Parents have been forced to look to eBay for the last supplies of  yellow "miracle" nappy rash ointment Metanium, after stocks were discontinued by its manufacturer. 

Many branches of Superdrug, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's are out of stock, with parents trawling shops in a bid to pick up the last tubes.

The cream, which normally retails at around £4.65 is now being sold on eBay for upwards of £30, or in one case for £288 a tube.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment has been a staple for mums and dads for years, and many say it is the only thing that soothes serious nappy rash. But its manufacturers Thornton & Ross has announced it is stopping production due to a problem sourcing its ingredients.

The suppliers said in a statement: "Thornton & Ross has taken the decision to discontinue Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment. This is 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."

Recommended reading:

They added: "We understand Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment was a valued product and we assure you that this decision was not taken lightly. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience the discontinuation of Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment may cause."

There is now a petition online calling for production to start again, organised by mum-of-twins Ruth Paterson:

"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. 

"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."

She continues: "We’re requesting the supplier reconsider this decision and think of the impact this has on individuals like my daughter.

"The product discontinuation isn't just a business decision; it's a decision that diminishes my daughter's quality of life, and the lives of many others in similar situations. We implore all compassionate individuals to join us in this cause and urge the supplier to reverse the discontinuation of Metanium."