Zinc oxide (Topical application)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 4, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Ammens Medicated
- Balmex
- Boudreaux's Butt Paste
- Critic-Aid Skin Care Pack
- Delazinc
- Desitin
- Hemorrodil
- Lassar's Paste
- Medi-Paste
- Periguard
- Perishield
- Prevacare Personal Protective
In Canada
- Dr. Scholl's Medicated Foot Powder
- Silon
- Zincofax Extra Strength
- Zincofax Fragrance-Free
- Zincofax Original
- Zinc Oxide
Available Dosage Forms:
- Paste
- Ointment
- Cream
- Lotion
- Spray
- Gel/Jelly
- Stick
- Powder
Therapeutic Class: Protectant, Dermatological
Uses for zinc oxide
Zinc oxide topical cream is used to treat and prevent diaper rash. It is also used to protect skin from being irritated and wet caused by diaper use.
Zinc oxide is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
Before using zinc oxide
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For zinc oxide, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to zinc oxide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of zinc oxide cream in geriatric patients.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of zinc oxide. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Infection of the skin at or near the place of application or
- Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application—Should not be used in patients with these conditions without advice of your doctor.
Proper use of zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in the eyes.
To use:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using zinc oxide.
- Clean the diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow it to dry.
- Apply the cream to the diaper area with each diaper change, at bedtime, or when prolonged exposure to wet dia...
