Sudocrem is a medicated diaper rash cream, popular in countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland but not sold in the United States. Its key ingredients include zinc oxide, lanolin, and benzyl alcohol.

The main use of Sudocrem is for the treatment of babies’ diaper rash. But research has shown it may help treat other conditions. Here, we’ll look at different ways people use Sudocrem and whether it’s effective.

Sudocrem is thought by many to be effective in the treatment of acne spots because of the zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol it contains.

Zinc is an important nutrient your body needs to fight infection and inflammation. While zinc is great to consume in foods that you eat, there is no evidence that topical zinc will reduce the inflammation associated with any types of acne.

A 2014 review showed topical anti-acne creams were more effective if they contained zinc. The nutrient was found to be either equal or superior to erythromycin, tetracycline, or clindamycin when used alone in reducing the severity of acne. However, acne was not controlled by topical zinc alone.

Benzyl alcohol may have a drying effect on cystic acne and may also help to dull pain associated with breakouts. Yet there’s no evidence it’s an effective acne treatment.

Yes, it’s possible that Sudocrem can be an effective treatment for wrinkles.

A 2009 study found the zinc oxide in Sudocrem stimulates the production of elastin in the skin. It may also help regenerate elastic fibers, which would reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause your skin to become flushed, red, itchy, and irritated. There’s no evidence to support the use of topical products containing zinc to treat rosacea, although there’s also no evidence against it.

The benzyl alcohol in Sudocrem may be irritating to sensitive skin, especially in people who have rosacea. This means it may make redness and dryness worse.

Topical products that contain zinc may be effective in treating eczema.

A 2014 review of zinc products for skin conditions found topical zinc reduced symptoms in people who had eczema on their hands. Topical zinc has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sudocrem can be a highly effective treatment for dry skin. While its main use is for the treatment of diaper rash, it’s also useful as a protective layer for hands.

One of its main ingredients, lanolin, is the main ingredient in many different moisturizers. A 2017 study found lanolin can help your skin retain 20 to 30 percent more water, keeping it moisturized longer.

Sudocrem can be an effective barrier cream that may protect against bed sores (pressure ulcers).

A 2006 study examined skin irritation in older adults with incontinence. The group that used Sudocrem experienced 70 percent less redness and irritation than those who used zinc oxide alone.

Sudocrem was designed as a cream to treat diaper rash and eczema in babies. It acts as a protective barrier for babies’ delicate skin.

Its zinc and lanolin ingredients protect skin against moisture while hydrating the skin. The benzyl alcohol in Sudocrem acts as an anesthetic that prevents pain associated with diaper rash.

Another effective use of Sudocrem is the treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Because it acts as a protective barrier, it prevents infection by blocking bacteria from entering a wound.

A 2018 review found zinc can help speed up healing times for wounds. Another benefit to Sudocrem for wound treatment is that benzyl alcohol can act as a pain reliever.

There are many unproven, off-label uses for Sudocrem, including using it as:

  • skin barrier for hair dye
  • treatment for scars and stretch marks
  • sunburn relief

Potential side effects of Sudocrem include itching and burning at the site where it’s applied. This may happen if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in Sudocrem.

Sudocrem is not sold in the United States, but is sold over the counter in many countries, including:

  • England
  • Ireland
  • South Africa
  • Canada

Research has shown that Sudocrem can be an effective treatment for diaper rash and eczema, as well as a protective barrier for people with incontinence. But while there are many claims that Sudocrem is effective for other uses, most of them are not backed up scientific evidence.

The ingredients in Sudocrem may individually be effective for treating conditions like rosacea, acne, or even wrinkles.