Balmex Versus Desitin Diaper Ointments

There are so many diaper ointments out there to choose from for that awful time when your little bundle of joy turns into a screaming maniac when you touch his little bottom because he has diaper rash. So what do you choose?

There are several ointments that we have tried that worked with varying degrees of effectiveness. For this article, let's focus on a couple of the ointments we have tried for our little one. One of these ointments is Desitin, the first diaper ointment we ever tried because it came in a sample during our prenatal class and another one is Balmex, which we loved because of how it heals diaper rash so fast and effectively.

Prevention

Desitin works well for preventing diaper rash but after a few times we didn't change the diaper right away, our little one started getting a rash. Once he had it, the Desitin really did nothing to get rid of the painful red rash. After a couple days of challenging diaper changes with a screaming baby, we knew something out there had to work....enter Balmex.

Treatment

Once we bought the Balmex, we put it on the rash thick and creamy and waited. Only about 2-3 hours went by and the rash was already visibly decreasing! We were so excited that something was finally working. By the next day with consistent application of the Balmex after each diaper change, the diaper rash was almost totally gone.

We found that for treatment, the Desitin barely touched the rash once our son got it. We applied the Desitin consistently in a nice thick layer after each diaper change, but once the rash set in, the Desitin didn't heal the skin noticeably at all, no matter how often we applied it during those two miserable days.

Price

You can buy a Desitin 4 oz tube for about $4.50 or more. Sometimes you can get coupons and get it for less, however. For better value, there are larger tub sizes that will save you money in the long run. Balmex is similar in price at about $4.50 or more for a 4 oz container as well. Again, you can use coupons for this product or buy the value sized tubs, but basically, you are going to pay for a product that works after your baby already has diaper rash as well as for prevention, if you choose to use the product that way. You would not choose Balmex over Desitin for a lower price, however.

Miscellaneous comparisons

Balmex has no scent and it doesn't stain clothing like Desitin. Apparently you can use Balmex to treat sunburn as well, although I have not tried this. Desitin is smelly and you know you are putting on a 'medicine' ointment. If you prefer or do not mind a medicinal smell, try the Desitin, but otherwise, Balmex is great in this way, since it doesn't 'stink' up baby's clothes or the one applying it. Desitin can also be very hard to remove from your hands after you apply it to baby's bottom, whereas Balmex comes off with regular hand washing. Desitin, I have heard, can be used for facial blemishes as well, although I have not tried this. It makes sense, though, because Desitin has a high zinc oxide content, which would tend to dry out your skin and get rid of the extra oil causing the facial blemish.

Overall, I still choose Balmex for my baby's diaper rash because it actually works once the rash occurs. Desitin may work to prevent rash, but then, so does the Balmex. So for better value for your dollar, get a product that works to heal diaper rash and is not smelly and difficult to remove from your hands. It is worth the price for the peace of mind it brings in a few hours when diaper changes are not a screaming match again.