1 May 2026Drugs for external use and antiseptics
Zinc oxide, ointment
Zinc oxide ointment guidance for skin protection in eczema, nappy rash, minor burns, and other irritant conditions.
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Skin protector.
Indications
- Dermatosis of kwashiorkor.
- Nappy rash.
- Eczema.
- First-degree burns.
- Protection of healthy skin when caustic products such as podophyllum resin or podophyllotoxin are to be applied.
Forms and strengths
10% zinc oxide ointment, tube or jar.
Dose
Child and adult: one application 1 to 3 times daily.
Duration
According to clinical response.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Clean the skin before applying the ointment.
- Do not apply to exudative and/or superinfected lesions.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
- Breast-feeding: no contra-indication. Do not apply to the breasts.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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