Oxyplastine, a salve recommended for diaper rash.

The diaper rash is a skin inflammation that occurs when the skin is exposed to a prolonged contact with moisture, persistent friction, or falls victim to a bacterial or fungal infection. This condition is quite common in babies, largely due to the wearing of diapers, which promotes an occlusive environment dominated by heat and moisture. Contact with urine and feces, which contain irritating substances, increases the risk of developing the diaper rash. Even though these rashes primarily affect infants, they can also appear in adults, particularly those suffering from incontinence, for the same reasons as in children.

The condition known as diaper rash is not dangerous but causes uncomfortable symptoms and can persist and/or worsen if not managed.

To soothe skin prone to diaper rash, it is often recommended to use Oxyplastine, an ointment containing 46% zinc oxide and lanolin, an emollient useful for restoring the integrity of the skin barrier. The key ingredient in this treatment for diaper rash is undoubtedly zinc oxide due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. This molecule works by tightening the skin tissues, which limits the absorption of moisture and thus prevents maceration, a factor that can worsen diaper rash. Zinc oxide is also capable of inhibiting certain pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for irritation and redness.

Furthermore, zinc oxide forms a protective barrier on the skin, thereby reducing friction and preventing the occurrence of new lesions. This barrier also prevents pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, from coming into contact with damaged skin, which could complicate diaper rash by causing a secondary infection. Finally, the zinc oxide promotes healing by stimulating collagen production, a process essential for repairing damaged skin tissue.