Zinc pyrithione is a complex zinc compound , which consists of three sulfur atoms and two oxygen atoms. This solid colorless substance has been used in dermatology since the 30s. It has pronounced fungicidal and antibacterial properties.
Zinc pyrithione is widely used in the treatment of seborrhea and psoriasis, including in the scalp. It was first used in North America specifically for the treatment of dandruff. He was part of various therapeutic shampoos and was dispensed without a prescription. His property to help with psoriasis became completely coincidental: it turned out that people suffering from this disease have been using drugs on their own for a long time, which include zinc pyrithione, and it helps them. Dermatologists became interested in this effect, and in the course of the clinical studies, many interesting facts were found out. For example, it turned out that the use of this substance allows you to get rid of psoriatic plaques in just a few days. Moreover, the studies involved patients in whom the traditional treatment had no effect. Scientists also found that after 2 days of using the drug in the plaque, the phenomena of apoptosis are observed.
The mechanism of action of this compound is not yet fully understood. According to one theory, zinc pyrithione blocks the proton pump in the cell membrane, as a result of which the transportation of substances necessary for vital functions is disrupted, and the cell dies. Today, this tool is most often used for
treatment of psoriasis,
seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, herpes zoster and dandruff. In various forms of dermatitis in children, the Pyrithione Zinc tool is also used. A cream or aerosol is applied to the affected areas several times a day until complete recovery. It is also active against steptococci and staphylococci.
Zinc pyrithione is part of many dandruff shampoos, as well as in various forms of medication. It can be aerosols, creams, ointments and shampoos. The latter are used to treat psoriasis on the head. One of the main advantages of the drug is that it, unlike steroid hormones, which are most often used in the treatment of psoriasis, is not addictive.
Today in any pharmacy you can buy the drug "Pyrithione Zinc". The price for it, as a rule, depends on the manufacturer. Original drugs will cost an order of magnitude more expensive than their analogues.
The drug is well tolerated, in rare cases, local allergic reactions, such as skin irritation or dryness, are observed. Contraindication to use may be hypersensitivity to the active components of the drug. If the product gets into the eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water; if the substance is swallowed inside, the stomach should be washed. Preparations containing zinc pyrithione are not recommended for use in combination with local glucocorticosteroids.