Desitin Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Desitin Ointment contains zinc oxide, a skin protectant from the miscellaneous topical agents class. It is applied to the skin to treat and prevent diaper rash and other minor skin irritations by forming a protective moisture barrier. Desitin is available as a paste, cream, or ointment for external use only.

What is Desitin Ointment

Desitin is a skin protectant ointment/paste containing zinc oxide. It is used on the skin as a moisturizer and barrier to treat or prevent diaper rash and other minor skin irritations.

Desitin Ointment uses

• Helps treat and prevent diaper rash
• Protects chafed skin due to diaper rash and helps seal out wetness
• Used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations such as diaper rash and skin burns from radiation therapy

Benefits of Desitin Ointment

• Helps prevent and treat diaper rash
• Forms a protective moisture barrier
• Helps soothe red, irritated skin
• Protects skin from urine and stool exposure
• Supports healing of minor skin irritation

How Desitin Ointment works

The medicine works by forming an oily protective layer on top of the skin that traps in water and seals out wetness, which helps soothe and protect irritated skin.

Desitin Ointment dosage

Change wet and soiled diapers promptly, cleanse the diaper area, and allow it to dry before applying. Apply the paste liberally as often as necessary with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or any time wet diapers may be in contact with skin for a long time.

For external use only; do not get the product into the eyes. Apply to the skin only, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes, inside the mouth or nose, and the vaginal or groin area unless directed otherwise. Check the label for areas where the product should not be applied, such as broken, chapped, cut, irritated, or recently shaved skin.

If using to treat radiation skin burns, check with radiation personnel about whether the product can be applied before treatment. Some products need to be shaken before use, so check the label.

If you miss a scheduled application, use it as soon as you remember; do not apply more than directed to catch up.

Available forms and strengths

• Paste
• Cream
• Ointment

Side effects of Desitin Ointment

Common

• Worsening of diaper rash

Serious

• Hives
• Itching
• Skin rash

Warnings and precautions

• This product is for use on the skin only. Do not get it into the eyes.
• Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have other allergies, since it may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
• If you have skin cuts, infections, or sores, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
• This product may stain clothing.
• This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this product. It is not known if this product passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before breastfeeding. 
• No routine restriction is expected for topical use with kidney or liver conditions, and no significant interaction with alcohol is expected since this product is for external use only. This product does not affect driving.

Storage

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
• Refer to storage information printed on the package
• Keep all medications away from children and pets
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so; properly discard this product when expired or no longer needed, and consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for disposal

When to see a doctor

• Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, or if symptoms last more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days.
• If the product is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
• If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
• If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call for emergency help right away; otherwise, call a poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• Vaseline (petrolatum)
• A&D Ointment