**The Creme De La Creme** (Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream)

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream
Date:	21/10/09 (203 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap and it works!

Disadvantages: Absolutey none!

Having recently suffered from a spate of rash (not the nappy variety) I purchased some Sudocrem for the bargain price of £0.99p! for a 125g pot from Savers. As soon as I realised that it was a rash I had, I instinctively went to my routes, and sought out some Sudocrem. It appears to have cornered the market, when it comes to nappy rash and is versatile in its use. It's been in existence for well over 70 years, which implies that they're doing something right!

The tub is a distinctive grey in colour, and if my memory serves me correctly, hasn't changed much over the years. The labelling is a vibrant red and states that it is an antiseptic healing cream. It can be used for "napkin rash" - must admit, this did make me chuckle as I had a sudden vision of a napkin suffering from a bout of rash!lol! On a serious note, it can also be used for eczema, bed sores, sunburn, minor burns, surface wounds, acne, and chilblains - quite a comprehensive list methinks! In terms of the claims regarding acne, I have used it to combat my mild acne as well and found that it gets rid of red marks and reduces the inflammation. A downside to this, is that it can dry your skin out if used often and liberally over the whole face. Personally, as i only suffer from mild acne, I have tended to use this as a very cheaper alternative to the likes of Clearasil and found it to be effective.

The only cream that comes close to this is the oil based, Vaseline - which, of course is more moist, viscous and on the gooey side than Sudocrem. It is brilliant, in that no age distinctions are made for its use - so whether its for your baby or for you, it can be used, safe in the knowledge that it will relieve your symptoms. It's got an excellent shelf life - 5 years to be precise! As i only used a small amount, I'm sure this will serve its purpose in time to come.

I have it on good authority that this can also be used on horses, instead of using the expensive purple spray as an antiseptic (although, don't quote me on it - a mate who's got horses let me into her secret). It also works well to form a barrier against external environmental forces to infecting the wound.
How does it work? It's made in a base of water repellent properties (the key ingredients are: zinc Oxide, purified water, liquid parafin, paraffin wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, sodium benzoate, linaly acetate, propylene glycol, citric acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, sorbitan, sesquioleate, lavender fragrance). The zinc oxide serves to reduce the loss of fluid, meaning that moisture is locked in, and acts as a barrier, it prevents any undesirable substances going beyond the barrier, therefore keeping the affected area sterile. It can help regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. Combined with a compound of oxygen, this mineral is effective in helping promote protein synthesis (in this case, helping repair the skin) and promoting a healthy immune system. Benzyl alcohol acts as a mild local anaesthetic which was very handy for my inflamed area.

For me personally, I had a rash on my leg and I used the cream as suggested - "as required" which for me was twice daily. It smells like talc which, for me was a relatively pleasant smell, as opposed to some industrial smelling substance. I applied it liberally, massaging it using a circular motion and found that it was absorbed into my skin within seconds which meant that I could get dressed and be off. As the area was slightly inflamed, the emollient effect of Sudocrem worked wonders and meant that the inflammation was soothed and left my skin feeling exceptionally soft. My rash was about 2cm in diameter and with regular use, I found my rash had, quite literally disappeared within 2 days!

It can be purchased in all major supermarkets and, obviously, chemists - but be aware that they will charge the typical rate (Morrisons, for example were selling the same size tub for in excess of £2!) Should you need to take some on holiday, it is available in smaller tubs of 60g or even a 30g tube. I feel blessed to have found and bagged this bargain!

Summary: Antiseptic cream that works!