Zinc oxide (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 14, 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 diapers may occur.

Dosing

The dose of zinc oxide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of zinc oxide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (cream):
  • For prevention and treatment of diaper rash:
    • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin as needed.
    • Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin as needed.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions while using zinc oxide

If your or your child''s symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

If you or your child accidentally swallow the medicine, call the Poison Control Center right away.

Zinc oxide side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• hives
• itching
• skin rash

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Worsening of diaper rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer