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The original Gold Bond Medicated Powder was introduced in 1908. Gold Bond Medicated Powder was the only product available until 1990, when Martin Himmel Inc. acquired the company. Himmel began expanding distribution and developing new product lines. In 1996, Chattem Inc. purchased the company, and added Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder to the product mix. Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder differs from the original Gold Bond Medicated Powder in its uses and ingredients.

Gold Bond Medicated Powder Characteristics

Gold Bond Medicated Powder has been used for more than a century to help cool and soothe skin while absorbing excess moisture and stopping any itching. You can apply it after a shower as a deodorant, and it is safe for adults to use it up to four times a day. Gold Bond Medicated Powder stops itching and irritation associated with sunburns, insect bites, cuts, scratches, burns and rashes. It will also help to sooth minor skin irritations and will dry poison ivy, oak and sumac. The active ingredients are menthol, for its anti-itch properties, and zinc oxide, for its skin protectant properties.

Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder Characteristics

Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder relieves itching and absorbs moisture on the feet. It also soothes irritated skin and prevents foot odor by controlling odor-causing bacteria. Apply the powder directly to the feet after a shower, bath or exercise. For best results, dry your feet before applying it, and apply the powder to all areas of the feet. It is safe for adults to use the powder up to four times a day. You can also use the powder inside of shoes to help prevent odor. The active ingredient in Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder is menthol.

Differences

Gold Bond Medicated Powder and Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder have differences. Most notably are the ingredients. While Gold Bond Medicated Powder contains both menthol and zinc oxide, Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder contains only menthol as its active ingredient. The powders all differ in intended uses. While you can use Gold Bond Medicated Powder all over your body, Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder is only intended for the feet.

Considerations

Both powders absorb moisture, sooth itching and prevent irritation. Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder is specially formulated for the feet; however, the ingredients do not differ greatly between the two powders. Gold Bond Medicated Powder will still help sooth the feet, as well as the other body parts. Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder will not have the same effect on cuts, scrapes and burns as Gold Bond Medicated Powder, as it lacks zinc oxide, a skin protectant. Always consult a doctor before using either powder on children under the age of 2.