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Barrier / Astringent / Wound Dressing

Zinc Oxide

Brand names: Sudocrem, Zinc and Castor Oil Ointment BP, Metanium, Drapolene

Zinc oxide is a topical agent with mild astringent and protective properties, used in barrier preparations for conditions such as nappy rash, minor skin irritation and excoriation.

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

It provides a protective, mildly astringent barrier over the skin that shields it from irritants and moisture and soothes minor inflammation.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is for external use only and should not be applied to broken or heavily weeping skin without advice.
  • It is often combined with other ingredients in proprietary preparations, so check the full formulation for additional components.
  • Apply to clean, dry skin as a protective layer in line with current prescribing references.

Monitoring

Review the treated area for improvement and signs of local irritation or infection.

Counselling the patient

  • Clean and dry the skin gently before applying a protective layer.
  • Use it to protect skin from moisture and irritation, for example at each nappy change.
  • Stop using it and seek advice if the skin becomes more sore or shows signs of infection.

Evidence & guidelines

Zinc oxide barrier preparations are long-established skin protectants supported by extensive clinical use.

Reference: NICE CG179 (Pressure Ulcers); BAD Leg Ulcer Guidelines; NICE CKS Nappy Rash; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). 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.

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