Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Topical skin protectant

Barrier creams and ointments

Brand names: Cavilon, Sudocrem, Metanium

Barrier creams and ointments are topical preparations, often containing dimeticone, zinc oxide or other water-repellent ingredients, used to protect skin from irritants such as urine, faeces and exudate.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

They form a water-repellent occlusive film over the skin surface that reduces contact with moisture and irritants and limits transepidermal water loss.

Prescribing in practice

  • Apply to clean, dry, intact skin; over-application or thick layers on incontinence pads can impair pad absorbency and may worsen maceration.
  • They are intended to prevent and protect rather than to treat established infection, which requires specific therapy.
  • Some products contain antiseptics or fragrances that can occasionally cause sensitisation, so review if irritation develops.

Monitoring

Inspect the protected skin regularly for breakdown, maceration or signs of infection and adjust care accordingly.

Counselling the patient

  • Clean and dry the skin gently before reapplying.
  • A thin layer is sufficient to provide protection.
  • Report any worsening redness, broken skin or signs of infection.

Evidence & guidelines

Barrier preparations are widely used in the prevention and management of incontinence-associated dermatitis and napkin dermatitis.

Reference: NICE CKS; Tissue Viability Society; MHRA; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways