Over the course of several decades, an inexpensive and effective remedy called zinc ointment helped people get rid of many skin diseases. The instructions for this universal therapeutic drug speak of its ability to solve a large number of dermatological problems - from combating acne in adolescents and adults to eliminating diaper rash on the skin of infants.
What components is the drug made from?
The traditional composition of zinc ointment in the instructions for use is described as a safe combination of the main active ingredient - zinc oxide (10%) and medical petroleum jelly or lanolin (90%), which softens the skin.
As additional ingredients for changing the consistency, properties of zinc ointment or giving it a new flavor, the manufacturer can use:
- Salicylic acid (in salicylic-zinc ointment).
- Sulfur (in sulfur-zinc ointment).
- Menthol (to improve odor).
- Dimethicone as an emollient.
- Fish oil (to saturate the skin with vitamins A, D and omega-3 FA).
- Preservatives (parabens).
Due to the unique properties of zinc ointment, as well as the ability to safely combine it with other drugs and active substances, it has been widely used in the complex treatment of a variety of skin diseases.
Zinc ointment: what helps
The instructions indicate the following indications for the use of the described external agent:
- Dermatitis.
- Eczema is in the acute stage.
- Streptoderma.
- Herpes simplex virus.
- Diaper rash.
- Pressure sores.
- Sweating not accompanied by a bacterial infection.
- Trophic ulcers.
- Hemorrhoidal nodes (only the external form of the disease!)
- Superficial damage to the epidermis (shallow cuts and burns, scratches, sores and others).
Against the background of a wide range of existing modern means for the treatment of skin diseases, zinc ointment (the instruction confirms this) is one of the most affordable and effective drugs. The scope of use of zinc ointment also includes cosmetic problems.
Various combined formulations of ointment with zinc determine its purpose. So, for example, a sulfur-zinc agent is more effective in treating fungal infections, psoriasis, demodicosis, depriving and other skin lesions. And salicylic-zinc ointment is successfully used for cosmetic purposes: to eliminate traces or scars of post-acne and black dots (comedones), to smooth wrinkles, as well as lighten freckles and melasma (age-related brown spots).
Zinc-containing ointment: pharmacological action
Zinc ointment has established itself as an excellent antiseptic with antiviral, healing and anti-inflammatory effects. The main active ingredient - zinc oxide - has an inorganic origin. It is a powder with a fine-grained structure, which does not dissolve in water, and also does not interact with alkali and acid. The main properties of this powder are called by doctors as disinfecting and wound healing characteristics.
When applied to an injured surface, an ointment with zinc oxide:
- It has anti-inflammatory and sedative effects.
- It reduces the severity of exudative processes, reducing the release of fluid in the affected areas (in other words, it is effective against wetting wounds).
- It forms a protective film that blocks the penetration of bacterial infections and other pathogenic flora into the wound. In addition, this film, thanks to the astringent properties of zinc oxide, protects the nerve endings from external stimuli.
An auxiliary component of zinc ointment (Vaseline is indicated in the instructions) is able to cover the epidermis with a thin protective layer and stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
How to use the drug: dosage, treatment courses and special instructions
Experienced doctors recommend always having on hand a suspension or ointment based on zinc oxide, as well as taking the drug with you to the country or on a hike. In the annotation for its use, the dosage and duration of the course for the treatment of a disease are prescribed:
- Diaper rash or diathesis in children - is applied 5-6 times a day, followed by a layer of baby cream.
- Deprive, bedsores, trophic ulcers and acne - the same mode of use.
- Herpes - at the onset of the disease - every hour, the following days - at least 1 time in 4 hours.
- Acne (without purulent mass) - 1 time in the evening before bedtime.
- Chicken pox - 4 times a day.
- Hemorrhoids (only external nodes and fissures) - 2-3 times a day.
The maximum therapeutic effect is achieved if zinc ointment is used at the first symptoms of the disease. The duration of the course depends on the degree of damage to the skin.
Dermatologists recommend using the drug until the epidermis is completely restored. Apply ointment with zinc oxide to previously washed and dried skin. After treating the skin with the preparation, the hands are thoroughly washed with soap and wiped with a disinfectant solution. In some cases, zinc ointment is ineffective or even harmful:
- Zinc ointment warns, but does not cure, of an acute bacterial or fungal infection, so if you experience symptoms (fever, redness, inflammation and secretions), you should immediately visit a doctor!
- The possibility of this product getting into the eyes, nose or mouth should be ruled out.
- Combining zinc ointment with other drugs is possible only with the approval of the attending specialist.
- With internal hemorrhoids, it is forbidden to introduce an ointment with zinc oxide into the rectum.
- The described remedy does not help with boils and severe acne, chronic ulcers, deep wounds and bruises.
Zinc ointment: instructions for children and their parents
The skin of infants is very delicate and overly vulnerable. Therefore, even with careful care in its many folds can occur: sweating (from heat), diathesis and diaper rash. For the treatment of affected skin areas of babies with zinc ointment, a special doctor’s permission is not required, therefore it is often used without a prescription.
Before treating the skin with an external agent, it is cleaned, dried with a towel and an emulsion or ointment is applied, allowing it to be absorbed inside. Then cover the area with baby cream. This procedure is especially effective if it is done to the baby in the evening, before bedtime. It should be noted that in combination with tetracycline ointment, the effect of zinc is enhanced many times.
Release form and varieties of the described medicinal product
In pharmacies today you can find various options for zinc ointment, the instructions for which will inform you about certain changes in the composition, scope and use of the medicinal product.
A popular product is available in the form of liniment, ointment or paste for external use. In addition to ointment with zinc oxide, there are:
- Liniment, which basically contains fatty oils: olive, sunflower, linseed, castor or fish oil (cod). It softens the skin better and melts at body temperature.
- The paste is a thick, mushy mass, the content of zinc oxide powder in which reaches from 20-25 to 65% of the total volume. In addition to the main component and petroleum jelly, the paste contains a thickener - starch.
Zinc ointment is quite often sold in pharmacies packaged in plastic or aluminum tubes (25 g). Less often, the drug is on sale in dark glass jars with a volume of 25 or 40-50 g.
Analogs
There are a lot of substitutes for zinc ointment, in which zinc oxide is the main active ingredient. Their main difference from it is the percentage of zinc and a list of auxiliary components. In addition to zinc paste and liniment can be used:
- Salicylic-zinc ointment, in the instructions for use of which it is noted that it copes well with cosmetic skin defects.
- Sulfur-zinc, which gives a good result in the complex treatment of fungal infections.
"Desitin" (France) - a combined preparation from diaper and diaper dermatitis, protects at night from the prolonged aggressive effect of urine on the baby's skin, softens it and prevents the appearance of a rash. It has an astringent effect, relieves inflammation with mild burns, small wounds and eczema. The composition includes zinc oxide and cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, lanolin.
- “Tsindol” is a suspension containing zinc oxide and glycerol, talc, potato starch and ethanol. A medication is prescribed for the same skin problems as zinc ointment. The presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition obliges to protect the eyes from getting into the suspension.
Pros of using a drug with zinc oxide
The advantages of zinc ointment in the instructions and reviews that tell about the practical use of the drug are as follows:
- Zinc ointment in its pure form is hypoallergenic, side effects are extremely rare.
- There is no toxic effect on the body.
- The tool does not clog pores, so it is actively used in the treatment of acne (acne) in areas where there are no ulcers. Due to the ability of zinc to block the hyperfunctionality of the sebaceous glands, reduce the inflammatory process, increase the regeneration of skin cells and remove toxins, it is possible to get rid of acne in combination with other drugs.
- Zinc ointment is one of the few products officially recommended for use as a sunscreen. A thin layer of zinc oxide with petroleum jelly absorbs the aggressive rays of the sun, reduces redness and skin irritation after prolonged sunbathing.
- Zinc ointment also actively counteracts photoaging of the skin, is effective in anti-aging therapy for fine wrinkles, and significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer.
- Significantly alleviates the symptoms of dermatitis.
- It copes well with minor scratches and burns.
Patients also note the remarkable effect of zinc ointment, which removes a burn after a tanning bed, which prevents skin inflammation when a fresh tattoo is applied. This remedy brought relief (in combination with other drugs) to a child with neurodermatitis. Experts recommend zinc ointment in many cases, not without reason a tube or a small glass jar of medication serves as an indispensable attribute of most home medicine stores.