Barrier Cream

Barrier Cream

Barrier cream serves as a topical solution utilized across industrial, medical, and athletic settings to establish a physical shield between the skin and potential irritants or contaminants that could lead to conditions such as contact dermatitis or occupational dermatitis, or even infections.

These formulations, available in cream, ointment, or aerosol spray form, often incorporate substances like silicone, zinc oxide, or dimethicone, which possess water-repelling properties. They are typically applied in areas where the skin is prone to occlusion, such as body folds or flexural regions. A prevalent application of barrier creams and ointments is in managing diaper rash.

In industrial contexts, barrier creams safeguard workers' skin from the array of contaminants encountered in various manufacturing trades. Such creams may need to not only repel water but also resist solvents found in substances like mineral oils, gasoline, paints, lubricants, and ink. Ingredients like china clay or kaolinite are included to physically obstruct the skin's pores. The formulations of industrial barrier creams vary based on the specific tasks undertaken.

Athletes, particularly wrestlers, who frequently engage in close-contact activities, face a range of skin issues stemming from minor cuts, scrapes, and the transmission of germs and bacteria. To mitigate these risks, wrestling teams often apply barrier creams before each practice session. However, studies have indicated that despite adhering to rigorous skin hygiene protocols, the use of barrier creams does not significantly decrease the incidence of ringworm among athletes. Notable examples of commonly used barrier creams include Kennedy Industries' "KS Skin Creme" and Defense Soap's "Defense Barrier Foam".