Does Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream Help Treat Various Skin Conditions?

What is Sudocrem?

Sudocrem is a medicated cream mainly used for diaper rash, widely recognized in places such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, though it’s not available for retail sale in the United States. Its principal components include zinc oxide, lanolin, and benzyl alcohol.

Its primary application is treating infants’ diaper rash, but studies and anecdotal reports suggest it may help with other skin issues. Below, we explore various ways Sudocrem is used and whether those uses have supporting evidence.

Does Sudocrem help treat acne spots?

Many people believe Sudocrem can help with acne blemishes because it contains zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol.

Zinc is an essential nutrient involved in controlling infection and inflammation. While dietary zinc is beneficial, there’s limited proof that applying zinc topically reduces the inflammation linked to acne.

A review found that topical anti-acne preparations were more effective when they included zinc. Zinc was found to be comparable or superior to agents like erythromycin, tetracycline, or clindamycin when used alone at reducing acne severity. However, topical zinc by itself did not fully control acne.

Benzyl alcohol may dry out cystic lesions and could lessen pain from breakouts, but evidence supporting its effectiveness as an acne therapy is lacking.

Is Sudocrem effective for wrinkles?

It’s possible Sudocrem may help improve the appearance of wrinkles.

Research indicates the zinc oxide in Sudocrem may stimulate elastin production in skin and assist in regenerating elastic fibers, potentially diminishing wrinkle visibility.

Sudocrem for rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disorder that can cause flushing, persistent redness, itching, and irritation. There’s no firm evidence that topical zinc-containing products effectively treat rosacea, although studies haven’t conclusively ruled out benefits either.

The benzyl alcohol in Sudocrem can be irritating for sensitive skin, particularly for people with rosacea, and might exacerbate redness and dryness.

Sudocrem for eczema

Topical zinc formulations may be useful in managing eczema.

A review of zinc-based treatments for skin conditions found that topical zinc reduced symptoms for individuals with eczema affecting the hands. Topical zinc offers both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Sudocrem and dry skin

Sudocrem can be very effective for treating dry skin. Beyond its diaper rash use, it serves well as a protective ointment for hands.

Lanolin, a major ingredient in Sudocrem, is common in many moisturizers. Research suggests lanolin helps the skin retain an additional 20 to 30 percent of moisture, prolonging hydration.

Sudocrem and bed sores

Sudocrem can function as a protective barrier cream that may help prevent pressure ulcers (bed sores).

A study investigating skin irritation in older adults with incontinence found those using Sudocrem had 70 percent less redness and irritation compared with a group using zinc oxide alone.

Is Sudocrem safe for babies?

Sudocrem was developed to treat diaper rash and eczema in infants. It forms a protective layer over delicate baby skin.

Its zinc and lanolin components shield the skin from moisture while also providing hydration. The benzyl alcohol in Sudocrem has a mild anesthetic effect that can reduce pain linked to diaper rash.

Cuts, scrapes, and burns

Sudocrem is also used for minor cuts, abrasions, and burns. Acting as a barrier, it can help prevent infection by blocking bacterium from entering wounds.

Evidence indicates that zinc can accelerate wound healing. Additionally, benzyl alcohol may offer some pain-relieving benefits when used on wounds.

More unproven claims

There are numerous off-label and unverified uses for Sudocrem, including applying it as:

• a skin barrier when dyeing hair
• a treatment for scars and stretch marks
• soothing sunburn

Precautions and potential side effects when using Sudocrem

Possible adverse reactions include itching and a burning sensation where the cream is applied. These effects may occur if you have an allergy to any Sudocrem ingredients.

Where to buy Sudocrem

Sudocrem is not available in the United States, but it is sold over the counter in many other countries, such as:

• England
• Ireland
• South Africa
• Canada

Takeaway

Evidence supports Sudocrem as an effective remedy for diaper rash and eczema and as a protective barrier for people with incontinence. Although many claims suggest Sudocrem helps with other conditions, most lack robust scientific backing.

The individual ingredients in Sudocrem may have potential benefits for issues like rosacea, acne, or wrinkles, but more research is needed to confirm their topical effectiveness in these uses.