Healthcare Professionals

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream (SAHC) – a 15.25% zinc oxide emulsified water in oil cream – has been used by healthcare professionals for over 80 years and is probably best known for its treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in babies and older people. It is also licensed to treat eczema, bedsores, acne, minor burns and surface wounds. 

Three clinical studies of SAHC in the 1980s showed positive results with paediatric and geriatric patients: effectiveness at improving and healing infant IAD (Mitchell 1982)¹; performance in managing IAD in a geriatric population (Anthony D et al, 1987)² and a double blind controlled cross-over study of treating IAD (Malone-Lee et al, 1984)³. A 2004 publication showed no significant difference in the potential to clog pads using SAHC over competitive products (Bolton et al, 2004)⁴.

The last few years have seen a new generation of research into SAHC, using a very 21st century approach. We wanted to see what was happening in the real world when parents and carers used Sudocrem on infant IAD and to understand how quickly they saw results. And where better to find some mums and dads with real world experience – at all times of the day and night – than Facebook? The SURE Study (Sudocrem Real World Evidence) took place in February 2015. Over 2000 people answered the detailed research questions and the results demonstrate why Sudocrem remains such an important medicine to families and healthcare professionals more than 80 years since its launch. 

1.Mitchell JK (1982) The Treatment of Paediatric Rashes. Clinical Trials Journal; 19, 1, 17-19 

2.Anthony D et al (1987) A clinical study of Sudocrem in the management of dermatitis due to the physical stress of incontinence in a geriatric population. Journal of Advanced Nursing; 12: 5, 599-603 

3.Malone-Lee et al (1984) Incontinence Dermatitis. Journal of District Nursing 

4.Bolton et al (2004). Assessment of Pad Clogging. Journal of Community Nursing,18, 6 

Sure study: https://www.sudocrem.co.uk/healthcare-professionals/the-sure-study  

What is Sudocrem:  

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream (SAHC) is an emulsified water in oil cream licensed to treat a number of skin conditions, but most commonly used in the treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis in infants and adults. The pharmacodynamic properties of its active ingredients are: 

  • Zinc oxide – A dermatological agent with astringent, soothing and protective properties. 
  • Benzyl alcohol – A local anaesthetic with disinfectant properties. 
  • Benzyl benzoate – A constituent of many natural balsams and is one of the principalesters of Peru Balsam. 
  • Benzyl cinnamate – The other principal ester of Peru Balsam BPC 1973. It is synthetised from benzyl alcohol and cinnamic acid which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Peru Balsam is categorised as having a mild antiseptic action because of cinnamic acid and its derivatives present. 
  • Lanolin (hypoallergenic) – Resembles the sebaceous secretions of human skin. The grade (hypoallergenic) used is manufactured so as to exclude many sensitising substances present in the lanolin. 



    For the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) click     here. 



    Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream is available in four tub sizes: 60g (£.145), 125g (£2.15), 250g (£3.67) and 400g (£5.25). NHS prices. 

    AHC Prescribing info:  

    Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for full details of Prescribing Information. 

    Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream Abbreviated Prescribing Information. 

    Presentation: Emulsified water in oil cream. Indications: In the treatment of nappy rash, eczema, bedsores, acne, minor burns, surface wounds, sunburn and chilblains. Dosage and administration: Apply a thin layer with suitable covering where necessary. Renew application as required. No distinction is required between indications or between adults, children and the elderly. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Precautions and warnings:  For external use only and should not be allowed to come into contact with the eyes and the mucous membranes. Healthcare professionals should instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings, etc.) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Contains sodium benzoate which may cause local irritation and may increase jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in newborn babies. Interactions: None known. Pregnancy and lactation: There are no known contraindications. Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Not applicable. Adverse reactions:  Side effects include local hypersensitivity occasionally. Consult the Summary of Product Characteristics in relation to other side effects.  Overdose: No cases of overdose have been reported. If large amounts are swallowed accidentally, this may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, CNS stimulation and convulsions. Symptomatic treatment should be provided. Trade Price: 60g £2.80, 125g £4.24, 175g £5.30, 250g £7.49, 400g £9.99. Legal category: GSL. Marketing Authorisation Number:  PL 00289/2299. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Teva UK Limited, Ridings Point, Whistler Drive, Castleford, WF10 5HX. Job Code: MED-GB-00223.  Date of Preparation:  August 2023. 


    Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Teva UK Limited on 0207 540 7117 or medinfo@tevauk.com 

    Sudosalve prescribing info:  

    Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for full details of Prescribing Information. 

    Sudosalve (dibrompropamidine isetionate) nappy rash treatment 0.15%w/w cream Abbreviated Prescribing Information. 

    Presentation:  Smooth white cream. Indications: Treatment of nappy rash. Dosage and administration: For cutaneous use. Adults: apply to the affected area, either directly or on a light dressing, two or three times a day. Elderly and children: no specific recommendations. Renal and hepatic impairment: no data. Contraindications: Should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to dibrompropamidine or any of the other ingredients. Precautions and warnings: Prolonged use may interfere with healing and cause skin necrosis in infants. Contains the following excipients: methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed); castor oil which may cause skin reactions; cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions. Interactions: None known. Pregnancy and lactation: Avoid unless considered essential. Effects on ability to drive and use machines: None. Adverse reactions: May cause a sensitisation reaction or contact dermatitis. Treatment should be discontinued immediately. Overdose: No toxic effects are likely to occur if ingested. Price: 25g tube: £5.99. Legal category: GSL. Marketing Authorisation Number: PL 14251/0128. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Manx Healthcare Ltd, Taylor Group House, Wedgnock Lane, Warwick, CV34 5YA. United Kingdom. Job Code: MED-GB-00011. Date of Preparation: January 2021. 


    Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Teva UK Limited on 0207 540 7117 or medinfo@tevauk.com