Sudocrem Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Sudocrem Cream is an antiseptic healing cream containing zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol. It is used for a variety of skin irritations, including diaper rash, eczema, minor burns, sunburn, and surface wounds. The cream forms a protective barrier on the skin, soothes inflammation, reduces redness, and supports healing. It is for external use only and is applied as a thin layer to the affected area.

What is Sudocrem Cream

Sudocrem is a gentle antiseptic healing cream that soothes and protects delicate skin from a variety of irritations. It forms a protective barrier on the skin, calms inflammation, reduces redness, and helps promote healing. Its active ingredients are zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol, and it belongs to the antiseptic healing cream drug class.

Sudocrem Cream uses

• Diaper (nappy) rash
• Eczema
• Minor burns and scrapes
• Sunburn
• Surface wounds, cuts and grazes
• Acne
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Chilblains
• Prickly heat (heat rash)
• Minor soreness, chafing or irritation on the bottom or in the genital area
• Insect bites

Benefits of Sudocrem Cream

• Forms a protective barrier on the skin
• Helps soothe and calm inflamed, irritated skin
• Helps reduce redness
• Supports the skin's natural healing process
• Has antiseptic properties that help protect minor wounds

How Sudocrem Cream works

Sudocrem contains zinc oxide, benzyl alcohol, benzyl cinnamate, and lanolin. Zinc oxide soothes the skin and has antibacterial properties, benzyl alcohol acts like a mild local anaesthetic to ease discomfort, and benzyl cinnamate has antifungal properties. Lanolin moisturises and forms a protective barrier on the skin, which helps protect against irritation from urine, moisture or friction.

Sudocrem Cream dosage

Sudocrem is for external use only. Clean and dry the affected area before applying. Apply a thin layer and spread it gently over the skin without rubbing it in completely, so a thin layer remains visible. Wash your hands after application unless you are treating a hand condition.

For nappy rash, apply at each nappy change and allow time without a nappy for air to reach the skin. For other conditions, it can be applied a few times a day. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and mucous membranes. The same application method is used for adults, children and the elderly.

If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember, but do not apply extra to make up for a missed one.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (60g tub)

Side effects of Sudocrem Cream

Common

• Local skin irritation
• Redness
• Itching
• Burning or stinging sensation

Serious

• Severe rash
• Swelling
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Warnings and precautions

• Sudocrem contains paraffin, which is flammable. If the cream soaks into clothing, bedding or bandages, it does not wash out completely and can make the fabric catch fire easily near a naked flame, cigarette, gas hob or candle.
• Avoid using it on babies younger than 4 weeks old who have or may be at risk of jaundice, because an ingredient in the cream (sodium benzoate) can interfere with how the body manages bilirubin and may worsen newborn jaundice.
• Do not use it if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, particularly lanolin, which commonly causes contact dermatitis (an itchy rash) in sensitive skin.
• Do not use on deep wounds, severe burns, raw or weeping skin, or areas with active infection unless a healthcare professional has advised it.
• For external use only. It should never be applied internally, swallowed, or put in the eyes or mouth.
• The cream is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats if they lick it off the skin.
• Sudocrem is generally considered safe for external use during pregnancy when used as directed, but pregnant women should check with a healthcare provider before using it, especially over large areas or frequently.
• If breastfeeding, apply a thin layer only to the affected area.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
• Do not apply to deep or infected wounds.
• Stop use if severe redness, burning, or irritation occurs.
• Keep away from children when not in use.

Storage

• Keep in a cool, dry place
• Store below 25°C
• Store at room temperature (15-30°C), away from light and moisture
• Do not store in damp places or the freezer
• Keep away from heat and open flames
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Dispose of properly if expired or no longer needed; do not throw into drains or toilets unless instructed, ask a pharmacist or waste disposal company for guidance

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the cream and get medical advice if your skin becomes more red, swollen, itchy, or if a new rash develops where you applied it.
• If a child swallows a large amount, watch for vomiting, loose stools, or unusual sleepiness, and contact a health advice line for guidance; in an emergency, such as a seizure, get emergency medical help right away.
• Seek medical help immediately if you experience serious allergic symptoms such as severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, severe rash, anxiety, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• If symptoms do not improve after several days of use, or the condition persists or worsens, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Alternatives

• Cetraben Cream
• Bepanthen Cream
• Zinc Oxide Cream