Diaper Cream: The Eczema Secret Weapon!

Every person I know with atopic dermatitis has at least 1 “magic” product. If we’re lucky we may even have a few! What’s a “magic” product? Well, by my definition it’s a product that doesn’t stop working randomly and always provides the desired effect.

What's my magic product for eczema?

I have a few such products in my arsenal but the one I am going to share today is zinc oxide cream, better known as diaper rash cream. Now, you must be wondering – Emma, do you put diaper rash cream on your face?!

Yup! And my arms, legs, feet – anywhere I have an atopic dermatitis flare-up!

What should you know before trying it?

If you have changed a diaper before, you know that the cream in question is extremely sticky, occlusive, and white as fresh snow. The biggest downside to zinc oxide cream is the potential for permanently staining some clothes and fabrics. So, if you are going to use zinc oxide cream on your face or body at night, I recommend using a white pillowcase and sheets.

How did I learn about zinc oxide?

The use of zinc oxide for atopic dermatitis is unfortunately something I cannot take credit for. The use of this product to help provide relief and healing during flares has long been understood and studied.

Soothems is a company that creates eczema-friendly clothing. The clothing is infused with zinc oxide and was developed by pediatric doctors. Soothems had this to say about the benefits of zinc oxide for atopic dermatitis:¹

Zinc oxide and products that contain it are excellent in combating the symptoms of eczema. Whether used as a cream or in a product like our eczema-friendly children’s clothing, this ingredient can provide relief from uncomfortable eczema symptoms like itching, burning sensations, and rashes.

And I must wholeheartedly agree with them!

One of the best things about zinc oxide cream is that there are no age limitations for using it. Everyone from a brand new baby to the world's oldest person can use this product and find relief.

Is it the same as zinc supplements?

One word of caution though: Zinc oxide is not the same substance as zinc supplements that you take orally. The zinc supplement is unlikely to provide eczema relief.

How is zinc oxide used?

The range of uses for zinc oxide is incredibly diverse. Zinc oxide is an ingredient in plastics, ceramics, paint tint, batteries, fire retardants, adhesives, and sunscreen. It’s even used in cigarette filters to remove specific chemicals from tobacco smoke!²

With so many industrial and commercial uses, it honestly blows my mind that zinc oxide is such a lifesaver for my eczema. I never would have thought the same compound that tints the white tattoo ink I use – and protects my skin from the sun – would be what I religiously slather on my flare-ups for relief!

Have you tried it?

While I never thought I’d be singing the praises of diaper cream, I am glad to be doing so. If you are interested in trying out zinc oxide cream for your atopic dermatitis flares, I heartily recommend it! You will want to check in with your doctor before starting just to make sure it’s a safe choice for you and won’t interact with any other medicines you may be taking.

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