dimethicone
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy: Dimethicone
Dimethicone is among the ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of diaper dermatitis.<1> Unlike zinc oxide preparations, creams containing dimethicone are water-repellant only, and soothe by protecting against irritants.<2> When compared to standard care, the addition of dimethicone was shown to significantly reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis in incontinent adult patients.<3> Despite its proven efficacy as compared to placebo, there are no retrievable randomized control trials comparing dimethicone products to other barrier bases. Dimethicone is not recommended as monotherapy for the treatment of diaper dermatitis due to a lack of evidence supporting its use in this setting. Of note, products containing dimethicone in combination with zinc oxide or petrolatum, would be considered safe and effective for both the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.
Dimethicone is often the main ingredient in solutions and sprays that form a semipermeable barrier film on the skin.<2> They are designed to protect the skin from direct contact with irritants and to facilitate skin barrier repair.<2> Despite their theoretical utility, trials of these products were not adequately designed to conclusively determine their effectiveness, as compared to conventional barrier creams.<2> Consequently, topical films are not recommended for the prevention or treatment of diaper dermatitis.
As a result of its good safety profile, dimethicone can be used long-term for the prevention of diaper dermatitis in patients of all ages.<1> However, it is recommended to avoid dimethicone products containing fragrances or preservatives as these may sensitize the patient's skin.<1-2> Products containing additional ingredients should only be used if the additives have been evaluated as safe. Overall, dimethicone can be considered a safe and effective option for the prevention of diaper dermatitis.
References
1. Hagemeier, NE. Diaper Dermatitis and Prickly Heat. In: Berardi, RR, Ferreri, SP, Remington, TL, eds. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 16th ed. Washington, DC; 2009:675-682.
2. Sibbald, D. Diaper Dermatitis. In: McLeod PJ, Allen M, Conly J, eds. Patient Self-Care - Helping Your Patients Make Therapeutic Choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 534-545.
3. Beeckman D, Verhaeghe S, Defloor T, Schoonhoven L, Vanderwee K. A 3-in-1 perineal care washcloth impregnated with dimethicone 3% versus water and pH neutral soap to prevent and treat incontinence-associated dermatitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011 Nov-Dec;38(6):627-34.
Dimethicone is among the ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of diaper dermatitis.<1> Unlike zinc oxide preparations, creams containing dimethicone are water-repellant only, and soothe by protecting against irritants.<2> When compared to standard care, the addition of dimethicone was shown to significantly reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis in incontinent adult patients.<3> Despite its proven efficacy as compared to placebo, there are no retrievable randomized control trials comparing dimethicone products to other barrier bases. Dimethicone is not recommended as monotherapy for the treatment of diaper dermatitis due to a lack of evidence supporting its use in this setting. Of note, products containing dimethicone in combination with zinc oxide or petrolatum, would be considered safe and effective for both the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.
Dimethicone is often the main ingredient in solutions and sprays that form a semipermeable barrier film on the skin.<2> They are designed to protect the skin from direct contact with irritants and to facilitate skin barrier repair.<2> Despite their theoretical utility, trials of these products were not adequately designed to conclusively determine their effectiveness, as compared to conventional barrier creams.<2> Consequently, topical films are not recommended for the prevention or treatment of diaper dermatitis.
As a result of its good safety profile, dimethicone can be used long-term for the prevention of diaper dermatitis in patients of all ages.<1> However, it is recommended to avoid dimethicone products containing fragrances or preservatives as these may sensitize the patient's skin.<1-2> Products containing additional ingredients should only be used if the additives have been evaluated as safe. Overall, dimethicone can be considered a safe and effective option for the prevention of diaper dermatitis.
References
1. Hagemeier, NE. Diaper Dermatitis and Prickly Heat. In: Berardi, RR, Ferreri, SP, Remington, TL, eds. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 16th ed. Washington, DC; 2009:675-682.
2. Sibbald, D. Diaper Dermatitis. In: McLeod PJ, Allen M, Conly J, eds. Patient Self-Care - Helping Your Patients Make Therapeutic Choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 534-545.
3. Beeckman D, Verhaeghe S, Defloor T, Schoonhoven L, Vanderwee K. A 3-in-1 perineal care washcloth impregnated with dimethicone 3% versus water and pH neutral soap to prevent and treat incontinence-associated dermatitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011 Nov-Dec;38(6):627-34.