Balmex

Generic Name: zinc oxide topical (ZINK OX ide)

Brand Names: ARC, Balmex, Boudreaux Butt Paste, Caldesene, Calmol-4 Suppository, Critic-Aid Skin Paste, Delazinc, Dermagran BC, Desitin, Desitin Maximum Strength Original, Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy, Diaper Rash Ointment, Diaper Relief, Dr. Smith's Diaper, Flanders Buttocks Ointment, Geri-Protect, Medi-Paste, PeriGuard, Pinxav, Rash Relief, RVPaque, Seniortopix Healix, Soothe & Cool Skin Paste, Sportz Block Dark, Sportz Block Light, Sportz Block Medium, Triple Paste, Tronolane Suppositories, Unna-Flex Elastic Unna Boot 3 inch, Unna-Flex Elastic Unna Boot 4 inch, Znlin

What is Balmex (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.

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

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

You should not use this medication 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.

Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 days of treatment. Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.

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

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Balmex (zinc oxide topical)?

You should not use this medication 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.

It is not known whether zinc oxide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether zinc oxide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Balmex (zinc oxide topical)?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Apply enough of this medication 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 this medication each time the diaper is changed. It is especially important to apply the medication at bedtime or whenever there will be a long period of time between diaper changes.

Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.

When using the powder form of this medicine, 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.

Zinc oxide rectal suppositories come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after inserting a rectal suppository.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the suppository. Cleanse and dry your rectal area thoroughly.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

For best results, stay lying down after inserting the suppository and hold it in your rectum for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 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?

Since zinc oxide is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose. Using extra zinc oxide to make up a missed dose will not make the medication more effective.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Balmex (zinc oxide topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.

Balmex (zinc oxide topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using zinc oxide rectal suppositories 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 Balmex (zinc oxide topical)?

Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with zinc oxide, unless your doctor has told you to.

There may be other drugs that can interact with zinc oxide topical or rectal suppositories. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Balmex resources

• Balmex Side Effects (in more detail)
• Balmex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Balmex Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Balmex - Add your own review/rating

• Arcalyst Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Caldesene Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Desitin Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Balmex with other medications

• Anal Itching
• Dermatologic Lesion

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about zinc oxide topical.

See also: Balmex side effects (in more detail)