Oxyplastine, a salve recommended for nappy rash.

The nappy rash is a skin inflammation that occurs when the skin is subjected to prolonged contact with moisture, persistent friction or falls victim to a bacterial or fungal infection. This condition is quite common in babies, largely due to the wearing of nappies, promoting an occlusive environment where heat and moisture predominate. Contact with urine and faeces, containing irritating substances, increases the risks of developing nappy rash. Even though these rednesses mainly affect infants, they can also appear in adults, especially those suffering from incontinence, for the same reasons as in children.

The diaper rash is not dangerous but causes bothersome symptoms and can persist and/or worsen if not managed.

To soothe skin prone to nappy rash, it is often recommended to use Oxyplastine, an ointment containing 46% zinc oxide and lanolin, an emollient useful for restoring the integrity of the skin barrier. The key ingredient in this nappy rash treatment is undoubtedly zinc oxide due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. This molecule works by tightening the skin tissues, which limits the absorption of moisture and thus prevents maceration, a factor that can worsen nappy rash. Zinc oxide is also capable of inhibiting certain pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for irritation and redness.

Furthermore, zinc oxide forms a protective barrier on the skin, thereby reducing friction and preventing the occurrence of new lesions. This barrier also prevents pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, from coming into contact with damaged skin, which could complicate nappy rash by causing a secondary infection. Finally, the zinc oxide promotes healing by stimulating collagen production, a process essential for repairing damaged skin tissue.