Zinc oxide ointment is a medicinal product used to treat and prevent many skin conditions. Its main active ingredient, zinc oxide, is a mineral compound with properties that allow it to be used effectively in skin care. Zinc oxide is a white powdery compound that can be dissolved in an ointment that often contains other components such as petroleum jelly or lanolin to increase its application and effectiveness.
The uniqueness of zinc oxide lies in its principles of action: it creates a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, blocking moisture and bacteria, thus reducing irritation and inflammation. In addition, zinc oxide also has astringent properties that help reduce skin perspiration, which is especially useful in baby and adult skin care.
Another important aspect of zinc oxide is its action as a sun filter, reflecting the sun's rays and thus protecting the skin from sun damage. For this reason, zinc oxide ointment is widely used in sunscreen products, especially for those who want a natural and non-chemical method of sun protection.
Zinc oxide is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it useful in treating a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, herpes and even acne. In addition, it is also used to treat baby rashes and other irritations caused by moisture and friction.
Zinc oxide ointment, its composition and principles of operation
Zinc oxide ointment is a medical preparation, the main active ingredient of which is zinc oxide, a mineral substance obtained by burning zinc in air or heating zinc minerals at high temperatures. Zinc oxide is a white powdery substance that can be incorporated into an ointment formula, allowing it to be used effectively in skin care.
The main function of zinc oxide in skin care products is its ability to form a barrier on the surface of the skin, preventing moisture and bacteria from entering the skin. This barrier protects the skin from external irritants, reduces inflammation and promotes healing. This effect is particularly useful in treating skin irritations such as baby rashes, eczema and psoriasis.
In addition, zinc oxide has astringent properties that help reduce excess moisture on the surface of the skin. It can be especially helpful in treating baby mumps, as well as treating excessive sweating and other conditions that can be worsened by humidity.
The action of zinc oxide as a solar filter is another important feature of it. Zinc oxide reflects the sun's rays from the surface of the skin, thus reducing the effect of UV radiation on the skin. This allows the use of zinc oxide ointment as a sunscreen.
Finally, zinc oxide has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help fight bacteria that can cause skin infections and reduce inflammation that can be associated with a variety of skin conditions.
Zinc oxide ointment may also contain other ingredients, such as petrolatum or lanolin, which help ensure that the product spreads easily and absorbs well into the skin. Each ointment manufacturer may use different key ingredients, so it is always recommended to read the product label carefully before using it.
How and where can zinc oxide ointment be used?
Zinc oxide ointment is a very versatile skin care product with a wide range of uses. Here are some of the main situations in which it can be used:
Treatment and prevention of rashes. Zinc oxide ointment is widely used for the treatment and prevention of rashes in babies. It creates a protective barrier on the skin that prevents moisture and urine from irritating the skin. In addition, it has astringent properties that help reduce moisture on the surface of the skin.
Eczema and psoriasis. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, zinc oxide ointment can also be used to treat eczema and psoriasis. It reduces skin redness and inflammation and also helps fight bacteria that can cause infections.
Sun protection. Zinc oxide is widely used in sunscreens as a natural sunscreen ingredient that reflects the sun's rays and protects the skin from UV radiation.
Treatment of skin lesions. Zinc oxide ointment can be used to treat minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. It creates a protective film on the wound that helps protect against infection and promotes healing.
Sweating. Due to its astringent properties, zinc oxide ointment can be used on excessively sweaty areas such as the feet or underarms to reduce moisture and sweating.
Acne. Some people use zinc oxide ointment to treat acne because it has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation and redness.
However, despite its many potential uses, zinc oxide ointment is not a universal treatment and should only be used as part of a comprehensive skin care plan, which may include other products or treatments depending on the specific skin condition. It is also important to remember that some people may be sensitive or allergic to zinc oxide, so you should always monitor your skin's reaction to this product and consult your doctor if any adverse changes occur.
What side effects can zinc oxide ointment cause?
Zinc oxide ointment is considered a safe and well-tolerated skin care product for most people. However, like any other skin product, it can cause side effects in some people, especially those with sensitive skin or prone to allergic reactions.
Side effects associated with zinc oxide ointment are usually local in nature, meaning they only occur in the areas where the ointment was applied. This may include:
Skin irritation. Some people may experience skin irritation after using zinc oxide ointment, which may include redness, burning, itching, or dry skin.
Allergic reactions. Although not common, some people may experience an allergic reaction to zinc oxide or other ingredients in the ointment. This reaction may appear as skin redness, itching, hives or edema (swelling) at the application site.
Skin dryness and flaking. Zinc oxide has astringent properties that can reduce skin moisture. This can cause dryness and flaking of the skin, especially if the ointment is used for too long or in excessive amounts.
Changes in skin color. In rare cases, zinc oxide ointment may cause changes in skin color, such as darkening or lightening of the skin. This is most common in people with darker skin or prone to hyperpigmentation.
If you experience any side effects after using zinc oxide ointment, you should stop using it and consult your doctor or skin specialist. Also, before starting a new skin product, it is always recommended to do an allergy test by applying a small amount of the product to a small area of the skin and observing any changes over a few hours or a day.
Informaciniai šaltiniai:
P.R. Wickett, R.R. Wickett "The effect of zinc oxide and other sunscreens on the molecular packing of lipids in a model stratum corneum membrane." Biophysical Journal (1991).
F. Camacho, M. Mazuecos "Oral and topical zinc oxide sunscreen." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1999).
Z.C. Draelos "Zinc oxide: A new look at an old friend." Dermatology Times (2013).
Ogawa Y, Kinoshita M, Shimada S, Kawamura T "Zinc and skin disorders." Nutrients (2018).
Blume-Peytavi U, Hauser M, Stamatas GN, Pathirana D, Garcia Bartels N. "Skin care practices for newborns and infants: review of the clinical evidence for best practices." Pediatric Dermatology (2012).
Latha MS, Martis J, Shobha V, et al. "Sunscreening agents: a review." The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology (2013).
Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. "Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review." Dermatology Research and Practice (2014).
P.R. Wickett, R.R. Wickett "The effect of zinc oxide and other sunscreens on the molecular packing of lipids in a model stratum corneum membrane." Biophysical Journal (1991).
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