Zinc oxide with menthol: What is it used for?

What does zinc oxide do?

Zinc oxide is used in creams and ointments for minor skin irritation, diaper rash products, calamine lotions and sunscreens. For irritated skin folds, zinc oxide or petroleum ointments can create a protective barrier that reduces rubbing. Zinc oxide appears in both barrier ointments and sunscreens, so its ingredient name has more than one job title. Choose by the finished product's purpose, not simply by spotting zinc oxide on the pack.12

Are zinc oxide ointments and menthol creams the same?

No. Kurador contains zinc oxide, while Mentol Chino Concentrated contains menthol and methyl salicylate, so the names are neighbours, not a mixing instruction. Benzo Derma is another distinct formula: its active ingredients are benzoic acid, salicylic acid and sulfur, with menthol listed as an inactive ingredient. An ingredient appearing in several products does not make their directions interchangeable.3

How should you use it for irritated skin folds?

Intertrigo means inflammation in skin folds, where warmth, moisture and rubbing can irritate the skin. Mild cases that have not become infected can sometimes be managed at home. The following steps are general care for those folds, not an application schedule for an unidentified zinc oxide and menthol cream.1

1. 1Dry moist areas using a fan or a hair dryer on its cool setting.
2. 2Separate rubbing folds with clean gauze or dry towels.
3. 3Use a skin cream or ointment containing petroleum or zinc oxide to create a barrier, following the product's directions.
4. 4Wear loose clothing and fabrics that move moisture away from the skin.

A barrier addresses friction; an infected fold needs treatment directed at the cause. Bacteria, fungi and moisture can all contribute to intertrigo, and more than one cause can be present. Contact a doctor if the irritation does not go away with good home care or spreads beyond the fold.1

What should you expect?

For friction related irritation, the practical purpose of zinc oxide is protection from further rubbing. Treating itch also requires identifying and addressing its cause, rather than relying only on symptom relief. Persistent itch can come from skin disease, other medical conditions or nerve related problems. A doctor can assess the pattern, examine the skin and decide whether tests are needed.145

Can you use it around the anus?

The skin around the anus is particularly sensitive, and regular bowel movements and cleaning can maintain irritation or delay healing. Care for anal eczema begins with changes to washing and toileting habits and avoiding irritants or allergens. Additional treatment depends on the type of eczema and any underlying problem. Treatments suitable elsewhere on the body are not automatically suitable here. Anal eczema treatment remains uncertain in several areas because good clinical studies are scarce; persistent symptoms deserve an assessment rather than repeated switches between combination creams.6

Does zinc oxide with menthol count as sunscreen?

Do not choose sun protection by zinc oxide content alone. Choose a sunscreen labelled SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water resistant. Zinc oxide belongs in some sunscreens, but an ingredient list is not a sun protection certificate. If sunscreen stings or burns, choose one whose sunscreen ingredients are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and avoid fragrance. For sensitive skin, look for a sensitive skin label and avoid fragrance, parabens and oxybenzone.7

Who should be careful?

Zinc oxide can cause local irritation or an allergic reaction in people sensitive to it. If application causes irritation, stop using the product and seek advice about the reaction. Do not assume that every new itch needs a barrier cream: medicines can trigger itch, and itch without an obvious rash can need investigation. During pregnancy, unexplained itch sometimes relates to cholestasis, a problem involving bile flow, so arrange a medical assessment rather than simply covering the symptom with cream.24

If someone swallows a zinc oxide product, contact poison control for instructions. In the United States, call 1 800 222 1222; elsewhere, contact your local poison service. Have the container, ingredients and strength ready, along with the person's age, the time it happened and the amount swallowed. Call the local emergency number for an overdose emergency.2