What is zinc oxide ointment used for?

What does zinc oxide ointment do?

A zinc oxide diaper ointment creates a protective barrier between skin and the wetness in a diaper. Applied to completely clean, dry skin, zinc oxide products help keep moisture away. The ointment does the unglamorous job of keeping wetness away from skin, which is more useful than giving diaper care a luxury vocabulary.4

Wet skin can start to break down, and rubbing against a diaper adds irritation. Zinc oxide offers protection and helps promote healing. For mild diaper rash, a plain protective ointment such as petroleum jelly can be enough; a zinc oxide product is another option if that does not help.5

Which strength should you choose?

Choose an ointment labelled for the problem you want to treat. For example, Aldermed's 40% zinc oxide diaper rash ointment is a skin protectant for treating and preventing diaper rash. That percentage is a diaper ointment strength, not an SPF rating. For sun protection, choose a sunscreen with its own SPF, broad spectrum and water resistance claims.16

How do you apply it for diaper rash?

Follow your own product's directions. For a diaper rash ointment, the practical sequence is:

1. 1Wash your hands before changing the diaper, and remove wet or soiled diapers promptly.
2. 2Clean the area gently with water and a soft cloth or cotton ball. Do not rub or scrub.
3. 3Pat the skin dry or let it air dry before applying the ointment.
4. 4Apply the ointment as directed. Aldermed's 40% product calls for a liberal application with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or before prolonged exposure to a wet diaper.
5. 5Put on a loose diaper that does not rub tightly against the skin, then wash your hands again.

Frequent diaper changes and time without a diaper help keep the area dry. Absorbent diapers also help. During an active rash, plain water and a soft washcloth are preferable to wipes that can further irritate the area. Avoid wipes containing alcohol or perfume, and do not use loose talcum powder because it can enter a baby's lungs.45

Aldermed's ointment can stain clothing, so the laundry gets a souvenir of the treatment.1

How long should you give it?

Diaper rash usually responds well to treatment, but contact your child's clinician if it gets worse or does not go away within 2 to 3 days. Do not wait a full week just because a tube has a later stop point: Aldermed's label says to stop and ask a doctor if symptoms last more than 7 days or clear up and return within a few days.14

When does a rash need medical care?

Contact your child's clinician if:

• The rash worsens, spreads beyond the diaper area or persists despite care.
• There are pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps, pus filled sores or skin breakdown.
• Your baby has a fever.
• The rash appears during the first 6 weeks after birth.
• The rash looks red dotted rather than uniformly red.

A diaper rash can involve a yeast infection, which needs a different treatment from a moisture barrier. Antibiotics and frequent stools increase the likelihood of yeast diaper rash. A clinician can assess the rash and advise whether an antifungal medicine or another treatment is needed. Ask before adding an antifungal or steroid cream yourself.4

What if you have sensitive skin or use prescription creams?

Consider the whole formula, not just zinc oxide. Aldermed's ointment also lists fragrance, lanolin, petrolatum and other ingredients. Ointments are generally thick, greasy and useful for very dry skin, but that texture does not make every zinc oxide product suitable for every skin problem. Ointment and lotion are different textures, not two departments competing to name the same thing.17

General emollient guidance, rather than a zinc oxide treatment plan, is to avoid ointments on weeping eczema. Emollients are moisturising treatments that cover skin with a protective film. They can cause persistent stinging, burning, inflamed hair follicles or facial rashes that aggravate acne. Speak to a clinician or pharmacist if these occur. When combining an emollient with a steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between applications and ask which should go first.7

Keep diaper ointment out of the eyes and use it externally only. Keep it away from children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control centre immediately. For emollient ointments, keep treated clothing, bedding and dressings away from flames and cigarettes because product residue makes fabrics easier to ignite. Use a clean spoon or spatula for products in tubs to reduce contamination.17

Is it the same as sunscreen or calamine lotion?

Do not substitute diaper ointment for a labelled sunscreen. Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient, and mineral sunscreens are recommended for sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply approximately every two hours outdoors, or after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions. Shade and protective clothing are also needed.2

Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide and iron oxide and can relieve mild itching from insect bites and poisonous plants. Those uses belong to calamine lotion, not automatically to zinc oxide diaper ointment. Calamine is for symptom relief, not curing the underlying condition. Do not apply calamine to open wounds or genital and anal areas. Stop if it causes irritation. Ask a clinician before using calamine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or on a child younger than 2 years.3