Desitin

Desitin Cream Information

What Is Desitin?

Desitin^® is a brand of non-prescription diaper rash products. There are currently three different Desitin products available, including:

Desitin Original^™ ointment -- 40 percent zinc oxide
Desitin Creamy^® ointment -- 13 percent zinc oxide
Desitin Clear^™ ointment -- vitamins A and D in white petrolatum.

(Click Desitin Uses for more information on what the products are used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Desitin?

These products were originally made by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare; however, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare has since been acquired by Johnson & Johnson.

How Does Desitin Work?

The active ingredient in Desitin Original and Creamy ointments 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, zinc oxide 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 inactive ingredients in these products (such as lanolin or cod liver oil) also help to protect and condition the skin.

Desitin Clear contains vitamin A and D in white petrolatum and works by forming a protective barrier.

When and How to Use It

General considerations for when and how to use these products include the following:

Desitin ointments are applied liberally as often as necessary, both to treat and to prevent diaper rash.
Liberally apply the ointment with your fingertips (imagine frosting a cake). 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 Desitin when changing a diaper. Simply make sure the area is thoroughly (but gently) cleaned. Make sure to let the skin dry before applying Desitin.
Stop using Desitin and consult your child's healthcare provider if the rash does not improve within seven days (or if it goes away but returns quickly).

Desitin Dosing Information

There really is not a recommended "dosage" for Desitin, per se. The product is applied liberally as often as needed.

(Click Desitin Dosage for more information.)

Side Effects

Desitin is not likely to cause side effects when used properly. However, some individuals could develop skin irritation.

(Click Desitin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

Potential Drug Interactions

These products are not known to interact with other medications (see Desitin Drug Interactions).

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using It?

You should talk with your child's healthcare provider prior to using these products if your child has:

A very severe or long-lasting diaper rash
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 Desitin Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not use these products.)

Overdose Information

An overdose with Desitin could potentially cause problems, especially if it is taken by mouth. If your child accidentally eats some of the ointment, seek medical attention immediately. It is very unlikely (probably even impossible) to overdose on Desitin by applying it to the skin.

(Click Desitin Overdose for more information.)

Storage Methods

Desitin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Desitin and all other medications out of the reach of children.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Desitin?

If you miss a dose, just skip the missed dose. Since Desitin 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.