Zinc oxide paste: uses and how to apply it

What is zinc oxide paste used for?

Zinc oxide acts as a topical protectant, meaning it protects the skin surface. Diaper rash products help keep moisture away from clean, dry skin and protect skin chafed by the diaper. Zinc oxide creams or ointments can also create a barrier that reduces friction in skin folds.345

There are also medicated zinc pastes used in psoriasis care, including Lassar's paste and preparations containing dithranol or coal tar. The word "paste" is not a full product description, although it has clearly been given the job.2

How do I apply zinc oxide paste for diaper rash?

1. 1Wash your hands before changing the diaper, and change wet or soiled diapers promptly.
2. 2Gently clean the diaper area with water and a soft cloth or cotton ball. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. A squirt bottle of water is useful when the area is very sensitive.
3. 3Pat the skin dry or let it air dry. Apply the barrier product to completely clean, dry skin.
4. 4Apply the zinc oxide diaper product following its label. For example, Swan Simply U 40% Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Ointment directs liberal application with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or before prolonged exposure to a wet diaper.
5. 5Fasten the clean diaper loosely enough to allow airflow and avoid rubbing, then wash your hands again.

You do not need to remove all the zinc oxide cream at every diaper change. It can be fully removed at the end of the day. For severe diaper rash, dermatologists advise a generous layer rather than a barely visible coating.6

Give the skin time without a diaper when possible so it can dry. Use absorbent diapers, and avoid wipes containing alcohol or perfume. If you use cloth diapers, choose breathable covers rather than plastic or rubber pants, and avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.46

What should I expect, and how long should I wait?

The paste's role is to protect against wetness while clean, dry skin and frequent diaper changes support recovery. Diaper rash usually responds well to treatment, but contact your child's clinician if the rash gets worse or has not gone away within 2 to 3 days. Do not wait a full week just because a particular product label uses a longer threshold.4

Some diaper rashes involve a yeast infection and need medicine aimed at that infection. Ask your child's clinician before adding an antifungal or steroid cream. A protective paste and an infection treatment have different jobs.4

Can zinc oxide help rubbing in skin folds?

Zinc oxide creams or ointments can help reduce friction in mild, uninfected intertrigo, which is inflammation where skin surfaces rub or press together. Common sites include the groin, armpits and neck folds. Warmth and trapped moisture contribute to the problem, and very moist skin can begin to break down.5

• Separate folds with clean gauze or dry towels.
• Use a fan or a hair dryer on its cool setting to dry moist areas.
• Wear loose clothing and fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin.
• Use a petroleum or zinc oxide barrier product to reduce friction.
• Contact a clinician if the irritation persists despite home care or spreads beyond the fold.

If a skin fold becomes infected, treatment depends on the cause. A clinician can check for fungal or bacterial infection and choose an appropriate treatment; adding more barrier paste is not the same as treating the infection.5

Are all zinc oxide pastes the same?

Diaper rash ointments and medicated psoriasis pastes are distinct preparations. Their similar names make the shelf look simpler than the instructions are.2

For diaper rash, choose a product labeled for diaper rash rather than a medicated psoriasis paste. If you have been prescribed Lassar's paste or a dithranol preparation, use that exact preparation as directed instead of substituting a diaper product based on the zinc oxide name.1

Can I use zinc oxide paste on my face?

Do not treat diaper rash directions as a facial skincare routine. Swan Simply U's directions cover the diaper area, and its label warns against getting the product into the eyes. Zinc oxide is also used in sunscreens, but a diaper rash paste's directions are not sunscreen directions. For facial use, choose a product intended for that purpose.13

When should I stop or get medical help?

• Contact your child's clinician for fever, blisters, pus, ulcers, significant pain or a baby who is hard to console.
• Get advice if diaper rash spreads beyond the diaper area, or if a rash develops during the baby's first 6 weeks.
• Stop Swan Simply U and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, lasts more than 7 days, or clears and returns within a few days. For a baby's persistent diaper rash, seek advice at the earlier 2 to 3 day threshold.
• Keep the product out of children's reach. If Swan Simply U is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.