What is Desitin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Desitin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Aquaphor Healing Cream Baby, Aquaphor Healing Paste Baby, Balmex Adultcare, Balmex Diaper Rash, Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Cozima, Desitin Daily Defense Creamy, Desitin Maximum Strength Original, Desitin Original, Diaper Rash, Dr. Smith's Adult Barrier, Dr. Smith's Diaper, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Diaper Rash Creamy, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Zinc Oxide, Good Sense Diaper Rash

Generic Names:

  • Desitin

Uses:

  • Treats and prevents diaper rash.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Protectant, Dermatological

Forms:

  • Cream, Ointment, Paste

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What form(s) does Desitin come in

  • Cream

  • Ointment

  • Paste

What are common Desitin doses?

  • Tube 57GM of 13%

  • Tube 113GM of 13%

  • Tube 57GM of 40%

  • Tube 113GM of 40%

  • Jar 454GM of 40%

Common Desitin prescriptions

  • Desitin
    28gm of 40% tube

  • Desitin
    57gm of 13% tube of cream

How to take Desitin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Clean the baby's diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow the skin to dry before you apply the medicine and put on a new diaper.

  • Apply the medicine to the diaper area every time you change the diaper. Use this medicine any time the baby might be in a wet diaper for a longer time, such as at nap time or overnight.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Apply the medicine to the diaper area every time you change the diaper. Use this medicine any time the baby might be in a wet diaper for a longer time, such as at nap time or overnight.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Clean the baby's diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow the skin to dry before you apply the medicine and put on a new diaper.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

What to do if you miss a dose of Desitin

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Desitin contraindications

  • Do not use this medicine if your child has had an allergic reaction to zinc oxide. Do not use on deep or puncture wounds, cuts, or infections.

Desitin warnings

  • Call your doctor if the diaper rash gets better and then comes back.

  • Call a poison control center right away if anyone accidentally swallows the medicine.

  • If the diaper rash symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Desitin interactions

  • Check with your doctor to find out if you can use other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

  • Call your doctor if the diaper rash gets better and then comes back.

  • Call a poison control center right away if anyone accidentally swallows the medicine.

Desitin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing