Can Adults Use Diaper Rash Cream?

When diaper rash is mentioned, most people think of babies. However, the condition can also affect adults who wear diapers. The symptoms of diaper rash in babies and adults are similar and should be treated immediately because they are uncomfortable. Diaper rash in babies is treated by applying reputable creams like Desitin on the affected areas. So, can adults use Desitin?

Desitin is a fast-acting diaper cream formulated to treat and prevent diaper rash in babies and adults. It contains 13% zinc oxide as its active ingredient, providing soothing and healing properties. Therefore, you can rely on Desitin cream to treat mild and severe adult diaper rash.

Diaper rash takes a few days to disappear after starting treatment, and sometimes the rash can come back repeatedly. If the rash does not seem to go away even after applying Desitin, make a point of seeing a doctor for diagnosis just in case you are suffering from other skin conditions.

Can Adults Use Diaper Rash Cream?

Yes, adults can use diaper rash creams and treat diaper rash from home. However, contact your doctor immediately if the rash is not subsiding or getting worse after applying an over the counter cream. Sometimes, you might be suffering from an allergic reaction or a type of rash that requires specialized medical attention.

What Do Adults Use Desitin For?

Desitin creams are formulated for both baby and adult skin. In Adults Desitin:

• Prevent and treat diaper rash
• Seal out wetness to protect chaffed, irritated and burned skin from diaper rash
• Sooth the discomfort from diaper rash
• Forms a protective layer that creates a suitable environment for the skin to heal
• Protects burns, minor cuts and scrapes temporarily
• Moisturizes the skin to prevent dryness that comes about with cold weather and wind.

Review of Desitin

Diaper rash is inevitable among diaper-wearing babies and adults. To relieve yourself of the pain and discomfort of the burns and rash, invest in an effective cream like Desitin. 

The main ingredient in Desitin products is Zinc oxide which forms a protective layer to seal the baby’s skin from wetness and helps in soothing and healing the chapped skin.

Desitin features three main products for diaper rash, and we will review each to help you choose the best depending on the condition of your rashes. Read on:

DESITIN Daily Defense Cream

The desitin daily defense, previously called rapid relief, should be applied on the chapped skin, and it forms a protective layer to sooth and relieve you from the discomfort. 

People who have used it previously say that it gives the skin instant relief and starts to clear out the rashes within 12 hours after application.

The cream is fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested and, hypoallergenic; therefore, you can be sure that it is safe and gentle on your skin. Because it is mild on the skin, you can use it daily to protect and treat diaper rash after every diaper change.

What’s more, its creamy formula is easy to apply and wipes off easily from your hands and your bum. 

DESITIN Daily Defense Cream features

• Active ingredients: zinc oxide (13%)
• Inactive ingredients: mineral oil, petrolatum beeswax, glycerin, and Dimethicone, to mention a few
• Application directions: remove the wet diaper, clean the diaper area and wipe dry, apply the cream generously after every diaper change and especially at night, or any other time you might have to stay in a wet diaper for long.
• Storage: Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F).
• Warnings: For external use only, keep out of reach of children

DESITIN Daily Defense Cream pros

• Relieves the discomfort of diaper rash instantly
• Easy to apply and wipe off
• Moisturizes the skin
• Prevents and treats the burns and redness from diaper rash
• It’s hypoallergenic

DESITIN Daily Defense Cream cons

• It has a strong smell

DESITIN Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste

DESITIN Maximum Strength contains 40% zinc oxide and therefore forms instant protection to heal and protect the skin from wetness. 

The thick cream works on the rashes overnight, and it is gentle and mild on the skin because it is free of harsh chemicals.

The richness of this DESITIN Maximum Strength soothes the skin, seals wetness away to protect the skin and creates an environment for the affected skin to heal.

Features of DESITIN Maximum Strength

Active ingredients: zinc oxide (40%)

• Inactive ingredients: Petrolatum, Cod liver oil, Lanolin Talc, Glycerin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Beeswax, Tocopheryl Acetate and Fragrance.
• Application directions: change diaper, clean and dry the diaper area, apply enough amounts to the affected area, especially if you will be in diapers for prolonged periods.
• Storage: Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F).
• Warning: For external use only, keep out of reach of children

DESITIN Maximum Strength pros

• It contains maximum amounts of zinc oxide, making it very effective
• It stays longer on the skin because it forms a thick protective layer
• Acts as a moisturizer
• Reduce the irritation and redness of the skin

Cons

• Expensive for daily application
• The thick layer can be challenging to wipe off

See also Which is better a&d vs desitin

DESITIN Multipurpose Ointment

DESITIN Multipurpose Ointment soothes the skin, prevents diaper rash and treats already affected skin. It forms a protective layer to prevent the skin from coming into contact with irritants like urine and faces enzymes.

What’s more, it is dermatologist-tested and free of harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates and fragrances. Therefore, it is safe on the skin, and you can use it after every diaper change.

Features of DESITIN Multipurpose Ointment

• Active ingredient: White Petrolatum (71.3%)
• Inactive ingredient: Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, and Tocopheryl Acetate
• Application directions: change diaper, clean and dry the diaper area, apply generously of irritated or burned areas.
• Storage: Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F).
• Warning: for external use only, keep out of reach of children

DESITIN Multipurpose Ointment cons

• Suitable for multiple uses, including soothing chapped skin, protecting diaper burns, sooth rash irritation, prevents diaper rash and treats diaper rash.
• Moisturizes dry skin
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Expensive for everyday application
• It does not contain Zinc oxide like other Desitin diaper rash products

What Can I Use for Severe Diaper Rash for Adults

Several diaper rash ointments can help you treat adult diaper rash at home. Some of these effective ointments include:

• Balmex Adult Care Rash Cream 12 oz
• Calmoseptine Ointment Tube, 4 Ounce by Calmoseptine
• Desitin Daily Defense Baby Cream with Zinc Oxide
• Z-Bum Daily Moisturizing Diaper Rash Cream

You can purchase these creams online from Amazon or a pharmacy new you. Note that different creams react differently on different skin, so you might have to try several before finding the perfect one for you.

See also Desitin Maximum Strength vs Rapid Relief

Tips on Dealing with Diaper Rash

Diaper rash can be prevented by observing proper hygiene in the diaper area. It is essential to change your diapers immediately they are wet, and make sure to clean yourself clean and wipe your bum dry after every diaper change. 

If you already have a diaper rash, apply a generous amount of Desitin cream on the affected areas before putting on another diaper.

For faster healing, expose the diaper area to air for 15 to 20 minutes before putting on another diaper. Depending on why you are on diapers, it is recommended that you stay diaper free for at least 8 hours a day. 

What’s more, during the healing period, it would help that you wear diapers larger than your size to prevent further irritation. Last but not least, take a shower every day and even when possible, twice a day with warm water and fragrance-free mild soap until the rash disappears.

See also Diapers that change color when wet

FAQ on Can adults use Desitin

Can Desitin help with Yeast Infection in Adults?

Desitin cannot treat yeast infections because zinc oxide, the active ingredient, cannot treat yeast infections. Therefore, if your diaper rash becomes worse and transforms into a yeast infection, seek alternative ointments like Clotrimazole creams.

What Gets Rid of a Rash Overnight?

Depending on the severity, a diaper rash takes several days and sometimes weeks to clear. For faster healing, apply a reputable cream like Desitin, air the diaper area as much as you can and do not skip a shower until the rash clears up.

Can I Put Desitin in a Private Area?

Desitin is safe for external use only. Therefore, you cannot put it in your private area. If you have vaginal infections, contact your doctor for a suitable prescription.

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