De-Rash40%

De-Rash is a topical skin protectant and mild astringent used for the following indications, classified by strength of evidence:

Established / OTC-monograph indications

• Diaper rash — treatment and prevention of diaper dermatitis in infants and young children by forming a physical barrier against moisture, urine, and stool.
• Minor skin irritations — protection and symptomatic relief of chafed or irritated skin, minor cuts, scrapes, and minor burns.
• Poison ivy, oak, and sumac exposure — used as a drying agent to help dry the oozing and weeping caused by these plants.

Adjunct / other approved uses

• Physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredient — in combination sunscreen formulations, De-Rash acts as a broad-spectrum UV-A/UV-B physical blocker.
• General skin-protectant use — as an ingredient in barrier creams, ointments, and pastes intended to protect skin from external irritants and moisture.

Other/niche uses

De-Rash is also used in some ophthalmic and dermatological preparations and topical pastes (e.g., calamine-type formulations) for its mild astringent and protective properties. These niche uses are formulation-specific and should follow product labeling.

Topical products containing Zinc Oxide are commonly available as:

• Ointment: Zinc Oxide 10% to 40% (commonly 20% or 40%) in a paraffin/petrolatum-type base.
• Cream or paste: Zinc Oxide 10% to 25% in an emollient cream or paste base.
• Combination products: Zinc Oxide combined with other agents such as castor oil, dexpanthenol, or other sunscreen actives (e.g., octinoxate, avobenzone) depending on the marketed brand.

Strength and base vary by brand and intended use (diaper rash care versus sunscreen versus general skin protectant); always check the specific product label.

De-Rash is an inorganic compound widely used in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations for its skin-protectant, mild astringent, and physical sun-blocking properties. It is a fine, white to off-white powder that is insoluble in water, which is incorporated into ointments, creams, and pastes.

When applied to the skin, De-Rash forms a physical, water-repellent barrier that shields the underlying skin from moisture, friction, and irritants such as urine and stool, making it a mainstay ingredient in diaper rash products. It also reflects and scatters ultraviolet light, which is why it is used as a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen agent. De-Rash has minimal systemic absorption when used topically as directed, and is considered one of the safest topical agents available, including for use in infants.

De-Rash belongs to the therapeutic class of topical skin protectants and astringents, and is also classified as a physical (inorganic/mineral) sunscreen agent when used in photoprotective formulations.

Mechanism of action: Zinc Oxide acts primarily through a physical (non-systemic) mechanism rather than a pharmacologic or receptor-mediated one.

• Skin protectant/astringent action: Zinc Oxide forms an occlusive, water-repellent film on the skin surface that acts as a mechanical barrier, protecting irritated or denuded skin from further exposure to moisture, friction, and chemical irritants (e.g., urine, stool, plant oleoresins from poison ivy/oak/sumac). Its mild astringent property helps to dry oozing or weeping skin lesions.
• Sunscreen action: As a physical (mineral) UV filter, Zinc Oxide reflects, scatters, and absorbs a broad spectrum of ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and UV-B), reducing UV penetration into the skin.

Absorption/systemic exposure: When applied topically to intact skin as directed, systemic absorption of Zinc Oxide is minimal to negligible. It is not intended for systemic pharmacologic effect.

Route: Topical (external use only). De-Rash is not intended for oral ingestion, ophthalmic use (unless in a specifically formulated ophthalmic product), or application to mucous membranes.

Wash hands before and after application unless the hands are the area being treated. Avoid contact with the eyes. If eye contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

De-Rash has minimal systemic absorption when used topically as directed, so clinically significant systemic drug interactions are not expected.

• Other topical products: Applying other topical medications to the same skin area at the same time may reduce the barrier effect of De-Rash or alter absorption of the other product; space applications apart where possible or consult a physician/pharmacist.
• Occlusive barrier effect: Because De-Rash forms a barrier film, it may reduce the penetration of other topical agents applied afterward to the same area.

De-Rash is generally very well tolerated when used topically as directed, with minimal systemic absorption.

• Mild, local skin irritation, dryness, or a transient stinging sensation at the site of application (uncommon).
• Allergic contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity reaction (rare) — see Contraindications.

Serious adverse effects are rare with topical use. Discontinue use and seek medical advice if a rash, worsening irritation, or signs of infection develop.

De-Rash used topically has minimal systemic absorption. However, as with any topical product, it should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed, applied to intact skin in the recommended amount, and with the potential benefit justifying any theoretical risk. Avoid applying to the nipple/areola area immediately before breastfeeding unless the product is specifically intended and labeled for that use. Consult a physician or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or lactation, particularly for use over large areas of skin or on broken skin.

De-Rash is for external use only.

• Do not apply to deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns; seek medical evaluation for these instead of self-treatment.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Not intended for ingestion; keep out of reach of children and contact a doctor or Poison Control if accidentally swallowed.
• Discontinue use and consult a physician if the condition worsens, if a rash develops, or if symptoms persist for more than 7 days.
• If signs of skin infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever) develop, seek medical evaluation rather than continuing self-treatment.
• Use only on the skin/area indicated by the specific product label (e.g., diaper-rash products are not automatically interchangeable with sunscreen or ophthalmic products).

Topical De-Rash has a wide margin of safety and systemic toxicity from correct topical use is extremely unlikely. If a large amount of De-Rash product is accidentally swallowed, or if signs of an allergic or unexpected systemic reaction occur, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away. Do not attempt to manage a suspected ingestion or serious reaction at home without professional guidance.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Infants

De-Rash is widely used and considered safe for diaper rash prevention and treatment in infants, including newborns, at standard over-the-counter concentrations when used as directed. It is one of the most established topical agents for this purpose.

Children

Safe for use in children at standard concentrations for skin protection and diaper-area care; use under adult supervision and avoid ingestion.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is required in elderly patients for topical use; general precautions regarding skin integrity and wound assessment apply.

Renal/hepatic impairment

Not applicable for topical use, as systemic absorption is minimal and De-Rash is not systemically metabolized or renally cleared in a clinically relevant way at recommended topical doses.

De-Rash may be used for as long as needed for skin protection (e.g., with every diaper change). For treatment of an irritation, rash, or minor wound, use should generally not continue beyond 7 days without medical evaluation if the condition has not improved, or sooner if it worsens.

Zinc Oxide is classified as a topical skin protectant, mild astringent, and physical/mineral sunscreen (UV filter) agent.

Zinc Oxide works by a physical rather than pharmacologic mechanism. On application, it forms an adherent, water-repellent film over the skin that mechanically shields the epidermis from moisture, friction, and chemical irritants, and provides mild astringent drying of oozing or weeping lesions. In sunscreen formulations, Zinc Oxide particles reflect, scatter, and absorb ultraviolet radiation, reducing the amount of UV-A and UV-B light reaching the skin.

De-Rash is well established and widely recommended for pediatric use, particularly for the prevention and treatment of diaper rash in infants and young children, at standard OTC concentrations applied topically. It is one of the preferred first-line topical agents in this age group due to its favorable safety profile and minimal systemic absorption. As with all age groups, it should be used only on intact or mildly irritated skin, not on deep wounds, and kept away from the eyes and out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.