Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Review: DIAPER CREAM (BEPANTHEN OINTMENT)

Diaper cream is one of the essential stuffs that we would prepare before our newborn arrives. Somehow it is an inevitable tool! And often I see parents / caregivers applying it during every diaper change. It seems so important. So I did my research and realise that the price range of diaper is so wide!! The lowest I have come across was Pureen @ $3.50 to Babygarnics @ $18.00! And I settled for the all-time-favourite pink Drapolene cream.

Initially, Eva survived well without much diaper rash and we did well with Drapolene cream. Then she was struck with bad eczema on her face and she was rubbing it pretty badly so I brought her to the GP. At the same time, noticed that she was having stubborn diaper rash. GP advised that it could be related to her eczema situation and personally recommend us to buy Desitin as his own kids are using. 

So I bought Desitin and started using religiously for her in attempt to cure her diaper rash and prevent it from coming back. It did work and I also passed it to her infant care centre for their use on her. 

After couple of months, a problem arise! I find that it was really a hassle and pain to clean the residue off!! It is practically impossible to thoroughly clean it off via Physiogel cleanser. Which means I will have to use at least Johnson Baby wash - which then again defeat the purpose of using mild cleanser in prevention of her eczema flare-up. Plus in attempt to clean off using baby wipes would also mean additional friction. And I really dont like the idea of her skin being constantly coated with zinc oxide. 

So I started to ask around and a friend introduced Bepanthen Ointment to me! 
I bought the 1st one from Watsons at $8.90 (and good news, I bought another 2 more at Babycare Festival 2014 last weekend at $6.50 each and free diaper clutch. hehe) All for 30g. 

I like Bepanthen because it is not using zinc oxide which is what Desitin is using; and does not contain fragrance, preservatives, colors or antiseptics; which means it can be used on regular basis for Eva! 

The texture is thick white ointment and I usually use dabbing method to coat around affected area (i.e labia). Usually upon application, the redness will fade off. And on next diaper change, the ointment is generally absorbed and can be cleaned away with gentle cleanser or even just water rinse. 

However, the feedback from the IFC teacher is different. Generally she finds that Desitin is more effective when diaper rash is flared and felt that Bepanthen is not sufficient to clear the rash out. 

So my recommendation is for long term regular maintenance, we ought to use Bepanthen! In case of bad flare-up, you might still want to stick to your regular zinc oxide ones which can really block out the urine and all which would be more effective especially if you are unable to change baby out of diapers on time or give diaper-less time to air. As for now, I am using Bepanthen for her labia because somehow it is the only area that is affected. Her butt and other parts are fine. Stubborn patch without any blisters and its flat to the skin so probably not fungal infection. Even Desitin doesnt help (to her teacher's shock) and even with diaper-less time and quick change of diapers and she doesnt even poo in her diapers as she poo direct in toilet bowl. Like GP says, could be eczema related. A little steroid cream may help to kill it off. 

And! Do you know?? 

Bepanthen can also be used as nipple cream! Wow, if it can be used as nipple cream then it has got to be real good and gentle! =) 

AND latest update! I had this sudden onset of blistering on my middle finger which I dont know how and why it came about. I googled and found that it could be Dyshidrotic eczema. I tried moisturising it with my usual hand cream and even Eva's body lotions but it all didnt work UNTIL I decided to apply Bepanthen on it! It got better overnight and within 2 days, the blisters were gone! How about that?!

Refer below for more information obtained from their website and brochure. 

Bepanthen Ointment
  • Bepanthen is an ointment containing pro-vitamin B5. Pro-Vitamin B5 gently aids natural skin recovery, while keeping it soft smooth and moisturised.

    Bepanthen forms a long lasting, breathable transparent layer, protecting even the most delicate skin from the causes of nappy rash.
  • Bepanthen does not contain perfumes, antiseptics or preservatives and is clinically proven to protect from the causes of nappy rash.

  • Aids Natural Skin Recovery
    Bepanthen ointment contains Pro Vitamin B5 which gently aids natural recovery of sensitive skin while keeping it soft, smooth and moisturised. Bepanthen also works by helping to seal in the skin's natural moisture, providing optimal conditions to allow gentle skin recovery without drying out your baby's delicate skin.
  • Protects
    Clinically proven, Bepanthen works by forming a long lasting, transparent layer, protecting even the most delicate skin from irritants and rubbing. The water-in-oil formulation keeps the skin healthy and hydrated, which is essential to maintain its natural protective barrier.


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