Although Desitin diaper rash ointment is advertised as the "First Choice of Pediatricians & Mothers," it's highly unlikely that you'll ever catch me using this inferior product on MY baby's bottom any time soon. Years ago when my older children were babies, I'll admit that I DID use Desitin diaper rash ointment occasionally, but only because there were few other choices available. What a difference a few years can make! For now I've discovered Gerber Diaper Rash Lotion, and there's no going back.

Most new parents receive "goodie" bags from the hospital full of coupons and samples when they take their newborn babies home. More often than not, samples of Desitin diaper rash ointment can be found in each of these bags. These samples are sometimes useful in a pinch as they can be conveniently packed away in your baby's diaper bag for emergency purposes. But you won't catch me actually spending MONEY for Desitin diaper rash ointment. Why, you may ask? I'll tell you why.

First of all, to give credit where credit is due, Desitin diaper rash ointment DOES what it says it will. This product is pediatrician tested and has been proven effective in clinical tests. Desitin ointment treats and prevents diaper rash if used as directed. Along with frequent diaper changes and cleansing of the diaper area, the liberal application of Desitin diaper rash ointment will decrease the frequency and severity of any skin irritations, especially for overnight use. But at what price?

Desitin diaper rash ointment is extremely thick and is difficult to apply evenly to baby's tender skin. This white ointment smells very medicinal and is generally unappealing, and will stain any object that comes in contact with it very easily. The offensive smell and messy properties make Desitin diaper rash ointment a "below average" product in my book. This may have been acceptable years ago, but no more. There has to be a better way!

According to Desitin's boring and outdated packaging, this diaper rash ointment "promotes healing, protects skin, and relieves chafing." Each 2 ounce tube of Desitin diaper rash ointment helps to treat and prevent diaper rash as it protects chafed skin and helps to seal out moisture. This original formula is hypoallergenic and contains 40% zinc oxide. For anyone that is unfamiliar with what zinc oxide is, just picture those lifeguards we've all seen with that thick "white stuff" covering their noses as sunscreen. Now I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. This substance (zinc oxide) contained in Desitin diaper rash ointment is just as unappealing on a baby's bottom as it is on that lifeguard's nose!

INGREDIENTS: zinc oxide (40%), BHA, cod liver oil, fragrance, lanolin, methylparaben, petrolatum, talc, and water.

WARNINGS: (from side of tube) For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If condition worsens or does not improve within 7 days, consult a doctor. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately. Use by the expiration date stamped on the end of the tube.

In addition to treating and preventing diaper rash, Desitin ointment can be useful for every day first aid if necessary. Apply Desitin diaper rash ointment as directed for MINOR burns, cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and other superficial non-infected skin irritations as well.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: Go ahead and try those free samples that are distributed by the hospital and see for yourself just how messy and smelly Desitin diaper rash ointment really is before making that first purchase. As an excellent alternative, I'd recommend new parents give Gerber Diaper Rash Lotion a try instead. It glides on CLEAR and has no offensive odor either. But if you don't mind the messiness or the terrible smell, rest assured that Desitin diaper rash ointment WILL get the intended job done.

For more information on Desitin diaper rash ointment, check out their website online at:

www.desitin.com

CONSUMER HEALTH CARE GROUP
PFIZER INC
New York, NY 10017















Recommended: No