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We are using zinc oxide ointment to no avail. Any suggestions on how to treat this so it gets better?

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I agree that the number one answer to this question is to first find out what type of rash you're dealing with. When you have the correct RX from the doctor, make sure the patient is always changed quickly and cleaned well when using adult briefs before applying the medicine. My husband only needs adult briefs at night so during the day he's in cotton underwear which gives his skin a chance to breathe and air out better. As soon as he wakes up in the morning he gets out of the Depends and washes himself well both front and back with arm soapy water. Next he dries himself well before putting on his regular underwear. He doesn't need or want a shower every day but I do insist on every four days or when he has an accident that washing out of the sink won't fix. My mother was in a nursing home with Alzheimer's and developed a decubitus ulcer on her bottom that eventually needed several surgeries to clean out the infection. This was the result of not being turned several times a day as she was in the fetal position, and her Depends were not changed often enough to stop skin breakdown. I have always felt like this shortened her life as he lived only a few more months after the surgeries. Depending on your loved ones needs, find out if home health or Hospice can assist you with keeping her clean and dry.
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rhcarle-Inform her physician.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Maleuca honey is good
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Reply to MTNester1
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Discuss the issues with the provider and pharmacy. You can also make sure they are being treated with the proper ointment. Contact or consult with physician, to make sure they are not having an allergic reaction or the skin will not be compromised and develop infection. A dermatologist may be able to help you out also.
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We used vitamin E oil mixed with frankincense as a barrier.
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Reply to Tanti65
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My dad has had an open wound/rash for a year now. Cavillon cream and barrier spray works well. They use it in the hospital. It’s available on Amazon.

hospice also provides ‘butt bandaids’. My dad pulls them off non stop. They are also on Amazon and are pricey. there is also an upgraded Rx cream silver based that can sometimes help. Good luck.
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BurntCaregiver Jan 2, 2026
@AliceLS

They also sell special types of clothing that people with dementia cannot remove themselves. This may be something worth considering for your father. He won't be able to get his wound dressings off.
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Add to Lealonnie's directions;
Try and change her position several times a day, so she's not sitting on her behind. Turn her to one side and prop her up with a large pillow, if needed.

I wonder if she could have an allergic reaction to the materials in the diaper.
Try using a different kind of brief.
My husband had a lot of redness and chafing about a year ago, and it seemed the diapers were irritating his skin. So I started using cloth adult diapers for a while. That is very expensive and inconvenient! But it was more comfortable for him, then I switched to a different brand of disposable briefs. I haven't had any trouble since.
There is a website actually called AdultClothDiaper.com
I used the pull-up type, like underwear, and the all-in-one comes with a moisture barrier exterior - for about $30 each.
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BurntCaregiver Dec 23, 2025
@CaringWifeAz

Very expensive. We used to just use a trimmed down baby diaper as a liner and the person stays dry.
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It's probably fungal. If it was just redness caused by being wet, that would have improved with what you're doing. It could be a UTI also. Get her to the doctor or at least call. Sometimes the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic or an anti-fungal cream over the phone when they know the patient's history of incontinence and being in diapers. There is also an anti-fungal powder called Phytoplex (name brand Remedy). You can get it online. This product works wonders.

Your wife needs to have this rash looked at to determine what it is. The doctor who sees it will prescribe what will clear it up. It sounds fungal though. If it is he'll probably prescribe you Clotrimazole or Nystatin cream. If he does, ask for refills on it because you should always have this on hand for next time.

I was a homecare CNA for 25 years and have changed a lot of diapers, my friend. I've seen every type of rash there is. So, I'm telling you, please take the good advice of Alva in the comments who was a career nurse. A&D Ointment is a good choice. The Remedy line of products is what I swore by for incontinent clients who wore diapers.

Is your wife able to use a Purewick system for urine at night? This will keep her dry and protect her skin. If she's not able to, there's an old CNA trick that helps. Buy a pack of infant baby diapers. Trim off the tabs and elastic around the leg parts. Then line your wife's adult diaper with this. Baby diapers are made way better than adult ones. The urine turns to a gel inside the diaper and the surface stays dry. Other ways to prevent skin breakdown and fungal issues is for your wife to be washed down head-to-toe every day. Then dried well and powdered. Every time her diaper is changed she should be cleaned with baby wipes and dried off. No urine should ever be on her skin because this causes skin break down and fungal infections.

It's a lot to take care of an incontinent person who doesn't have Alzheimer's. It's even harder when they do. I hope you have outside help coming in.
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rhcarle Dec 22, 2025
Thanks for the helpful suggestions!
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Diaper and skin fold rashes are probably yeast. We've had good luck combating it with Monistat type creams. It does a good job of managing the symptoms, but doesn't really cure it. Our Dr. just gave us a script for a powder to apply 3 times daily. But I can't think of the name right now.
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Reply to jwellsy
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There are other reasons an elderly woman in incontinence briefs can get a rash, and it may not be "diaper rash". I agree with Lylii1 that it could be a yeast infection so putting barrier ointment on it won't help it to go away. I would have a talk with her primary care doctor about it.
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Could she have a yeast infection? Might be worth an evaluation if you can transport her.
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rhcarle Dec 22, 2025
Early on, we took her to see PCP. They didn't think it was yeast infection and recommended zinc oxide. Now, based on responses to my question, we are trying Aquaphor that I have on hand, We also ordered Jean's Cream and will try that. If no improvement, back to the Dr.
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Zinc is this old RN's least favorite of all the protective layers. Use A&D or Aquaphor. The problem with zinc is that it cannot be washed off and will injure delicate injured skin when you do. The other two are great barrier creams but if you are dealing with a RED burn then try Jean's Cream. I learned of it when I underwent radiation therapy; it healed very quickly. It doesn't come cheap but can be purchased on Amazon.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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rhcarle Dec 21, 2025
Thanks, I have Aquaphor but was advised against it. Maybe I should try it again. Will check out Jean's as you suggest.
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*For persistent or severe cases, see a doctor for potential antifungal or steroid creams, as it could be a yeast or bacterial infection. 

At-Home Treatment Steps:
Clean Gently: Wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, hypoallergenic soap, or use fragrance-free wipes. 
Dry Thoroughly: Pat the skin completely dry with a soft towel; avoid rubbing. 
Air Out: Allow the skin to air dry for a few minutes before applying products or a new diaper. 
Apply Barrier Cream: Use an ointment with zinc oxide (like Desitin, Balmex) or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline, A&D) to protect skin from moisture. 
Change Often: Change soiled diapers or pads immediately to prevent prolonged skin contact with urine and stool. 
Ensure Proper Fit: Wear incontinence products that fit well—not too tight, not too loose—to prevent chafing. 

*When to See a Doctor:
If the rash doesn't improve within a few days. 
If you notice signs of infection like oozing, pus, fever, or spreading redness. 
If the rash is severe or has open sores. 

Prescription Treatments:
Antifungal Creams: For yeast infections (e.g., Nystatin).
Antibiotic Creams: For bacterial infections.
Corticosteroid Creams: For inflammation, especially with conditions like eczema or psoriasis. 
How To Prevent And Treat Adult Diaper RashIn very severe cases, your diaper rash may be caused by an infection and may also be accompanied by a fever, exhaustion, or full-body aches and pains. Treatment...




Adult diaper rash: Causes, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today
allowing the area to air dry after bathing or cleaning. using specialized briefs with micropores. avoiding wearing briefs that are too tight. Ointments and crea...

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Adult Diaper Rash: Treatment, Prevention, and More - Healthline
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Welmedix HomeCare PRO Rapid Relief Adult Diaper Rash Cream ...
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Adult Diaper Rash: These Ingredients Can Help - Verywell Health
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Multi-Purpose Baby Rash Ointment & Skin Protectant - Desitin
DESITIN® Multipurpose Healing Ointment has many uses for infants, kids, and adults. It instantly relieves irritated skin and prevents and treats diaper rash.

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Antifungal Creams. If the diaper rash is caused by a fungal infection, antifungal creams can be an effective treatment option. These creams contain active ingre...

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rhcarle Dec 21, 2025
Many thanks for the detailed response! It's very helpful.
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