Zinc oxide 10%: What is it for and how do you use it?

Which kind of zinc oxide product do you have?

These are different uses, not interchangeable instructions. A barrier cream should not replace a labelled sunscreen, and calamine directions should not be applied to every zinc oxide cream. There is no universal application amount or treatment schedule for a product identified only as zinc oxide 10%.34

Is zinc oxide 10% enough for sunscreen?

Choose sunscreen by its printed SPF and broad spectrum protection rather than calculating protection from the zinc oxide percentage. Look for at least SPF 30 and protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a water resistant formula for swimming or heavy sweating. Brand names do not decide sunscreen quality, even if the bottle behaves as though it has a publicist.13

Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB. Mineral sunscreen works mainly by absorbing ultraviolet radiation and converting it into a small amount of heat; it also reflects and scatters some light. UVA contributes to premature skin aging, UVB causes sunburn, and both contribute to skin cancer.1

How do you apply zinc oxide sunscreen?

1. 1Use sunscreen every day. Choose SPF 50 when you will spend lots of time outdoors.
2. 2Apply enough for coverage: approximately a nickel sized amount for your face and neck, and a shot glass amount for your entire body.
3. 3Cover exposed areas, including your ears, hairline, neck and the tops of your feet.
4. 4Reapply every two hours outdoors, or sooner after swimming or sweating.
5. 5If using a spray, apply generously and rub it in for even coverage.
6. 6Use shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses as well. Sunscreen does not block all ultraviolet radiation.

Mineral sunscreens can leave a white or gray cast, although newer formulas have improved. Lotions and creams generally provide more reliable coverage than sprays. For dark patches, a tinted mineral sunscreen containing iron oxides adds protection against visible light.1

What does zinc oxide do in a barrier cream?

Topical zinc oxide is an established diaper rash treatment. It acts as a moisture barrier, helping protect irritated skin from further exposure. Zinc oxide creams and ointments also form a protective barrier for adults whose skin is exposed to leaking urine or stool.25

Barrier cream does not replace cleaning and drying the skin, so the cream has not been hired to do the washing. Reapply an adult incontinence barrier cream after cleaning and drying, rather than leaving the same layer in place through repeated exposure to urine or stool.2

How do you use a barrier cream for diaper rash?

1. 1Change wet or dirty diapers as soon as possible.
2. 2Clean with water or baby wipes that are fragrance free and alcohol free.
3. 3Dry the skin gently and allow time without a diaper when possible.
4. 4Use a thin layer of a suitable barrier cream at each change if advised by a pharmacist.
5. 5Make sure the diaper fits properly and is not too tight.

Avoid soap, baby lotion, bubble bath, talcum powder and antiseptic creams on diaper rash. Bathe your baby daily, but not more than twice a day because excessive washing can dry the skin. See a health visitor or doctor if the rash persists, worsens or spreads, or your baby has a high temperature or seems very uncomfortable. An infection can need an antifungal medicine or antibiotics rather than barrier cream alone.6

How do adults use a moisture barrier?

For skin exposed to incontinence, clean promptly after passing urine or stool. Use mild, diluted soap and water, rinse well and gently pat dry, or use a cleanser without soap according to its directions. Avoid products containing alcohol. Excess moisture can cause redness, peeling, irritation and yeast infections; contact your healthcare provider if severe irritation develops. If you receive radiation therapy to the area, ask your provider before using creams or lotions.2

Does zinc oxide treat itching or acne?

Calamine is a separate medicine containing zinc oxide that relieves mild itching and dries weeping irritation. Those uses belong to calamine, not automatically to a zinc oxide 10% barrier cream. Calamine does not treat acne, although it can help dry an individual pimple.4

For calamine, shake the bottle, dab it onto the affected area with cotton or a soft cloth, and let it dry. Follow the package directions. Keep it off open wounds and away from the eyes, nose, mouth, genital and anal areas. Stop and contact your provider if irritation develops, the problem worsens, it has not improved within a week, or it returns after a few days.4

What about sensitive skin and pregnancy?

Mineral sunscreens can be less irritating and are an option for sensitive skin and younger children. Zinc oxide itself can still cause local irritation or an allergic reaction in someone sensitive to it. Stop using a product that causes irritation.37

Mineral sunscreens are commonly recommended during pregnancy because little is absorbed through the skin and they have a long history of use. Chemical sunscreens can also be appropriate. Calamine has different advice: speak to your healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and tell them about other skin products you use.14

Keep zinc oxide skin products out of reach of children and do not swallow them. If someone swallows a product, contact poison control; in the United States, call 1 800 222 1222. Seek immediate medical attention for difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat after using calamine.47