SUDOCREM - CONTAINS FRAGRANCE!

Sudocrem (Pronounced Soo-DOH-Creem), is a very known over-the-counter medicated cream which is primarily used for the treatment of nappy rash.  This product is a water-repellent based cream which consists of oils & waxes;  protective and emollient agents; antibacterial and anti-fungal agents; and a weak anaesthetic. It's been known to be useful for treatment against things such as eczema, bedsores, acne, minor burns, surface wounds, sunburn, chilblains, among other things.

A majority of ferret owners have been using Sudocrem for various things, from skin issues like rashes, scabs or minor injuries like cuts. It has also been a common "preventative" to help stop ferrets biting another ferret. Apparently most ferrets don't particularly enjoy the taste, therefore ferret owners took the advantage and used it in attempt to stop a ferret from attacking or biting into another ferret.

Up until recently, people have started paying more close attention to ingredients in things such as this that they use on their ferrets. Sudocrem in particular was rumoured to contain

fragrance. 

This caused alot of concerns especially since ferret owners have never seen any added fragrances, according to the older labels of Sudocrem. This caused us to believe that there was a possible formula change. I personally wanted to have a confirmation on this entire subject, so I took the opportunity to send an email to Actavis.

Actavis, Manufacturer of Sudocrem, has confirmed VIA email with me that Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream does contain lavender fragrance and that they do not manufacture a fragrance free formulation of this product. They also confirmed that the Lavender has been part of the Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream since its inception. This cream has been on the market for 80 years with its current formula.

Now that this was confirmed, we should assume that even those tubs of Sudocrem which do not list the ingredient, does in fact contain fragrance and that it would best be avoided. It was never mentioned why they failed to list the ingredient in some of their older tubs of this cream, but it does look like possibly a new labelling requirement has now required them to list the fragrance on their product. It does make a lot of sense.

So why should this be avoided? It's simple, using a product that contains added fragrance is plain risky. It's on the same level as Essential Oil's. That being said, you could use it... Just like EO's in Shampoo, small amounts may seem harmless, But the risks are there when you use it all the time, or in a repetitive manner.  Regardless of amounts, toxins are toxins, and in this case added EO, or, added Fragrances are all considered TOXIC to our ferrets. You always have the risks of a ferret reacting to a toxin. Whether it be now, in a few weeks, in a few months, in a year or even not at all.

In the cases where you have an emergency and have no other alternative until you see a vet, then a once off case should be fine, but if it really is an emergency, then it would be far better to seek vet treatment, not attempt treatment at home. It is the repetitive use of the product which is more likely to cause problems in the long run.

If you have a case where you have an open wound, I think personally that it would be better to use antiseptic solution (Iodine based wound cleanser) or plain water (possibly with 1tsp of salt) and gauze. I have a Betadine Solution and Betadine Antiseptic Ointment for minor situations in the medical kit for open wounds.  I've always been warned not to use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the wounds since those may damage the tissue. 

Minor situations where you have simply a cut, or an abrasion, you can try cleaning the wound with water, then apply  an antiseptic solution or plain salt water with a gauze or a clean cloth. The salt or antiseptic solution will kill bacteria and help prevent infection. If there is bleeding, It's best to cover area with a sterile gauze or clean cloth and apply pressure directly onto the wound to stop the bleeding, then tape it to keep the wound from reopening and get to a vet.  Puncture wounds or long, deep wounds, shouldn't be meddled with and be seen by a vet asap.

This is the information which I have gathered on Sudocrem mainly through Email with the manufacture, personal opinions, and second opinions from other ferret owners. It is now your decision to make the final call if you are to use this product. 

Remember to always be cautious and when in doubt, call your vet.