Zinc oxide ointment USP 20%: what is it used for?

What is zinc oxide ointment 20% used for?

• Diaper rash: topical zinc oxide creates a moisture barrier that protects irritated skin and allows it to heal.
• Skin fold irritation: ointments containing zinc oxide can reduce friction in mild intertrigo, which means inflammation where skin surfaces rub together.
• Oozing plant rashes: Gentell's 20% ointment is labeled for drying the oozing and weeping caused by poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.

Read the uses on your own pack before choosing an ointment, because the percentage is not the entire job description. Products containing zinc oxide have different uses, and some types are formulated for sun protection. Choose a product labeled for the problem you are treating rather than treating every zinc oxide product as interchangeable.1

What does the 20% mean?

The 20% is the zinc oxide concentration: 200 milligrams per gram of ointment. Gentell's formula contains 20% zinc oxide, 75% petrolatum and 5% light mineral oil, and is white. Those ingredient details belong to that specific product; check another manufacturer's ingredient list before assuming its base is identical.2

How do you apply zinc oxide ointment?

1. 1Check your product's directions and intended use. Follow any prescription instructions instead of borrowing directions from another zinc oxide product.
2. 2Wash your hands before applying the ointment.
3. 3Apply to the affected skin in the amount directed. General zinc oxide medication directions call for a generous amount; diaper barrier care can use a thin layer, depending on the product.
4. 4Leave the area uncovered by a bandage or dressing unless your care team tells you otherwise.
5. 5Wash your hands after application.

Gentell tells you to apply its 20% ointment as needed, rather than on a fixed morning or evening schedule. For diaper rash barrier care, application at each diaper change is a common approach. Use the directions for your own product to decide the amount and frequency.25

How should you use it for diaper rash?

Wet skin can break down, and rubbing against a diaper adds irritation. For mild diaper rash, a plain protective ointment such as petrolatum can help; a zinc oxide product is another option when that is not enough. Diaper rash care includes cleaning, drying and diaper changes as well as ointment, so the ointment is not a one product department.6

1. 1Remove a wet or dirty diaper as soon as possible.
2. 2Clean gently with plain water and a soft washcloth. During an active rash, wiping can add irritation.
3. 3Dry the skin gently, then apply a suitable diaper barrier product following its directions.
4. 4Put on a properly fitting, absorbent diaper without fastening it too tightly.
5. 5Allow time without a diaper when practical to help keep the area dry.

Avoid soap, baby lotion, bubble bath, talcum powder and antiseptic creams on diaper rash. If using wipes, choose ones without fragrance or alcohol. Bathe your baby daily, but not more than twice a day, because excessive washing can dry the skin. Avoid plastic underwear or covers over diapers.5

If the rash started after changing diapers or wipes, try removing one possible irritant at a time. For cloth diapers, choose detergent without scent, fragrance or dyes. Diarrhea and some medicines, including antibiotics and laxatives, can contribute to diaper rash, making prompt diaper changes especially useful.56

Can it help irritation in skin folds?

A zinc oxide barrier can reduce friction in mild, uninfected intertrigo. Warmth, moisture and rubbing contribute to inflammation in areas such as the groin, armpits and neck folds. In skin folds, barrier care and moisture control work together, rather than competing for the credit.4

Keep moist folds dry with a fan or a hair dryer on its cool setting. Clean gauze or dry towels can separate touching skin surfaces, and loose clothing with moisture wicking fabric can help. If the rash persists despite home care or spreads beyond the fold, see a clinician. An infection needs treatment aimed at its cause, rather than barrier care alone.4

What should you expect, and when should you get help?

The ointment's role is to protect the area while the skin heals, not to promise clearance by a particular day. Stop using Gentell's product and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, lasts more than seven days, or clears and returns within a few days.2

For a baby, contact the pediatrician sooner if diaper rash persists for three days, worsens, looks dotted rather than uniformly red, or causes skin breakdown. Fever, spreading rash or marked discomfort also need medical assessment. A clinician can determine whether an antifungal, antibiotic or another treatment is needed.56

Who should be careful?

Tell your care team about allergies to zinc oxide or other ingredients, and if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Local irritation and allergic reactions can occur. Stop use and seek medical advice for a new rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.17

Interactions are not expected, but ask your care team before applying other skin products to the same area, including prescribed creams. Gentell's ointment must not be used on deep puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. Keep it out of your eyes and use it externally only.12

What if it gets in the eyes or is swallowed?

If ointment gets in the eyes, rinse with plenty of cool tap water for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows it, contact poison control or get medical help right away. In the United States, call Poison Help at 1 800 222 1222. Have the container, product strength, person's age and weight, amount swallowed and time of swallowing ready.7

Keep the container closed and out of reach of children and pets. Gentell specifies storage between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius and avoiding excessive heat. Discard unused medication after its expiration date.12