How to Remove Zinc Cream

Prolonged exposure to irritants such as urine and feces as well as poor air circulation are often to blame for diaper rash. Parents use zinc creams to provide a barrier for their baby and help treat diaper rash symptoms. Zinc oxide and zinc sulfate are commonly found in a variety of other household products such as shaving cream and foot powders. The Food and Drug Administration says these zinc products are safe for consumers to use. Zinc products offer a barrier of moisture but can be difficult to remove because they are not water soluble.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth
  • Baby soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe off the extra cream with a washcloth or baby wipe. Using slow strokes, wipe off as much of the zinc cream as possible. A dry washcloth is best for removing excess cream.

    • 2

      Add warm water to the washcloth and wipe the area again. Zinc is not water soluble, so warm water will not remove all of the zinc cream. A warm washcloth will moisten the area and help prepare the area for washing.

    • 3

      Add a pea-size amount of baby soap to the washcloth and wipe the area clean. The baby soap will penetrate the zinc cream and help remove it. The combination of baby soap and warm water is necessary to result in a clean area. Wipe in small strokes, stopping to rinse the washcloth throughout the process.

    • 4

      Rinse the washcloth thoroughly with warm water. Allow warm water to run over washcloth for at least 30 seconds. Squeeze the washcloth to completely rinse remaining zinc cream and baby soap from the washcloth.

    • 5

      Wipe the area one last time with clean, warm water. Using long slow strokes, wipe the area clean of the remaining soap and zinc residue.

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