What are the dangers of Sudocrem?

While Sudocrem is a household staple in the UK for nappy rash and eczema, it carries specific risks, including a fire hazard when used on fabric, potential jaundice risk in newborns under 4 weeks, and rare allergic reactions due to lanolin. It must never be ingested or used internally.

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream is one of the most popular tubs in British bathroom cabinets. It is fantastic for soothing sore skin, but like all medicines, it has rules for safe use. This guide explains the hidden risks so you can keep your family safe.

In One Sentence: 

“While Sudocrem is safe for most, it poses specific fire risks when dried on fabric and should not be used on newborns under 4 weeks due to rare ingredient sensitivities”.

Key Takeaways

• Is Sudocrem flammable? Yes. The paraffin in the cream can stick to clothes and bedding, making them catch fire easily if they touch a naked flame.

• Is it safe for all babies? Mostly, yes. However, avoid using it on babies younger than 4 weeks if they have jaundice, as some ingredients can make it worse.

• What if my child eats it? Sudocrem is mild, but eating a lot can cause sickness. Call 111 if they vomit or seem unwell.

Breakdown: Which Ingredients Carry Risks?

Sudocrem contains several active ingredients. While effective for healing, specific components like Sodium Benzoate and Lanolin can trigger adverse reactions in vulnerable groups such as newborns and those with eczema.

Is Sudocrem a Fire Hazard? (Paraffin Risk)

Yes, Sudocrem contains paraffin, which is flammable. If the cream dries onto clothes, bedding, or bandages, it does not wash out completely. This residue acts like a wick, causing fabric to burn very quickly if it touches a flame [1] [2].

Many people don't realise that skin creams containing paraffin can turn ordinary fabric into a fire risk. The danger isn't the cream in the tub, it's what happens when it soaks into fabric and dries.

Even if you wash your clothes or sheets at high temperatures, some of the invisible paraffin residue often remains. This build-up creates a hidden danger.

High-risk scenarios to avoid:

• Smoking: Never smoke in bed or while wearing clothes that may have Sudocrem residue on them. A dropped cigarette ash can ignite the fabric instantly.

• Open Fires and Gas Hobs: Be very careful standing near gas cookers or sitting close to open fires or halogen heaters.

• Candles: Keep bedding and clothing well away from lit candles.

Safety Tip: If you use large amounts of Sudocrem or other emollients, change your bedding and clothing daily to reduce build-up, but remember washing does not remove the risk entirely.

Why is Sudocrem Restricted for Newborns Under 4 Weeks?

Sudocrem contains Sodium Benzoate [3], which can be risky for very young babies. In newborns under 4 weeks, this ingredient can stop the blood from managing bilirubin properly, potentially causing or worsening neonatal jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) [4].

Newborn babies have very delicate systems. Their livers are still learning how to process things. One of the ingredients in Sudocrem, Sodium Benzoate, is a preservative. While safe for older children and adults, it can be risky for babies.

It can unbind a substance called bilirubin in the blood. If bilirubin levels get too high, it leads to jaundice. If your baby was born premature or already has jaundice, it is best to avoid Sudocrem until they are a bit older. Always check with your midwife or health visitor if you are unsure.

Common Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

Sudocrem is generally gentle, but some skin types can react to it. The most common cause is Lanolin (wool fat) [5], which can trigger contact dermatitis [6]. Symptoms include increased redness, itching, or a stinging sensation where the cream was applied.

Sudocrem contains Zinc Oxide (which heals), Benzyl Alcohol (which acts as a mild local anaesthetic) and Lanolin. While these are helpful for most, they are known allergens for some people.

Spotting a Reaction

Symptom:

Itching, burning, or stinging sensation immediately or shortly after applying.

Reaction:

The skin looks angrier, redder, or more swollen than before. You might see a new rash (Contact Dermatitis).

Action:

Stop using the cream immediately. Wash the area gently with water to remove the cream. Consult a GP or pharmacist if it doesn't improve.

You can report serious side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This helps the UK government monitor medicines safely.

Can you ingest Sudocrem? (Accidental Poisoning)

Sudocrem is for external use only. If swallowed in large amounts, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. In very rare and extreme cases, the ingredients can cause central nervous system (CNS) stimulation or convulsions.

Because it contains camphor-like ingredients and alcohols, eating a large amount is dangerous.

What to do if your child eats Sudocrem:

• Do not panic. A small lick is unlikely to cause harm.

• Do not make them sick. Inducing vomiting can make things worse.

• Clean the mouth. Wipe out any visible cream from their mouth with a wet cloth.

• Watch for symptoms. Look out for sickness, loose poo, or unusual sleepiness.

• Call for help. If they have eaten a lot, or if you are worried, call NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency (like a seizure), dial 999.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sudocrem clog pores?

Yes, it can. Sudocrem is very thick and water-repellent. If you use it on your face for acne, apply a very thin layer. Using too much can block pores and potentially cause more spots.

Can I use Sudocrem on broken skin?

You can use it on minor surface wounds like grazes. However, do not put it on deep wounds, raw or weeping skin, or serious burns without medical advice.

Is Sudocrem safe for dogs?

Sudocrem contains Zinc Oxide, which is toxic to dogs if they lick it off. It is safer to use a dedicated pet cream prescribed by your vet.

Final Thoughts

"Sudocrem remains a gold-standard treatment for nappy rash in the UK, but it is not without its risks. We urge parents to be vigilant about fire safety and keep clothing away from naked flames if you use this product regularly. Additionally, for newborns under four weeks, we recommend simple water or paraffin-free barrier ointments to avoid any risk of jaundice. If you see a rash get worse after using the cream, stop immediately and speak to your prescriber."

Sources

[1] Emollients: new information about risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients - GOV.UK 

[2] Hall SW, Blackburn KJ, Ferguson L, Pugh P. Assessing the potential fire risk of laundered fabrics after contamination with emollients using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics. Sci Justice. 2021 Nov;61(6):779-788. doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.09.004. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34802652.

[3] Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 8860 

[4] Pharmaceutical formulation and excipients | Deranged Physiology 

[5] Silverberg JI, Patel N, Warshaw EM, DeKoven JG, Atwater AR, Belsito DV, Dunnick CA, Houle MC, Reeder MJ, Maibach HI, Zug KA, Taylor JS, Sasseville D, Fransway AF, DeLeo VA, Pratt MD, Fowler JF Jr, Zirwas MJ. Lanolin Allergic Reactions: North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2001 to 2018. Dermatitis. 2022 May-Jun 01;33(3):193-199. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000871. Epub 2022 Apr 28. Erratum in: Dermatitis. 2023 May-Jun;34(3):271. doi: 10.1089/derm.2023.0086. PMID: 35481824.

[6] Soriano LF, Buckley DA. Sudocrem® dermatitis: easily missed. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021 Oct;46(7):1308-1310. doi: 10.1111/ced.14690. Epub 2021 Jun 15. PMID: 33864275.