A+D Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

A+D Ointment is an over-the-counter topical product containing vitamins A and D, usually combined with ingredients like lanolin or petrolatum. It is applied to the skin to soothe, protect, and moisturize irritated or dry skin. It is commonly used for minor skin irritation, chapped skin, and diaper rash. Always use it as directed and stop use if your skin worsens or does not improve within a week.

What is A+D Ointment

A+D Ointment, also known as vitamin A and D topical, belongs to the topical emollient and skin protectant drug class. It is an over-the-counter topical product containing vitamins A and D, usually combined with ingredients like lanolin or petrolatum, applied to the skin to soothe, protect, and moisturize irritated or dry skin.

A+D Ointment uses

• To soothe and protect minor cuts, scratches, or burns
• To help relieve chapped, chafed, flaky, or cracked skin or lips
• To reduce the chance that wind and cold weather will dry your skin out
• To prevent or help relieve diaper rash
• To treat dry skin and conditions such as itchiness, scaling, and roughness
• To treat skin irritation from radiation therapy
• May also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider

Benefits of A+D Ointment

• Softens and moisturizes the skin
• Helps form a barrier between the skin and irritants such as wind, cold, or soiled diapers
• Helps remove flakes from the skin
• Helps the skin retain water, making it smoother and younger looking

How A+D Ointment works

The ointment softens and moisturizes the skin and forms a protective barrier against irritants. It works by adding an oily layer to the skin's surface that helps the skin hold onto moisture, smooths the rough outer layer of skin, and helps remove dead skin cells.

A+D Ointment dosage

Use only on clean and dry skin. Wash your hands well before applying, and apply a thin layer, avoiding excessive amounts. Do not get it in your eyes or swallow it. Do not use on areas where an animal bit you, on serious burns or cuts, or on deep or puncture wounds unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

If using for diaper rash, apply with every diaper change along with frequent diaper changes as advised by your health care provider.

Stop using and contact your health care provider if your skin looks worse, if it improves but then worsens again, or if you have been using it for seven days or longer. It is meant to be used only when needed; do not use double or extra amounts if you miss an application.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Ointment

Side effects of A+D Ointment

Common

• Localised skin irritation, redness, itching, or burning at the application site
• Mild irritant or allergic contact dermatitis
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight with retinol-containing products
• Skin peeling or increased sensitivity with prolonged or excessive use

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Very bad skin irritation
• Signs of skin infection at the application site such as pain, pus, spreading redness, or fever

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use on animal bites, serious burns or cuts, or deep or puncture wounds unless your health care provider tells you to.
• Stop using the product and contact your health care provider if your skin looks worse instead of better, if it improves but then worsens again within a few days, or if you have used it for seven days or longer.
• This product is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. It should not be used on animal bites, burns, or puncture wounds.
• Contact your doctor if your condition worsens, does not improve within a week, or if symptoms go away and then come back shortly after.
• Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as they will advise whether this product is appropriate for you to use.
• Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed so they can advise whether this product is appropriate for you to use.
• Do not apply to deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
• Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms last longer than 7 days or return.
• It is not known whether drinking alcohol affects this medicine.
• If swallowed, seek medical help immediately.

Storage

• Store according to the package labeling
• Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight
• Avoid freezing it
• Store at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat, and keep away from pets and children

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or wheezing.
• Get medical help right away if too much of the ointment is used accidentally, whether by you or someone else.
• Seek medical help for very bad skin irritation.

Alternatives

• CeraVe Healing Ointment
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• Vaseline Petroleum Jelly