Sudocrem might not make the most glamorous addition to your bathroom shelf, but there’s a whole lot of miracles hidden away in that little tub.
Despite mainly being known (and loved!) as a nappy rash cream, Sudocrem can actually be used on anything from cuts and minor burns to skin conditions and even as a face mask for problem skin.
Intrigued? Read on to find out the 11 very surprising uses for that little red and grey pot…
Heal cuts and burns
Lots of people report that Sudocrem is essentially a ‘magic cream’ for everyday cuts, scrapes and minor burns. As the brand explains, ‘it helps to heal wounds by forming a protective layer over the vulnerable area, reducing the risk of infection, and also contains a mild local anaesthetic to soothe discomfort.’
Stop chafing
You know what we’re talking about; a hot summer’s day, a skirt or dress, and a long walk in the park, and you’re on a one way train to chafing city. Applying some Sudocrem to the thighs and any other areas that are rubbing can ease the pain and make movement far more comfortable.
Minimise spots
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and the TOWIE girls are both said to be fans of this next trick — when applied directly to spots, a small amount of Sudocrem can reduce both size and redness, and help to clear skin far more quickly.
As if it’s acne-busting properties weren’t enough, you can apply a face mask of Sudocrem as a preventative measure — it helps to heal any existing blemishes and protect against further infection. Apparently, all you need to do is apply a thin layer to your skin once a week (it’s drying if used too often) and leave overnight. We’ll be making that one part of our Sunday night ritual…
Soothe sore skin
Sudocrem is good for other skin conditions as well, with sufferers of everything from eczema to psorasis reporting postive results when massaged into the affected area. It’s thanks to the combo of ingredients, including hypoallergenic lanolin, an emollient that soothes and softens skin, zinc oxide, which reduces the loss of fluid and a water-repellent excipient base to create a protective seal.
Create a hair dye barrier
Ever found yourself with a nice halo of hair-dye colour around your forehead after applying an at-home kit? Putting a layer of Sudocrem along the skin and around other nearby areas like the ears will defend it against the dye.
Perfect your plucking
In a similar stroke of beauty-inspired genius, Sudocrem is also fab for reducing redness and soothing the sore skin that comes with plucking your eyebrows. Some women even say they use it on their legs after a wax as well!
Ease molluscum
A viral infection that’s most common in children, molluscum causes firm, raised papules (spots) that develop on the skin, and can get extremely itchy. Whilst the NHS advises that it is harmless and will usually clear up on its own, many mums and dads swear by Sudocrem to offering a bit of much-needed relief.
Another condition which causes small, itchy swellings, chilblains cause swollen, irritated skin in the extremeties when you’ve been out in the cold for too long. Sudocrem can help to ease pain — but you should always see a doctor if your chilblains don’t heal within a few weeks, or show signs of infection.
Improve insect bites
Holidays tend to be spoiled by one of two things: insect bites and sunburn. Pop a pot of Sudocrem in your suitcase and you should be able to keep on top of both — for insect bites, simply dab on for relief from itching…
Recover from sunburn
…and for suncream, rub (gently!) into the sore area to speed up the skin’s recovery and reduce the symptoms simultaneously. It’s also said to be good for prickly heat.
