What is Zinc Oxide: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

What is Zinc Oxide: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025 • Published Dec 31, 2020

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Zinc Oxide overview

BRAND NAMES:

Aquaphor Healing Cream Baby, Aquaphor Healing Paste Baby, Balmex Adultcare, Balmex Diaper Rash, Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Cozima, Desitin Daily Defense Creamy, Desitin Maximum Strength Original, Desitin Original, Diaper Rash, Dr. Smith's Adult Barrier, Dr. Smith's Diaper, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Diaper Rash Creamy, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Zinc Oxide, Good Sense Diaper Rash

Generic Names:

Zinc Oxide

Uses:

Treats and prevents diaper rash.

Therapeutic Classes:

Protectant, Dermatological

Forms:

Cream, Ointment, Paste

How it’s taken:

On the skin

What is Zinc Oxide used for?

What form(s) does Zinc Oxide come in

Cream
Ointment
Paste

What are common Zinc Oxide doses?

Tube 28GM of 20%
Tube 28.350000381469727GM of 20%
Tube 28.399999618530273GM of 20%
Tube 30GM of 20%
Tube 56.700000762939453GM of 20%
Tube 60GM of 20%
Jar 425GM of 20%
Jar 453.60000610351562GM of 20%
Jar 454GM of 20%
Bottle 500GM of 25%
Bottle 500GM of
Bottle 500GM of 20%
Bottle 1000GM of
Bottle 2500GM of 25%
Can 454GM of

Common Zinc Oxide prescriptions

Zinc Oxide
454gm of can
Zinc Oxide
454gm of 20% jar
Zinc Oxide
30gm of 20% tube
Zinc Oxide
56.7gm of 20% tube
Zinc Oxide
60gm of 20% tube
Zinc Oxide
28.35gm of 20% tube of ointment
Zinc Oxide
28.4gm of 20% tube of ointment

How to take Zinc Oxide

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Clean the baby's diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow the skin to dry before you apply the medicine and put on a new diaper.
Apply the medicine to the diaper area every time you change the diaper. Use this medicine any time the baby might be in a wet diaper for a longer time, such as at nap time or overnight.
Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Apply the medicine to the diaper area every time you change the diaper. Use this medicine any time the baby might be in a wet diaper for a longer time, such as at nap time or overnight.
Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Clean the baby's diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow the skin to dry before you apply the medicine and put on a new diaper.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zinc Oxide

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Zinc Oxide contraindications

Do not use this medicine if your child has had an allergic reaction to zinc oxide. Do not use on deep or puncture wounds, cuts, or infections.

Zinc Oxide warnings

Call your doctor if the diaper rash gets better and then comes back.
Call a poison control center right away if anyone accidentally swallows the medicine.
If the diaper rash symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Zinc Oxide interactions

Check with your doctor to find out if you can use other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
Call your doctor if the diaper rash gets better and then comes back.
Call a poison control center right away if anyone accidentally swallows the medicine.

Zinc Oxide side effects

Serious Side Effects

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing