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- What is zinc oxide?
- What brand names are available for zinc oxide?
- Is zinc oxide available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for zinc oxide?
- Why is zinc oxide prescribed to patients?
- What are the side effects of zinc oxide?
- What is the dosage for zinc oxide?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with zinc oxide?
- Is zinc oxide safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about zinc oxide?
What is zinc oxide?
Topical zinc oxide is a non-prescription (OTC) over-the-counter) mild astringent with weak antiseptic properties. It is a skin protectant that is used to treat and prevent various skin conditions including minor abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irritation.
What brand names are available for zinc oxide?
- Ammens Original Medicated,
- Ammens Shower Fresh,
- Balmex,
- Boudreaux’s,
- Butt Paste,
- Calmol 4,
- Carlesta Skin Protectant,
- Critic-Aid Skin Care,
- Delazinc,
- Desitin Creamy,
- Desitin,
- Diaper Rash Ointment,
- Diaper Relief,
- Dr. Smiths Diaper Ointment,
- Johnsons No More Diaper Rash,
- Novana Protect,
- PNS Unna Boot,
- Triple Paste,
- Unna-Flex,
- Vaginex Powder,
- Yeast-X Powder, and
- Znlin
Quick GuideBaby's First Year: Month to Month Development Milestones
Why is zinc oxide prescribed to patients?
Topical zinc oxide products are used to treat and prevent minor skin irritations associated with diaper rash, burns, cuts, scrapers, allergic reactions, and insect bites. Topical zinc oxide is available without a prescription.
What are the side effects of zinc oxide?
No significant side effects have been reported with the use of topical zinc oxide products. Minor skin sensitivity or irritation has been reported in some individuals.
Quick GuideBaby's First Year: Month to Month Development Milestones
What is the dosage for zinc oxide?
Topical zinc oxide products may be applied to affected areas several times daily as necessary. Do not apply to large areas or on blistered or broken skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Which drugs or supplements interact with zinc oxide?
No significant drug interactions have been reported with topical zinc oxide.
Is zinc oxide safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Zinc oxide when used topically on unbroken skin is not expected to be absorbed systemically to an appreciable level. Appropriate use of topical zinc oxide during pregnancy is generally considered to be safe.
Appropriate use of topical zinc oxide during breastfeeding is generally considered to be safe.
What else should I know about zinc oxide?
What preparations of zinc oxide are available?
- Topical Cream: 11.3%, 12%
- Topical Cream Stick: 11.3%
- Ointment: 10%, 13%, 13.4%, 20%, 40%
- Paste: 16%, 20%, 40%
- Powder: 9.1%
- Solution spray: 10%
How should I keep zinc oxide stored?
Zinc oxide products should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). All products should be kept away from children and pets.
How does zinc oxide work?
Zinc oxide works by forming a barrier on top of the skin that protects the area from moisture and irritants.
Topical zinc oxide is available in various formulations including cream, ointment, paste, powder and solution spray. Zinc oxide paste is commonly used to treat weeping or oozing associated with poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Zinc oxide is also used with titanium dioxide in sunscreen products.
When was zinc oxide approved by the FDA?
Topical zinc oxide products have been available in the US before 1938.
REFERENCE: NIH. Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
Quick GuideBaby's First Year: Month to Month Development Milestones
Summary
Zinc oxide topical (Ammens Original Medicated, Ammens Shower Fresh, Balmex, Boudreaux’s, Butt Paste, Calmol 4, Carlesta Skin Protectant, Critic-Aid Skin Care, Delazinc, Desitin Creamy, Desitin, Diaper Rash Ointment, Diaper Relief, Dr Smiths Diaper Ointment, Johnsons No More Diaper Rash, Novana Protect, PNS Unna Boot, Triple Paste, Unna-Flex, Vaginex Powder, Yeast-X Powder, Znlin) is an OTC product used to prevent and treat minor abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irriation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to using this medicaiton.
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Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain diseases, and infections. Treatment options include medicine including:
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Cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds are common, and most people will experience one of these in their lifetime. Evaluating the injury, and thoroughly cleaning the injury is important. Some injuries should be evaluated by a doctor, and a tetanus shot may be necessary. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury.
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Almost every baby will get diaper rash at least once during the first 3 years of life, with the majority of these babies 9-12 months old. See a picture of Diaper Rash and learn more about the health topic.Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac contain a substance called urushiol, which causes a rash on people who come in contact with them. Symptoms and signs include a red, swollen, itchy, blistering, bumpy rash. Treatment involves rinsing the exposed area with water, taking antihistamines and over-the-counter pain medications, using topical treatments such as calamine lotion, and applying cool compresses.
