Zinc ointment is widely used in cosmetology and medicine. The popularity of this tool is associated with its harmless composition, high impact effectiveness. With it, you can cope with many skin and other diseases.
Zinc - a mineral for health
What you need to know about the main active ingredient of zinc ointment? Zinc is one of the most important minerals for the human body. He takes part in tissue regeneration and cell division, in the process of reproduction and in the development of the brain. Zinc provides the formation of red blood cells in the blood, is responsible for the synthesis of insulin, and is a part of proteins and enzymes.
Deficiency of this element in the body makes itself felt by skin inflammation, alopecia, lack of absorption of food and lack of appetite, slow healing of wounds. Other manifestations are possible, for example, visual impairment. If zinc is lacking in the body of the expectant mother, this poses a serious threat to the development of the fetus.
Structure
Zinc ointment has a white (in some cases yellow-white) color, has a thick consistency. The main active ingredient of the drug is zinc, which is included in its composition in the form of oxide. Vaseline acts as a base, it is mixed with zinc oxide in a ratio of 10: 1.
The composition of the ointment depends on the manufacturer. You can add the following components:
- fish oil (vitamins A, D, Omega-3);
- lanolin, dimethicone (emollient effect);
- menthol (to give a pleasant aroma);
- parabens (preservatives).
Zinc ointment: therapeutic effect
What are the beneficial properties of this product, which is widely used in medicine and cosmetology? What is the therapeutic effect of zinc ointment?
- Adsorbent. The use of the drug can reduce the secretion of exudate by inflamed skin cells.
- Astringent. The film that the ointment forms on top of the skin effectively prevents irritation.
- Regenerating. This therapeutic agent is famous for its healing effect.
- Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.
- Emollient. Vaseline, which is part of the ointment, is well absorbed, smoothes and softens the skin.
Indications for use
In what cases is this drug used? What are the indications? Zinc ointment is used in the following situations:
- acne;
- minor abrasions;
- scratches;
- weeping eczema;
- diaper dermatitis (diaper rash);
- neurodermatitis in the acute phase;
- secondary infection of burns;
- skin combs;
- insect bites;
- soft tissue necrosis (bedsores);
- prickly heat;
- skin irritation associated with prolonged exposure to the sun.
There are also conditions where the ointment helps alleviate discomfort, dry wounds, and reduce skin inflammation. In this case, it is used in combination with other drugs. It:
- hemorrhoids;
- trophic ulcers;
- streptoderma;
- windmill chain;
- vulvovaginitis, colpitis.
Contraindications
The above are indications for the use of zinc ointment. However, it should be borne in mind that there are contraindications. In particular, this tool is not used to treat patients who have an increased individual sensitivity to the components that make up its composition.
Side effects
In general, the drug is well tolerated by patients. The occurrence of side effects should beware only with uncontrolled prolonged use. The following problems may occur:
- redness of the skin;
- burning, itching at the site of application of the drug;
- peeling;
- dry skin.
Overdose
Cases of overdose have not been recorded. It must be remembered that the ointment is intended exclusively for external use. If you accidentally swallow the product, you should definitely induce vomiting, rinse your stomach. Also in such a situation, it is necessary to take activated carbon tablets.
Acne treatment
The drug is actively used in the fight against acne. Does zinc ointment help with acne?
- When applying the drug to an area of inflamed, damaged skin, its main active component begins to actively interact with epidermal cells. It produces an anti-inflammatory effect on them.
- The drying effect of the agent is quite pronounced. The result can be seen after just one procedure.
- The ointment has a beneficial effect on the course of acne, it reduces the intensity of inflammation and dries the upper layer of the epidermis. It is not easy to remove from the surface of the skin thanks to petroleum jelly.
So, the antibacterial properties of the drug make it possible to eliminate the focus of infection, do not allow bacteria to spread. This remedy can quickly relieve inflammation, but inflammation can resume. To avoid this, treatment of problem areas should be done regularly.
How to use for acne
Is it possible to smear acne with zinc ointment? Yes, if a person knows the rules for using this tool, which are discussed below.
- Before applying the drug, it is important to cleanse the skin thoroughly. This is best done with cotton wool, which is moistened with a solution of chlorhexidine or another antibacterial agent that does not affect the acidity of the skin.
- Do not use oil or alcohol-based fluids to clean the skin. Such products are severely dried.
- Apply the ointment pointwise, with a thin layer. Sites that are not affected by the inflammatory process should not be touched. In the presence of internal boils, the drug is not rubbed, but applied on top.
- After the procedure, the skin must be cleaned with warm water. It must be remembered that the ointment, which includes petroleum jelly, is not washed off well.
- Cosmetics on top of the drug are not recommended.
User Comments
What do people say who have used this remedy in the treatment of acne? Does zinc ointment relieve acne? Reviews inform that the use of this drug really helps improve skin condition. Thanks to the regular application of the product, the skin is gradually cleansed, redness and swelling disappear.
Of course, not all people respond positively to this drug. Someone notes its peculiar smell, someone complains that it overdries the skin after prolonged treatment, causes peeling. In some, the ointment causes an allergic reaction.
Anti-aging effect
Does zinc ointment help wrinkles? Beauticians give a positive answer to this question. The mechanism of action of zinc oxide, which is present in the composition of the drug, is as follows.
- Zinc normalizes the activity of enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of skin cells, enhances it. This contributes to the upgrade process.
- Ointment controls the production of sebum, stimulates the opening of pores.
- Zinc oxide helps the surface layer of the skin to get rid of dead cells, activates the regeneration process.
- The components of the drug have a regulatory effect on collagen production. This helps to increase skin tone, elasticity, eliminate wrinkles.
- Ointment relieves inflammation, promotes the rapid healing of minor injuries and scratches. Thanks to this, the skin looks better.
How to apply for wrinkles
The effectiveness of the drug also depends on how correctly it is used. It is recommended to observe the following rules when using zinc face ointment.
- The product must be applied to dry and clean skin. Before the procedure, be sure to wash your hands.
- To clean the skin, you need to wash off daytime makeup, and then use a moisturizer or milk.
- Ointment is not an alternative to day cream. Also, it can not serve as the basis for applying makeup.
- Use the product once a day, it is best done before bedtime. The applied preparation stays on the skin all night. In the morning you need to thoroughly clean it.
- For owners of combination or dry skin, it is best not to use the ointment in its pure form. The product can be mixed with baby cream or melted butter. This will mitigate the drying effect of the main active ingredient of the drug.
- If the skin is oily, the ointment can be used in pure form. A thin layer of the product must be applied to the face and neck.
- The area around the eyes should not be affected. This will only make wrinkles more pronounced and deeper, and also lead to peeling. In addition, there is a danger of eye contact, which can lead to the development of conjunctivitis.
The procedure does not need to be carried out every day, if the main goal is the fight against wrinkles. It is enough to apply the product on the face and neck three times a week. It is also important to remember that the course of treatment should not be more than three weeks. Then a month-long break should be taken.
Reviews
What do those who tried to deal with age-related changes with its help say about the effectiveness of the drug? Does zinc ointment help in the fight against signs of aging? Reviews indicate that this drug does not provide the desired result. Many of those who have tried to smooth out wrinkles with this product complain of worsening skin condition. Peeling, redness, dryness are problems that may arise. The drug does not have a noticeable effect on wrinkles.
Beauticians even object to the use of this tool in the fight against age-related skin changes. Aging skin needs good moisturizers. While the ointment, which includes zinc, is best used in the treatment of acne.
With hyperhidrosis
What helps zinc ointment? This drug is actively used for hyperhidrosis. This is called a violation of the sweat glands, which causes excessive sweating. This may be due to disorders of the cardiac or urinary system, diabetes mellitus, changes in hormonal levels.
Most often, the ointment is applied to the armpit area. The tool dries problem skin, provides a narrowing of the pores. Thanks to its use, the risk of joining an infection is reduced. It is necessary to apply a small amount of the drug to the problem area, wait for absorption. The ointment also helps with the fight against the smell of legs, from sweating hands.
From nail fungus
What helps zinc ointment? This tool is often used in the fight against nail fungus. After applying the drug to the affected area, a protective layer forms, burning and itching disappear. Ointment stimulates the restoration of the nail plate on the legs or arms. It is necessary to apply this remedy until the manifestations of the fungus disappear. On average, therapy lasts about two weeks.
It is recommended to apply the medication at night, it is best to do this immediately before bedtime. Be sure to pre-wash your hands or feet (depending on the location of propagation of the fungi) using bactericidal soap. You can also make a bath with herbal decoctions. Then the product is applied to the affected areas, left until completely absorbed.
With hemorrhoids
The tool can be used to treat internal cones. Apply the drug with a cotton swab, which is inserted into the rectum. If we are talking about external nodes, they need to be lubricated with a thin layer two to three times a day.
For children
The drug, the main active ingredient of which is zinc, is available not only for adults. Treatment with zinc ointment in some cases is indicated for children. For example, the drug is often used for dermatitis. It must be used before bedtime, the product is applied to dry skin. It is advisable to apply the ointment immediately when irritation, redness, and diaper rash appear. The tool relieves burning, itching and other symptoms that bother the child. The drug is well tolerated by the young body, rarely causes side effects.
Ointment can also be prescribed for diathesis in a child (a skin disease of an allergic origin). In this case, the tool should be used five to six times a day. The medicine relieves inflammation, stops the spread of irritation. Its refreshing effect helps reduce itching.
With a chickenpox rash, the drug helps eliminate inflammation and itching. It must be applied every three hours.
For newborns
What helps zinc ointment, if we are talking about a newborn baby? A common problem is irritation due to the contact of delicate skin with wet materials (diapers, diapers). The drug prevents the formation of diaper rash, absorbs excess moisture and forms a protective film, which does not allow bacteria to multiply in a humid environment. When dealing with diaper rash, an ointment is recommended to be used during each change of diapers or diapers.
Also, the drug is effective in combating prickly heat in infants. This problem can occur due to excessive wrapping, hot air, non-compliance with hygiene rules. Thanks to the ointment, the symptoms of sweating are quickly eliminated. The tool helps to fight it, and when it comes to older children.
Parent feedback
Reviews indicate that the ointment really shows excellent results in the fight against diaper rash. They can arise not only from wet diapers or diapers. The threat to the baby is insufficient hygiene, as well as poor-quality clothing, hot air. In all of these cases, this drug can be used. The tool effectively heals the affected areas of the skin, eliminates redness, makes it easy to cope with discomfort, itching.
During pregnancy
Future mothers can also use zinc ointment. This remedy is available to women throughout the duration of pregnancy. With this medication, you can fight skin irritations, acne, and other problems. Before using the product, be sure to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to its components. Also, a preliminary consultation with a doctor will not hurt.