Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Questions, We Have Answers!
Many previous Hiney Healer users completely understand the value of the product, but now that we're back and better than ever as Dr. Boldt's Barrier Balm, you may have a few questions. We're happy to answer any questions, comments, or concerns you may have, but first, here are some of our most commonly asked questions. Please let us know if we've missed anything!
A Unique Healing Approach
We call it "Barrier Balm" because our unique formulation creates a protective barrier that to keeps your skin's own moisture (great for the natural healing process), while keeping outside moisture out. This prevention of moisture loss is vital to the healing process and creates an ideal healing environment for skin affected by rash or minor cuts. We've used minimal ingredients which keep the product use safe for the most sensitive skin (Barrier Balm started as Hiney Healer for babies, after all), while still being strong enough for use by the most demanding athletes.
Beyond Baby Bums
Our new formula means that Barrier Balm can be used on a wide variety of skin ailments including (but not limited to):
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Facial Rashes (caused by drool or teething)
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Minor Cuts and Scrapes
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Chapped Lips
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Cracked Heels and Feet
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Dry or Cracked Skin
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Dry Hands and Cuticles
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Friction and Minor Burns
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Wind Burn
Did we miss anything? If you've found Barrier Balm helpful for an ailment not listed, let us know!
Understanding the Issue, Providing a Solution
To understand how Barrier Balm heals dry skin, one should first understand the causes of dry skin. Dry skin (particularly on the hands) can be caused by excessive use of hand sanitizer, overexposure to water, extreme weather conditions, dry air, and even hot showers.
Barrier Balm helps protect skin and promote natural healing by creating a barrier. This barrier adds the right kind of moisture and the perfect environment for your skin to naturally heal its self. Faster healing means restored smoothness and overall skin health.
Hold On To Your Socks!
Yes! If you love to walk barefoot in the summer or find yourself on your feet all day, you know how friction and pressure can cause cracked heels and dry skin on your feet.
Barrier Balm works great for healing those tired, cracked, and dry feet! Though regularly massaging your dry feet with Barrier Balm will provide relief, we recommend applying our product before bed and wearing clean cotton socks overnight. Similarly, if you experience dry hands, applying Barrier Balm and wearing clean cotton gloves to bed can also help!
Hurting, Not Healing
The internet is full of ideas for healing dry, irritated, or rash-covered skin. Though you may be tempted to try home remedies to treat a rash, we (along with most dermatologists and doctors*) recommend avoiding the following 5 things if you want to promote faster healing.
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Don't use rubbing alcohol on rash-affected skin. It stings, dries out your skin, and makes rashes like eczema even worse!
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Don't use bar soap. Unless specifically recommended by a medical professional, it's smart to avoid bar soaps while trying to heal your skin. Many can dry out your skin even more.
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Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide and bleach. Bleach is never a good healing agent and hydrogen peroxide may help with minor cuts and scrapes, but they can make rashes worse and keep them from healing.
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Don't use a triple-antibiotic ointment (TAO) on a rash. TAO doesn't kill the bacteria that cause skin infections. It could actually cause an allergic reaction on the skin (depending on the ingredients.
Food Facts
This is a question we typically get asked when considering why babies get diaper rash. Parents often worry that foods that are high in citric acid may be problematic. There is no scientific data that points to specific types of foods causing diaper rash (or any other kind of rash) unless the food in question causes an allergic reaction. However, if you (or your baby) has never tried the food before, you may experience loose stools (diarrhea) which can cause irritation and rash.
Relief and Healing, Fast!
When the printed instructions are followed, most people experience fully healed skin within 7 days. However, many of our customers tell us that they have seen results overnight!
The legal answer: "Results may vary."
Use As Directed
We recommend following the instructions printed on the container. That said, applying the product generously won't hurt, but may get a bit messy. It's a good idea to apply a nice, even layer to the affected area. After washing the product off, if needed, you may repeat application.
Easy Application
After washing your hands, a thick layer of Barrier Balm applied with your fingertips, across the entire affected area is all it takes. It's a good idea to go a bit beyond the red areas of the rash as not all rash is visible. Also, you should try to avoid touching the irritated skin with your fingers as much as possible.
An Answer from Dr. Boldt Himself:
“The cream was actually a formula out of a book from when I was in training, but no one else seems to remember it!” Boldt said, with a laugh. “I have been prescribing it ever since I came here, of course with some modifications that we have learned over the years. It still seems to work better than anything else I have found.”
-Dr.Donald Boldt, Creator of Hiney Healer (now Barrier Balm)
