Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library zinc oxide topical

zinc oxide topical

Pronunciation: ZINK OX ide

Brand: ARC, Balmex, Boudreaux Butt Paste, Caldesene, Calmol-4 Suppository, Critic-Aid Skin Paste, Delazinc, Desitin, Dr. Smith's Rash + Skin, Flanders Buttocks Ointment, Geri-Protect, Pinxav, Rash Relief, Secura Protective Cream, Seniortopix Healix, Unna-Flex Elastic Unna Boot 4 inch, Z-Bum, Znlin

What is the most important information I should know about zinc oxide topical?

What is the most important information I should know about zinc oxide topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is zinc oxide topical?

What is zinc oxide topical?

Zinc oxide is a mineral.

Zinc oxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat diaper rash, minor burns, severely chapped skin, or other minor skin irritations.

Zinc oxide rectal suppositories are used to treat itching, burning, irritation, and other rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids or painful bowel movements.

There are many brands and forms of zinc oxide available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Zinc oxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using zinc oxide topical?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using zinc oxide topical?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax.

Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use zinc oxide topical?

How should I use zinc oxide topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. A rectal suppository is for use only in your rectum.

Apply enough of this medicine to cover the entire area to be treated. Zinc oxide often leaves a thin white residue that may not be entirely rubbed in.

To treat chapped skin, minor burn wounds, or other skin irritations, use the medication as often as needed. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently.

To treat diaper rash, use zinc oxide topical each time the diaper is changed. Also apply the medicine at bedtime or whenever there will be a long period of time between diaper changes. Change wet diapers as soon as possible. Keep the diaper area clean and dry.

When using the zinc oxide topical powder, pour the powder slowly to avoid a large puff into the air. Do not allow a baby to handle a powder bottle during use. Always close the lid after using the powder.

Wash your hands before and after inserting the rectal suppository.

Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt. Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes while the suppository melts. You should feel little or no discomfort. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube cap tightly closed when not in use.

You may store zinc oxide rectal suppositories in a refrigerator to prevent melting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of zinc oxide is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using zinc oxide topical?

What should I avoid while using zinc oxide topical?

Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with zinc oxide unless your doctor tells you to.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

What are the possible side effects of zinc oxide topical?

What are the possible side effects of zinc oxide topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using zinc oxide rectal suppositories and call your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or continued pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect zinc oxide topical?

What other drugs will affect zinc oxide topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about zinc oxide topical.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About The Cigna Group Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details