Zinc Oxide For Babies: Safety, Uses And Precautions To Take

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Due to its skin-protective properties, using zinc oxide for babies is mostly considered safe. As a result, it is often an active component in sunscreens, baby powders, baby lotions, and other skincare products. For example, calamine lotion, a topical treatment for skin irritation, is one of the most popular zinc oxide-containing skincare products for babies.

由于氧化锌是广泛使用的,你可能会encounter it in at least one babycare product. Therefore, knowing whether this compound is truly safe can help you make the best skincare choices for your baby.

这篇文章讨论了安全,副作用,种种折磨ntial advantages, and precautions to consider when using products containing zinc oxide for babies.

Is Zinc Oxide Safe For Babies?

The topical application of zinc oxide is considered safe for babies’ skin(1). Research indicates that the compound’snanoparticlesⁱXParticles less than 100 nanometers in size widely used in medicine (drug delivery) and healthcare applicationslinger in the skin’s epidermis and do not penetrate the deeper dermis layer. There is also no cellular toxicity noted due to repeated topical use of zinc oxide.

The compound is approved for use in skincare products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The concentration of zinc oxide is limited to 25%, which is the safe limit(2). Considering the extensive research and FDA approval, zinc oxide can be noted as safe for babies when used topically.

Uses Of Zinc Oxide For Babies

Zinc oxide is found in several baby skincare products. The compound could be used in the treatment or management of the following conditions in babies.

1. Diaper rash:Zinc oxide-based ointments and lotions, such as calamine lotions, are often used as a safe home remedy for ababy’s diaper rash(3).Zinc oxide is an antipruritic agent, meaning it provides relief from itching.It can be safely used even for babies younger than six months.
   

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2. Dermatitis:Dermatitis or eczema is anautoimmune conditionⁱXA group of medical conditions where the body’s immune system erroneously attacks healthy cellscausing excessive skin inflammation, redness, and irritation. Zinc oxide-rich lotions, such as calamine lotions, can help relieve itching and irritation due to the compound’s anti-inflammatory properties(4). It could be a safe alternative tocorticosteroidsⁱXSteroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that help alleviate inflammation and the immune system activity, which require a doctor’s prescription for administration.

3. Skin irritation:Zinc oxide-based ointments could be used as a home remedy to relieveskin irritationdue to insect bites, contact with irritant plants, and friction.

4. Sunburn:Experts recommend checking for the presence of zinc oxide while selecting a baby sunscreen lotion since the compound protects the skin from sunburns(5). The compound may provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays depending on the overall formulation of the sunscreen lotion.

5. Certain skin conditions:Zinc oxide-based medicated ointments may be prescribed to treat certain skin conditions. A few examples are warts, skin ulcers, and some types of skin wounds. The likely reason could be the antibacterial andantioxidantⁱXSubstances that may prevent or slow down cell damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicalsproperties of the compound(6).

Besides these uses, zinc oxide may also be found in regular baby soaps, skin moisturizers, and talcum powders. It may also be found in certain types of suppositories and may be used locally in treatment ofhemorrhoidsⁱXA condition in which the rectal and anal region veins get swollen(7).

Side Effects Of Zinc Oxide In Babies

An allergic reaction to topical zinc oxide is extremely rare, considering it has anti-inflammatory properties useful for relieving allergy-related skin conditions,such as eczema(8).Most side effects of zinc oxide arise due to accidental ingestion or inhalation of its fumes(9). Inhalation of zinc oxide fumes usually occurs in an industrial setting, and it is highly unlikely that an infant will be exposed to it. Therefore, the only potential risk for the baby is accidental ingestion of zinc oxide-based lotion or ointment.

The ingestion of zinc oxide is a case of accidental poisoning and could lead to the following side effects(10)(11).

• Chills and fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Cough
• Mouth and throat irritation
• Yellow skin and eyes
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Take your baby to the emergency room immediately if you notice any of the symptoms. Remember to carry the bottle or container of the zinc oxide product so that the healthcare provider can provide a relevant antidote based on the product’s formulation.

Precautions While Using Zinc Oxide

The following precautions could help in the safe use of zinc oxide for babies.

• Although zinc oxide is safe, the product may have other compounds that could be potential allergens, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Remember to check all the ingredients. Do a patch test on a small part ofthe skin, such as on the baby’s feet, to check suitability. Consider selecting fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
• Apply a thin layer on the affected area and repeat after a few hours instead of applying a thick layer for better results.
• If you are using a zinc-oxide-containing diaper rash cream, change the diaper often since it may absorb some of the cream.
• Keep zinc oxide-containing products away from the baby’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Avoid products containing zinc oxide if yourchild is allergicto zinc,lanolinⁱXA waxy, oily material derived from sheep's wool often used as a skin moisturizer,cod-liver oilⁱXA nutrient-rich oil obtained from fish, known to be a good source of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, petroleum jelly or mineral oils.

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