Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is an over-the-counter (OTC) ointment used for treating and preventing diaper rash. It helps to protect the skin from irritants and may also serve as a mild astringent (helping to dry oozing of minor irritation) and a weak antiseptic. The product should be applied liberally as often as necessary, both to treat and to prevent diaper rash.

What Is Boudreaux's Butt Paste?

Boudreaux's Butt Paste® is a diaper rash ointment that is available without a prescription.
 
(Click Boudreaux's Butt Paste Uses for more information on what Boudreaux's Butt Paste is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Boudreaux's Butt Paste?

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is made by Blairex Laboratories, Inc. It was originally made by George Boudreaux, a pharmacist, in conjunction with a local pediatrician, although it was a mother who coined the now-famous name.
 

How Does Boudreaux's Butt Paste Work?

The active ingredient in Boudreaux's Butt Paste is zinc oxide, a chemical compound. Its chemical symbol is ZnO. A molecule of zinc oxide consists of one zinc atom bound to one oxygen atom. When applied to the skin, it helps to protect the skin from irritants and may also serve as a mild astringent (helping to dry oozing of minor irritation) and a weak antiseptic.
 
This product also contains Peruvian balsam, an herbal product that is said to have antibacterial, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties.
 

When and How to Use It

General considerations for when and how to use this product include the following:
 
  • This product should be applied liberally as often as necessary, both to treat and to prevent diaper rash.
     
  • Liberally apply the ointment with your fingertips. Do not try to rub it in, as this action is not helpful and can be irritating.
     
  • You may want to buy the largest size available, to make sure you do not try to "scrimp" on the ointment. Remember that it works by forming a barrier, and a thick layer is necessary to be effective.
     
  • You do not have to completely remove the previous application of Boudreaux's Butt Paste when changing a diaper. Simply make sure the area is thoroughly (but gently) cleaned. Make sure to let the skin dry before applying the ointment.
     
  • This product will stain fabrics.
     
  • Stop using Boudreaux's Butt Paste and consult your child's healthcare provider if the rash does not improve within seven days (or if it goes away but returns quickly).
     

Dosing Information for Boudreaux's Butt Paste

This product is applied liberally as often as needed.
 
(Click Boudreaux's Butt Paste Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is unlikely to cause side effects when used properly. However, some individuals could develop skin irritation or allergic reactions.
 
(Click Boudreaux's Butt Paste Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Boudreaux's Butt Paste

This product is not known to interact with other medications (see Boudreaux's Butt Paste Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using It?

You should talk with your child's healthcare provider prior to using this product if your child has:
 
  • A very severe or long-lasting diaper rash
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines your child is taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Boudreaux's Butt Paste Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Overdose Information

An overdose with Boudreaux's Butt Paste could potentially cause problems, especially if the ointment is taken by mouth. If your child accidentally eats some of it, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Boudreaux's Butt Paste Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

Boudreaux's Butt Paste should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Boudreaux's Butt Paste?

If you miss a dose of Boudreaux's Butt Paste, just skip the missed dose. Since the ointment is usually applied at every diaper change (and since frequent diaper changes are recommended for babies with diaper rashes), it will not be long before the next dose.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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