Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in diaper rash ointments. It is used to soothe and protect the skin. But can zinc oxide cause a baby’s diaper rash? This is a question that many parents ask.
In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between zinc oxide and diaper rash. We will also discuss other potential causes of diaper rash. By understanding the causes of the rash, you can better treat it and help your child to feel more comfortable.
What is zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is an active ingredient in a wide range of personal care products including nail products, makeup, bath soaps, baby lotions, and foot powders. A lot of skin protection products contain it, such as diaper rash cream and sunscreens.
What does zinc oxide do?
Zinc oxide is considered one of the safest ingredients that can provide the skin with the UV protection it requires. Screening out harmful UV rays helps prevent cell damage, slows the aging process, and even prevents skin dryness.
Topical zinc oxide is an over-the-counter mild astringent with modest antimicrobial effects. It is a skin protectant that is used to treat diaper rash and prevent small abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irritation.
Is zinc oxide safe for babies?
Zinc oxide mixed with other substances in ointments are safe and used to prevent diaper rash, although larger concentrations are difficult to remove from the baby’s skin due to their thick and sticky nature.
Can zinc oxide cause diaper rashes?
Zinc oxide is an ingredient in many diaper rash creams. It is used to prevent and even treat diaper rashes. However, in rare cases, zinc oxide creams can make a diaper rash worse.
A diaper rash or diaper dermatitis rarely results from the use of zinc oxide products on your baby’s bottom and skin folds.
It is uncommon to have a severe allergic reaction to zinc oxide. However, if you observe any symptoms of a serious allergic response, such as hives, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, extreme disorientation, or difficulty breathing, get emergency medical assistance.
How can you treat your baby’s diaper rash caused by zinc oxide exposure?
Zinc oxide in moisture cream or ointment is used for treating diaper rash as well as preventing diaper rash in babies. However, babies can have allergic reactions and would end up with irritated skin in the diaper area.
Knowing how to treat diaper rash at home is something most parents should know. If the diaper rash is getting worse and over the counter medicines aren’t making the condition any better, contact your baby’s doctor right away.
Keeping your baby’s diaper completely dry and clean is the most critical action you can take to avoid and treat a rash. Frequent diaper changes are highly recommended. When changing the diaper, gently clean the area with a soft cloth or a squirt of water from a bottle. Baby wipes are alright, however, they must be used with caution.
Avoid using alcohol-based baby wipes and rubbing the skin too hard. When your child has a rash, it can also be beneficial to allow them to go without a diaper for a short period of time. You can use towels or disposable waterproof pads to give your youngster some diaper-free time.
It is better if your child’s soiled or wet diapers are changed as soon as possible. A small amount of retained moisture can irritate the skin and create a rash. That is why, even if the nappy is only slightly wet, it should be changed straight quickly, especially if your child has an active diaper rash.
Apply petroleum jelly, moisture barrier cream, or non-zinc oxide diaper rash products to the affected area of the diaper region to create a protective barrier against further skin irritation.
Cloth diapers have a number of advantages, but they are not the ideal option if your child has a diaper rash. Switching to super-absorbent disposable nappies can help until the diaper rash heals. They will keep your youngster dry and promote faster healing.
Perfumes, alcohol, and other irritants should be avoided in soaps, scented baby wipes, and other products that come into touch with your baby’s genital area. Prevent diaper rash by cleaning her bottom with cotton balls with mild soap or a warm-water-soaked washcloth rather than wipes, at least during the newborn stage, when your baby has soft sensitive skin. If your child is prone to rashes, you should also use only water or use alcohol-free, unscented products at every diaper change.
Don’t use talcum powder because it is dangerous. Talcum powder can cause lung injury if inhaled by little children.
Choosing diaper brands for babies can often be confusing for many parents. Cloth diapers can be environmentally friendly, but disposable diapers are more convenient for most parents. However, when it comes to diaper rash, both diapers can cause it, and there is no evidence that one is better than the other. So, you may choose a diaper according to your convenience and what works best for your baby’s skin.
A bath with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap every day or every other day might help keep the area free of allergens until the rash clears up. Just be careful not to over-bathe your kid, as this might irritate the skin. When in doubt, see your pediatrician about how frequently you should bathe your infant.
If you are unsure what is causing the diaper rashes, contact your doctor. There might be other factors other than zinc oxide that is causing skin irritation. A yeast infection is a common culprit that causes skin conditions especially if your child is taking oral antibiotics.
Your doctor might prescribe an antifungal cream or ointment treatment for yeast infections or an antibacterial ointment for bacterial infections.
Conclusion
Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter diaper creams. While it’s not known to cause nappy rash, some babies are allergic to this compound and may experience an increase in their symptoms when applying a diaper cream that contains zinc oxide.
If you notice your baby has developed a red, irritated bottom after putting on a diaper cream containing zinc oxide then stop using that product immediately and consult with your doctor for further treatment options.
