Diaper rash is an uncomfortable and painful skin inflammation that most commonly occurs in toddlers, although it can also affect adults. Oxyplastine, a cream based on zinc oxide, is often recommended to soothe diaper rash. How does it work and how should it be used? Discover everything there is to know about Oxyplastine here.
Oxyplastine, a salve recommended for diaper rash.
Published on March 13, 2025, updated on March 13, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
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What are the effects of Oxyplastine on 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.
Mechanism of action of zinc oxide.
Adapted from: Oxyplastine. Oxyplastine 46% Ointment (2024).
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Oxyplastine can be applied once or twice daily to areas prone to diaper rash. It is suitable for young children and does not have any specific contraindications during pregnancy. If the diaper rash does not improve or worsens after three days of applying Oxyplastine, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Advice : The redness of a baby's bottom is often due to the skin being soaked in urine, under the diaper. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and rinse the skin with water before applying Oxyplastine.
Sources
HOATH S. & al. Development of Diaper Rash in the Newborn. Pediatric Dermatology (2001).
SCHEINFELD N. Diaper dermatitis: a review and brief survey of eruptions of the diaper area. American journal of clinical dermatology (2005).
TIERNEY N. & al. Diaper Dermatitis: Etiology, Manifestations, Prevention, and Management. Pediatric Dermatology (2013).
HASANPOOR-AZGHADI S. B. & al. A Review Study of Diaper Rash Dermatitis Treatments. Journal of Client-Centered Nursing Care (2018).
CICCONE A. & VARBANOV M. & al. L’érythème fessier, conseils et traitements. Actualités Pharmaceutiques (2020).
Oxyplastine. Oxyplastine 46% Pommade (2024).
