The popular Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment has been discontinued by manufacturers Thornton and Ross, with parents now desperate to get their hands on the ‘miracle’ cream
Parents are heartbroken as a beloved nappy rash cream – Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment – is discontinued.
The product, known for its quick healing properties, has been a staple in changing bags for years. However, manufacturer Thornton and Ross decided to cease production last year due to ‘constraints that have impacted our ability to guarantee consistent supply and maintain the high standards of excellence we strive for in all our products’.
With remaining stock now scarce and highly sought after, parents are scrambling to get their hands on the £4.65 cream, which is now being sold at exorbitant prices on eBay. To add insult to injury, the company has rebranded its Everyday Barrier Ointment to resemble the discontinued nappy rash cream, leading to accusations of ‘a marketing stunt’.
A petition urging the company to reinstate the product has already gathered hundreds of signatures, reports the Manchester Evening News. Creator Ruth Paterson said: “Nearly every parent across the UK and Ireland has a tube of metanium in their nappy bag! It’s a game changer for those grappling with nappy rash. Used in hospital settings, NICUs and PICUs it has been a vital medicine for babies. That’s why it’s pretty unbelievable that it’s been discontinued by its manufacturer.”
She shared her personal ordeal, saying: “My twin daughter relies on Metanium for the management of her skin condition, which was advised for use post-surgery. This product is vital to her day-to-day quality of life. Yet, we were disheartened to learn that the supplier has decided to discontinue Metanium.
“Metanium has been an effective solution for thousands of babies and for those with more complex needs like my daughter who require skin management after surgery.
“According to the British Journal of Nursing, the proper care of skin post-surgery is essential for a speedy and efficient recovery, and products like Metanium form an integral part of this care regimen (British Journal of Nursing, 2019). By discontinuing Metanium, the medical supplier is essentially disregarding the needs of countless individuals who rely on their product for a healthier, more comfortable life.
“We’re urging the supplier to rethink this decision and consider the impact it has on individuals like my daughter. This isn’t just a business decision; it’s a decision that affects my daughter’s quality of life, as well as many others in similar situations. We call upon all compassionate individuals to join us in this cause and urge the supplier to reverse the discontinuation of Metanium. Please sign this petition today.”
One mum, who regularly used the cream on her little one, shared with us: “This stuff really is a miracle cream. I’d tried all sorts of things before this and nothing ever worked. Even after one use, it can clear up sore skin. I don’t know what we’re going to use when we run out of the last bit we have.”
A representative for Thornton and Ross stated: “Thornton and Ross has been caring for customers and patients for more than 100 years, and we’re committed to providing effective, high-quality products, caring for people’s health as a trusted partner. We sympathise with the situation and apologise for any inconvenience the discontinuation of Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment may have caused. It’s clear that Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment was a valued product, and we can assure everyone that this decision was not taken lightly.
“We are aware of Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment on second-hand selling sites, and unfortunately, we have no powers to prevent this happening – while completely understanding the frustration this causes to customers.
“We are giving our well-loved Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment a packaging makeover, introducing the distinctive Metanium yellow brand colour alongside the purple, to help parents spot the trusted brand they know and love more easily on shelves.
“Rest assured, Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment will continue to be the same formulation, we are simply giving the outer packaging a fresher feel, drawing on the heritage brand colours of Metanium.
“The formulation of Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment will remain unchanged, continuing to provide effective protection against the irritants that can cause nappy rash while supporting the skin’s natural barrier. The product will also remain unscented and suitable for vegans, and can be used at every nappy change from birth onwards.
“As part of their commitment to sustainability, the new yellow and purple packaging may appear on shelves alongside the old-style packs, while retailers sell existing stock. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment is not a treatment for nappy rash.”
