Guide to Bepanthen

A baby's skin is very absorbent and sensitive, therefore it needs a well tolerated, gentle product to care for and protect it.
Bepanthen is a water in oil emulsion containing 5% dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and the formula has been reduced to a minimum of ingredients containing no perfumes, preservatives, colours or antiseptics. Bepanthen is so gentle, it can be used at every nappy change, and can even be used on the highly sensitive skin of premature babies.

How does it work?

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

Aids Natural skin Recovery

Bepanthen Ointment contains Pro VitaminB5 (Dexpanthenol) 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.

Bepanthen Key Ingredients

Leading consultant in paediatric dermatology Great Ormond Street David Atherton and Kathryn Mills a neonatal sister from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Chelsea /Westminister set out to review the best skin care routine that could help keep babies skin healthy. They suggest:

"We propose that routine baby skincare should comprise of gentle cleansing whenever the nappy is soiled (using warm water or alcohol-free baby wipes), the use of good quality super-absorbent nappies and the application of a barrier preparation at every nappy change." "Ideally, a barrier preparation should be clinically proven to be effective in babies and mimic the skin’s natural function by forming a long-lasting barrier to maintain optimum moisture levels. It should not contain any necessary ingredients, including antiseptic, preservatives or perfume (or other potential sensitisers), or any ingredients that are toxic or have undocumented safety." "Treatment of nappy rash should comprise essentially of the same actions as its prevention. Application of a barrier ointment at every nappy change can help to both prevent and treat this
condition."

In conclusion, a number of criteria are 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

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

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

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		+++	+++	+++
Cutaneous respiration, absorption
Easily removable	+++		+++	+++
Anti-inflammatory	See pack inserts			+++ (Dexpanthenol)
Supports skin regeneration	See pack inserts			+++ (Dexpanthenol)
Free from perfumes, preservatices and other unnecessary ingredients	See pack inserts			+++

Download Bepanthen Ointment Leaflet

Download Bepanthen Guide To Nappy Rash For The Healthcare Professional (PDF)

What is Bepanthen Baby Bath?

‘Everyday mild cleansing and gentle protection of baby’s delicate skin with Provitamin B5 & Skin Lipids’

Bepanthen Baby Bath was specially developed to provide a mild cleansing and skin barrier solution

• It contains very mild cleansing agents
• It does not contain perfumes/preservatives/soap/detergents
• It contains skin lipids to reinforce a baby’s skin
• It contains dexpanthenol a proven skin barrier enhancing ingredient
• Hard Water

A number of criteria have been identified for a good barrier supportive baby bath wash. The chart below compares Bepanthen Baby Bath and a leading brand on the criteria identified.

* Contains: Anionic Surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), Preservatives, Perfume.

Bepanthen Baby Bath has been clinically tested

Bepanthen Baby Bath safety and efficacy has been tested under dermatologist and paediatrician control in adults, toddlers and babies with various skin types ranging from normal skin, dry skin and sensitive skin to confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

• Tests were conducted on 20 adults and 30 babies and toddlers < 4 years of age
• Participants used Bepanthen Baby Bath for four weeks and applied it to the skin daily wither through bathing or washing the nappy area.

Bepanthen Baby Bath safety and efficacy test results

All 50 study participants tolerated the product very well in the four-week test. In the 20 adults, the patch test results taken at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours at the end of the 4-week study, showed that none of the adult test persons were sensitised by the product during the application test.

How should you use Bepanthen Baby Bath?

Add Bepanthen Baby Bath to running bath water. Swirl with hand to mix evenly.

Download Bepanthen Baby Bath (PDF)

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