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GENERIC NAME: ZINC OXIDE - TOPICAL (zink OX-ide)

BRAND NAME(S): Desitin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat or prevent minor skin irritations (e.g., burns, cuts, poison ivy, diaper rash).

HOW TO USE: Apply a generous amount of medication to the affected area of skin as often as needed, or as directed by your doctor. For external use only. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. If redness, irritation or itching continue, or your condition worsens or does not improve, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated when used as directed. There are no reports of any side effects due to the use of this medication. However, if you experience any unusual effects while using this medication, notify your doctor.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: other skin infections/problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other skin products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C).


Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005




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zinc oxide-topical, Desitin

What is the best way to care for a cut or scrape?

The first step in the care of cuts and scrapes is to stop the bleeding. Most wounds respond to gentle direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Hold the pressure continuously for approximately 10-20 minutes. If this fails to stop the bleeding or if bleeding is rapid you should seek medical assistance.

The next step is to thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water. Remove any foreign material, such as dirt or bits of grass, that might be in the wound and which can lead to infection. You may use tweezers (clean them with alcohol first) to remove foreign material from the wound edges, but do not dig into the wound as this may push bacteria deeper into the wound. You may also gently scrub the wound with a washcloth to remove dirt and debris. Hydrogen peroxide and providone-iodine (Betadine) products may be used to clean the wound initially, but may inhibit wound healing if used long-term.

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Read the Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds article »




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