Bepanthen Ointment

'Everyday care and protection for the causes of nappy rash'

What is Bepanthen?

Your baby's skin is very absorbent and sensitive, therefore it needs a safe, gentle product to care for and protect it. Bepanthen Ointment is so gentle, it can be used at every nappy change, so can even used on the highly sensitive skin of premature babies, as it contains no fragrances, preservatives, colours or antiseptics.

How does it work?

Bepanthen ointment works in 2 ways Bepanthen ointment works in two ways to protect and care from the causes of nappy rash:

Aids Natural skin Recovery

Bepanthen Ointment contains Pro Vitamin B5 which gently aids natural recover irritated sensitive skin while keeping it soft, smooth and moisturised. Additionally, Bepanthen Ointment seals 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, breathable transparent layer, protecting even the most delicate skin from irritants and rubbing. The water-in-oil formulation keeps the skin healthy and hydrated, while the ingredient Pro Vitamin B5 helps the skin repair its natural protective layer.

In conclusion, a number of criteria have been identified for an ideal barrier preparation for the prevention and treatment of nappy rash. The chart below compares Bepanthen Ointment with a leading brand and Petrolatum based on the criteria identified


Bepanthen® meets the "7 gold standards" for barrier preparation

Suggested Criteria for an ideal barrier preparation Bepanthen® Ointment Petrolatum A leading brand**
1. No Potentially toxic ingredients
(Including those with undocumented safety)		      
2. Maintains optimum moisture levels      
3. No unnecessary ingredients      
4. No perfume (or other potential sensitisers)      
5. No preservatives      
6. No antiseptic      
7. Proven efficacy & safety in babies*      
*Sub-population of twins. **Containing zinc oxide, antiseptic, perfume and preservatice.

References: 1. Putet G, Guy B et al. Effect of Bepanthen Ointment on the prevention and treatment of diaper rash on premature and full term babies Réalités Pédiatriques, 63, 33-38, 2001
2. Millis KM & Atherton DJ. What can be done to keep babies’ skin healthy RCM Midwives Journal 2004 7(7): 288-290.

 

Nappy Rash Products should avoid the following:

  • Colourants, fragrances and preservatives

  • Antiseptics (nappy rash is not a bacterial infection!)

  • In principle all irritating and allergenic substances, because nappy rash is considered as a potential trigger of neurodermatitis at a later stage

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nappy Rash Product Ingredients

Ingredient Advantage Disadvantage
Zinc oxide
  • Demulcent
  • Antibacterial
  • Hygroscopic (binding the moisture)
  • Astringent
  • Desiccative (drying out)
  • Burning on the irritated skin of baby bottom
  • Difficult to remove (skin could get irritated even more)
Matricaria Chamomilla (chamomile)
  • Demulcent
  • Antibacterial
  • allergy risk
Essential oils (ethereal oils)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antibacterial (efficacy contentious)
  • allergy risk
Dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
  • Regeneration of skin
  • Demulcent
  • Activating the lipid synthethis (skin pH value)
  • Strengthening of protective barrier
  • Dextrorotatory form is the biologically active form
  

 

Bepanthen not only adheres to the 7 Gold Standards but it also comes in the most suitable format.

The different format of Nappy Rash Products depends:

  • On intensity of skin dryness: Water in Oil (e.g. Ointment) are more effective for severe situation
  • On body location: for hands, face ointments are too greasy
  • On surface to be treated: lotion for large areas

 

Emulsion Type

 

Formats of Nappy Rash Products

Important characteristics Creams (Oil in Water) Pastes Ointments (Water in oil) Ointments (Water in oil)
Protection from moisture and irritants Sad Face +++ +++ +++
Cutaneous respiration, absorption O2 CO2 Sad Face O2 CO2 O2 CO2
Easily removable +++ Sad Face +++ +++
Anti-inflammatory See pack inserts +++ (Dexpanthenol)
Supports skin regeneration See pack inserts +++ (Dexpanthenol)
Free from perfumes, preservatices and other unnecessary ingredients See pack inserts +++

 

How should I use it?

If the skin in the nappy area looks a little red and sore, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Ointment to your baby’s clean, dry bottom after every nappy change. To protect against further occurrences of nappy rash apply at every nappy change.