A soothing barrier cream for nappy rash and sore skin
Zinc oxide
A soothing barrier cream ingredient that protects skin and is widely used for nappy rash and minor irritation.
What is Zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is a gentle, long-trusted skin protectant found in many barrier creams, including Sudocrem, Metanium and zinc and castor oil cream. Applied to the skin, it forms a soothing, protective layer that shields the area from moisture and rubbing, which is why it is so widely used for nappy rash, as well as for minor skin irritation, soreness and chafing. It sits on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed, so it is very gentle and suitable from babyhood onwards. It is for minor skin problems; broken, weeping, spreading or infected skin should be checked by a pharmacist or GP.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Zinc oxide — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Zinc oxide is a mild, white substance used in creams, ointments and pastes to soothe and protect the skin. It is a key ingredient in well-known products such as Sudocrem, Metanium and traditional zinc and castor oil cream. It works as a barrier, creating a protective layer over sore or irritated skin, and is especially associated with treating and preventing nappy rash in babies. It is also used for minor skin irritation, soreness, chafing and to protect skin from moisture. It is an over-the-counter product, gentle enough to use from babyhood, and comes in several thicknesses from light creams to thicker pastes.
How it works
Zinc oxide works mainly by forming a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. This layer protects sore or delicate skin from further irritation, such as from rubbing, friction or the moisture and contents of a wet nappy, giving the skin underneath a chance to recover. It also has a mild soothing and slightly drying effect that helps calm red, irritated areas. Because it largely sits on top of the skin rather than soaking in, it is very gentle and is one of the reasons it has been trusted for generations for delicate baby skin and minor adult skin irritation.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various (widely available).
A long-trusted skin-protecting ingredient used across the UK for nappy rash and minor skin irritation, found in products such as Sudocrem and Metanium.
Practical use
How to take Zinc oxide
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, for example at each nappy change for nappy rash.
- There is no need to remove all of the previous layer at each change, as gentle cleaning is kinder to the skin.
- Use it on minor, unbroken skin, not on weeping, blistered, infected or spreading areas.
- Stop using it if the skin reacts to the cream, and seek advice.
- See a pharmacist or GP if nappy rash does not improve within a few days or looks infected.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Zinc oxide
Advantages
- Soothes and protects sore or irritated skin by forming a gentle barrier.
- Very gentle and suitable from babyhood, as it largely stays on the skin's surface.
- A long-trusted, widely available option for nappy rash, chafing and minor irritation.
Disadvantages
- For minor, intact skin only, not for broken, weeping or infected skin.
- Can stain clothing.
- Does not treat infections such as fungal nappy rash, which need different treatment.
Practical use
Good to know
For nappy rash, the trick is to apply zinc oxide cream to clean, dry skin at each nappy change as a protective layer; you do not need to scrub off all of the previous layer, which can irritate the skin further. A thin, even layer usually works better than a very thick smear. It is for minor, intact skin problems: it should not be put on broken, weeping, blistered, badly infected or spreading skin, which needs proper assessment. If nappy rash does not improve within a few days, looks infected, or has a different appearance such as spots spreading beyond the nappy area, it may be something like a fungal infection that needs different treatment, so check with a pharmacist or GP. It can stain clothing, and very occasionally the skin can react to an ingredient, in which case stop using it.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had an allergic reaction to zinc oxide or another ingredient in the cream should not use it.
- It should not be applied to broken, weeping, blistered or badly infected skin without advice.
- Anyone whose skin problem is spreading, infected or not improving should seek medical advice rather than continue self-treating.
Monitoring
- No routine monitoring is needed.
- Reviewing the skin if nappy rash or irritation does not improve within a few days.
- Seeking advice if the area looks infected or is spreading.
Side effects
- Side effects are uncommon, as it works mainly on the skin's surface.
- Occasionally mild irritation, especially if the skin is already broken.
- Rarely, an allergic skin reaction to an ingredient, in which case stop using it.
Key interactions
- There are no well-known interactions with medicines taken by mouth, as it acts on the skin.
- Avoid layering it with other creams on the same area at the same time unless advised.
- Tell your pharmacist about other skin products you are using on the area.
Available as: Creams, ointments and pastes applied to the skin.
Answers
Zinc oxide: frequently asked questions
What is zinc oxide cream used for?
It is used to soothe and protect the skin, most commonly for nappy rash, as well as for minor skin irritation, soreness and chafing.
How does it help nappy rash?
It forms a protective barrier over the skin, shielding it from moisture and rubbing so the sore skin underneath can recover.
Do I need to wipe off all the old cream each time?
No. Gentle cleaning is kinder to the skin; you do not need to scrub off every bit of the previous layer at each nappy change.
Can I use it on broken or weeping skin?
No. It is for minor, unbroken skin. Broken, weeping, blistered or infected skin should be checked by a pharmacist or GP.
What if the nappy rash does not get better?
See a pharmacist or GP if it does not improve within a few days or looks infected, as it may be something like a fungal infection that needs different treatment.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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