Metanium (Metanium Ointment)

Member Name: Mrs-LT

Product:	Metanium Ointment
Date:	13/02/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing results on the worst nappy rash

Disadvantages: More expensive than Sudocrem, stains terribly

In the last fortnight I wrote a review on here of Sudocrem, mentioning Metanium but saying that I had never had any reason to use it as Sudocrem was perfectly sufficient. However, 3 days ago we got the emergency tube of Metanium out of the bathroom cabinet after my son developed his first bad case of nappy rash that Sudocrem was not clearing at all. I think this bout of nappy rash was linked to teething, but it was awful to see how sore and angry his bottom was, and heartbreaking when he was screaming with pain every time he had filled his nappy. I am so glad we had this in the house, although obviously I wish we had not needed it in the first place.

It comes in a 30g tube. I don't know how much it costs as it was given to me by a friend when my son was newborn as a 'just in case you need it' gift, but I know from others that it is considerably more expensive than Sudocrem. However the cost is irrelevant - if you need it, you need it.

It is a nappy rash ointment which soothes and treats the nappy rash. It is a topical ointment which rubs into skin. The active ingredients are titanium dioxide, titanium peroxide and titanium salicylate and it also contains dimethicone 350, light liquid paraffin, tincture of benzoin and white soft paraffin. Obviously it should not be used if your baby is hypersensitive to any of the ingredients listed.

The product is manufactured by Ransom Consumer Healthcare, CM8 3AG.

It comes in a yellow tube with a white screw off top which you open like a tube of tomato puree - there is a piercing point indented on the lid which you screw off, turn in on itself and pierce the metal sealing the tube then squeeze the product out. It comes in a box which is pale lemon, white and lilac with a picture of a baby in the corner. The 'M' in Metanium is shaped like a heart which immediately suggests the product will be caring, as do the soft calming colours on the outside of the box.

The product itself is a very thick, matt, butter-yellow paste. To use it you clean the affected area then dab a pea sized amount of Metanium over the sore area with a clean fingertip. You have to spread it extremely thinly until you can see the affected area underneath. Repeat after every nappy change until it has cleared up completely. Basically, the way you use it is the complete opposite of the way you use Sudocrem (by applying a very thick layer that covers the skin completely).

It has a smell that is not unpleasant but is noticeable. I can't describe it to be honest but suffice it to say it is inoffensive.

IMPORTANT!!
You have to be really careful when using this product as if it gets on clothing it stains terribly (and in my experience unremovably). Only apply on a wipe-clean changing mat with a clean nappy underneath and keep a baby wipe next to it to wipe your hand immediately after applying and then wash properly as soon as you get to the bathroom.

Now the important bit - whether it actually works or not...
Well the answer is a resounding YES! What Sudocrem could not clear despite being applied many times a day, Metanium cured in one nappy change.

However, I am not relegating my trusted Sudocrem to the bin because I think both products have their place - Metanium for very severe outbreaks and Sudocrem for run-of-the-mill nappy rash (which it clears up in one nappy change easily). I would recommend having a tube of Metanium and hoping you never need it...but I can guarantee that if you do, it will work!

Summary: Definately a product you should have if you have a baby