Fold barrier ointment
A thick, protective ointment or paste for skin folds, such as zinc oxide paste, diaper rash cream, or plain petrolatum.
Why it helps
It forms a shield between skin surfaces so sweat and rubbing hurt the skin less. It helps chafed, raw, or damp folds calm down and stay protected between washes.
Look for
- Zinc oxide as the main ingredient (paste or diaper cream)
- Plain petrolatum (petroleum jelly) as a simple option
- Fragrance-free and dye-free
- Thick texture that stays put in a fold
Avoid
- Scented or 'medicated feel' products with menthol or camphor
- Thick layers over skin that looks infected
Caution
A fold rash that is bright red, oozing, has small satellite spots, or does not improve within about a week may be infected, so get it checked before layering a barrier over it.
Worth asking a clinician about
If folds keep flaring, ask about prescription antifungal, antibacterial, or mild steroid treatments, which a clinician should choose and time.
Products
Vaseline
Healing Jelly Original
Price: low price · Face and body
A plain petroleum jelly skin protectant made with a single ingredient, white petrolatum.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Petrolatum
- Hypoallergenic (brand)
- Non-comedogenic (brand)
Triple Paste
Multi-Purpose Rash Ointment with Sheer Zinc
Price: medium price · Face and body
A zinc oxide ointment that rubs in clear instead of leaving a white film.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Talc free
- Zinc oxide
- Hypoallergenic (brand)
Aquaphor
Healing Ointment
Price: medium price · Face and body
A water-free, petrolatum-based ointment for dry, cracked skin.
- Fragrance free
- Petrolatum
Boudreaux's
Original Butt Paste
Price: medium price · Face and body
A thick zinc oxide paste with castor oil, mineral oil, paraffin and petrolatum.
- Dye free
- Paraben free
- Talc free
- Zinc oxide
- Petrolatum
Desitin
Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste
Price: medium price · Face and body
A thick paste with 40 percent zinc oxide in a petrolatum base.
- Zinc oxide
- Petrolatum
- Hypoallergenic (brand)
Weleda
Calendula Diaper Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A plant-oil and beeswax cream with 12 percent zinc oxide and calendula extract.
- Labeled natural
- Zinc oxide
Badger
Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream
Price: medium price · For body
A 10% non-nano zinc oxide cream with organic sunflower oil, beeswax and calendula for diaper-area skin.
- Zinc oxide
- Hypoallergenic (brand)
California Baby
(No Fragrance) Super Sensitive Diaper Rash Ointment
Price: medium price · For body
A fragrance-free zinc oxide ointment with plant-based ingredients and purified lanolin for very sensitive skin.
- Fragrance free
- Zinc oxide
- For sensitive skin (brand)
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.