Zinc oxide Diaper Cream

Here is a brief overview of the different products available for diaper rashes. See Diaper Rash for suggestions on preventing rashes or if you need help with identifying and treating specific diaper rashes.

Most commercial diaper creams are “barrier creams”. They act as a “barrier” between your baby’s sensitive skin and the hostile diaper environment and will also contain some soothing or healing ingredients. All of the creams listed below, except for the hydrocortisone and the anti-fungal creams, are in this category.

Creams for mild diaper rashes or just preventing rashes:

• Soothe and Heal with Lansinoh. Available at pharmacies and most large department stores, this ointment contains ultra pure lanolin in a soothing protective ointment.
• Petrolatum. This is the main ingredient in creams like A&D original. These creams look clear, like “Vaseline, ” instead of the white zinc oxide. Petrolatum is good for protecting against diaper rash, and it is less messy than zinc oxide. Aquaphor is one of my favorite petrolatum ointments for protecting all types of irritated skin, not just diaper rashes. Petrolatum ointment is particularly helpful for the type of rash called intertrigo which is an irritation in the skin folds caused by skin rubbing against itself.