Are Diaper Rash Products Dangerous?

What is diaper rash?

Diaper rash is the broad term applied to any type of inflammation occurring in the body areas covered by diapers. It is a common problem for infants and is thought to cause nearly 20% of childhood visits to a dermatologist.

There are several causes of diaper rash, but the most common is contact with moisture from urine and feces held in wet diapers. The inability of an infant’s skin to dry out when covered by a diaper can lead to a breakdown of the skin surface. Diaper rash can also occur because of infection, friction caused by poorly fitted diapers, and allergic reaction to fragrances, dyes, and other components of diapers.

What is diaper rash cream?

To prevent diaper rash, diaper creams and ointments help form a protective barrier on the skin. Many of these creams contain zinc oxide. This is the same type of white sunblock cream that lifeguards put on their noses, and it is also is used to treat some burns. 

Some diaper rash creams contain lanolin or other moisturizers. Products containing vitamin A, vitamin D, petroleum jelly, and even some antacids have been used. What these products have in common is the absence of scientific data showing that they are effective.

Is diaper rash cream toxic if ingested?

A lick or swallow of a zinc oxide or lanolin cream is not dangerous to a child; larger amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, though this is unusual and usually stops without treatment. A child who swallows a small amount of petroleum jelly will probably be OK. Even so, he or she must be watched for a cough or other symptoms of lung injury for 24 hours afterwards. A child who swallows a larger amount may develop diarrhea.

Diaper rash creams intended to treat infections can contain anti-bacterial or anti-fungal medications. Swallowing small amounts probably will not cause harm, but these products are still medicines. They should therefore be kept where infants and children can't reach them.

Beware of talcum powder

Talcum powder is dangerous to use around children. If they inhale it, talcum powder can damage the lungs. Children have died after inhaling talc that was spilled on their faces. Talcum powder and cornstarch are not even effective for preventing diaper rash, as they actually clump in skin folds, holding in further moisture.

Have questions about diaper rash cream?

The bottom line for parents of infants and young children: products to prevent and treat diaper rash usually will not harm a child who swallows a small amount. The exception is talcum powder, which can be fatal if inhaled. If a child swallows anything intended for the skin, use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for guidance, or call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222. Help, both online and by phone, is available 24 hours a day.

Rose Ann Gould Soloway, RN, BSN, MSEd, DABAT emerita
Clinical Toxicologist 

Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD
Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus

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