wet diapers.
5. 5Put the diaper on loosely and wash your hands again.

Barrier cream helps keep moisture away from clean, dry skin, but it does not give a wet diaper permission to stay. Time without a diaper also helps keep the area dry. Avoid wipes containing alcohol or perfume, which can worsen irritation. Yeast diaper rash needs treatment aimed at the infection; zinc oxide's moisture barrier serves a different purpose.4

Can it help chafing in skin folds?

Intertrigo is inflammation in skin folds, where warmth, moisture and rubbing can irritate the skin. Mild cases without infection can sometimes be managed at home with zinc oxide barrier cream, loose clothing and careful drying. Clean gauze or dry towels can separate the folds. If the area stays inflamed despite home care or spreads beyond the fold, contact a clinician. Infection needs treatment based on its cause.2

What does zinc oxide sunscreen do?

Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient that absorbs and reflects the sun's rays. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer; it is protection, not treatment for damage already present. Choose broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Mineral sunscreens are recommended for sensitive skin. For sun protection, choose a labelled sunscreen rather than giving diaper ointment an unadvertised second job.5

Apply sunscreen to dry, exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Use it every day you will be outside, including cloudy days. Most adults need at least about one ounce to cover exposed skin; use at least one teaspoon for the face. Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions. Use shade and protective clothing too, because sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you.56

When should you stop or get help?

Use medicated zinc oxide only externally. Keep it out of your eyes, and rinse with plenty of cool water if contact occurs. Do not cover the treated area with a dressing unless your care team tells you to. Before use, discuss previous allergic reactions, pregnancy or breastfeeding with your care team. Ask before layering other skin products on the same treated area. Report rash, itching, hives or swelling promptly.1

For a baby's diaper rash, contact their clinician if it worsens or is not clearing within 2 to 3 days. Get advice sooner for fever, blisters, pus filled sores, spreading rash or a rash during the first six weeks of life. For other irritation treated with medicated zinc oxide, seek advice if it has not improved within a week. Stop the diaper ointment if symptoms worsen, last beyond seven days or return within a few days of clearing.134