In the article, we will understand how zinc ointment differs from zinc paste.
These drugs are drugs for external use. They contain zinc oxide. They are made and used in order to quickly restore skin with inflammation. These funds help protect against the adverse effects of external factors.
Description
These funds belong to the category of dermatological protectors. Zinc ointment and paste are very popular in getting rid of skin problems in adults, children and adolescents, including the use of these funds for babies from birth. These drugs help stop the inflammatory process in certain areas of the upper skin layer, they are prescribed for scratches, and, in addition, against the background of first-degree burns, in the presence of diaper dermatitis and diaper rash.
Many people wonder how zinc ointment differs from zinc paste.
Structure
Zinc ointment as such does not even contain zinc. This metal is very easily oxidized in air and therefore its use is possible only in the form of oxide. Thus, the ointment in question consists of zinc oxide and petroleum jelly. Excipients are perfumes of cosmetic oils, designed to mitigate the effects of the drug on the skin. The ratio of active substance to neutral excipients is one in ten. One tube of the drug contains 3 grams of zinc oxide. As for the zinc paste, the concentration of the active substance in it is increased to twenty-five percent.
Differences and similarities
So, how is zinc ointment different from zinc paste?
In order to determine the significant differences between these tools, it is worthwhile to study their composition in detail. Properties along with the mechanism of action of these drugs depend on the composition.
What is the difference between zinc ointment and paste?
The paste is used to cover problem areas of the skin with it. It is used for applying a dense layer. It contains twenty-five percent zinc oxide. In the role of an auxiliary component, potato starch acts, which allows to achieve a dense, and at the same time, dense consistency. This medication is excellent for treating skin with allergies, redness, or inflammation. The paste is selected for the treatment of wet wounds in order to dry the skin. The advantage of this tool is that it does not destroy healthy cells with a therapeutic effect on damaged tissue.
Determining which is better - zinc paste or ointment is not easy.
The ointment is developed on the basis of ten percent zinc oxide, and petroleum jelly serves as an auxiliary substance. This makes it possible to achieve a soft, and at the same time greasy consistency, thanks to this, the product is very easy to apply, and, in addition, quickly absorbed. This tool is perfect for ridding a patient of diaper rash. This drug does not dry out the skin, contributing to the preservation of natural elasticity.
The doctor will help you choose which is better - zinc paste or ointment in a particular case.
What is it used for?
It is worth highlighting some of the advantages that are characteristic of these tools:
- Low and affordable cost. For example, one package of a medicinal product costs about fifty rubles.
- Both remedies are very effective in the presence of scratches, insect bites, abrasions, as well as burns.
- These drugs are absolutely safe for the treatment of diaper dermatitis.
- During use, there are no unpleasant sensations in the form of pinching or pain or burning.
- After healing skin problems with these medicines, scars almost never remain.
Among the minuses of these dermatological protectors based on zinc oxide, the most significant are:
- The appearance of dryness and roughness of the skin, and, in addition, cracks during prolonged use without additional softening and moisturizing agents.
- Inconvenient to use packaging. At times, these products can be difficult to remove from tin tubes and glass jars.
- Residues of dried zinc ointment or paste are difficult to remove from the skin and, in particular, from clothing.
What will cure zinc ointment?
Zinc ointment was developed to treat weeping and purulent skin lesions of various etiologies. They can be:
- All kinds of dermatological diseases in the form of contact dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
- The appearance of weeping wounds of a traumatic nature.
- The appearance of inflammation and hard-healing skin lesions.
- The occurrence of burns, cuts and ulcers.
The instructions for the use of zinc ointment for children recommend its use in the presence of scabies and any skin lesions that give off exudate for a long time (we are talking about knees knocked down, scratching, and so on). The use of zinc ointment against scabies, as a rule, involves refusing to bathe the baby for a period of up to one week. It is important that drug therapy is combined with hygienic processing of linen, and, in addition, general use items.
Zinc ointment is also used to treat sweating and weeping dermatitis. It perfectly dries the skin, removing inflammation with redness and repairing damaged areas. The use of this drug in infants must be coordinated with a pediatrician, since talcum powder or baby cream also often copes well with prickly heat.
This tool finds its application for the face. Such ointment treats purulent acne on the skin, prone to clogging.
Which is better - salicylic-zinc ointment or paste, is often asked in pharmacies.
Especially effective against acne is the use of a combined topical salicylic zinc ointment. It is called "Lassara."
Zinc ointment and paste have certain contraindications.
Contraindications
This drug has no contraindications to use. Rare allergic reactions are usually associated with cosmetic additives, namely perfumes and parabens. Zinc oxide itself is considered a hypoallergenic substance.
For the treatment of very sensitive and dry skin, zinc ointment is used in conjunction with a nourishing, moisturizing or regular cream. The drug with cream is simultaneously applied to the hands, mixed by rubbing and the desired skin is lubricated with the resulting product.
The impact of zinc ointment, unfortunately, is not strong enough to destroy fungal infections. In the event that sweating of the legs is combined with fungal infection in parallel, it is necessary to combine the use of the drug with the use of antifungal drugs.
What is the difference between zinc paste and ointment, we explained.
Consistency
Zinc ointment has a very dense, viscous structure, as a result of which, under it, greenhouse conditions can be formed favorable for the propagation of pathogenic microscopic organisms. Due to the thick consistency, it is forbidden to apply it to a festering wound. The difference between zinc paste and ointment must be taken into account.
Why should these funds be in every medicine cabinet
The use of this ointment makes it possible to quickly get rid of skin problems with dermatitis, burns, acne and herpes. It contributes to the complete elimination of acne, as it disinfects, and, in addition, dries the affected tissue. It is extremely important to apply zinc ointment to different wounds, since it creates a protective thin film, that is, a barrier that prevents microbes from entering the damaged, weakened tissue.
Apply paste if acne is present. It should be applied to problem areas of the skin with a thin layer. Immediately after the first use, the painful symptoms disappear, but a complete cure can occur only after a few days. Zinc ointment, exactly like the paste, does not have contraindications and side effects. In case of intolerance to certain ingredients, a person may develop hyperemia along with allergic rashes and itching of the skin.
To apply these funds is required on a previously cleaned skin surface. The frequency of use, exactly like the duration of the treatment course, is determined individually, depending on the symptoms and individual characteristics of the human body.
To remove residual ointment or paste from the skin, you need to use a special tool designed to remove makeup. Most zinc-based products are effective even when applied under a makeup layer.
Despite the fact that these ointments and pastes are almost harmless and safe even for children, nevertheless, immediately before using them, you should consult a dermatologist. The specialist will certainly help you choose the duration of use, as well as suggest tools that can additionally protect the skin from dryness.
Zinc ointment or acne paste is often used.
Effective Acne Method
The use of acne ointments and pastes has been used in cosmetology for more than a hundred years. These funds are not worse, and sometimes even better than advertised and expensive medicines. They effectively dry, and, in addition, disinfect acne. And at the same time, it does not matter whether these are youthful hormonal rashes or acne that are associated with skin problems.
From acne on different parts of the body, whether it is the face, back, shoulders or chest, the ointment is applied pointwise. In combination with a single-component ointment, a cosmetologist can advise using acne paste called “Lassara”.
Before use, an individual tolerance test of the ingredients of the ointment or paste should be tested. For this purpose, a small amount of the medicine is applied to the inside of the arm near the elbow or to the skin behind the ear. In the event that after half an hour the skin remains calm, then you can safely use this ointment to treat acne.
Pasta "Lassara"
This paste is an antiseptic combination drug for the treatment of various skin ailments. Its initial composition, which has hardly changed at present, was proposed by one German physician. This drug is named after him.
The composition of this paste includes zinc oxide and salicylic acid. In addition, it includes starch with medical vaseline. This paste has a thick and dense white consistency. It has an oily smell. This paste is used as a local anti-inflammatory drug; in addition, it produces an adsorbing, drying, keratolytic and astringent antimicrobial effect.
Indications for use of paste "Lassar"
The pharmacological indications for the use of this agent are the following:
- The patient has pustular diseases.
- Against the background of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, fungus, the appearance of age spots and so on.
- In the case of pyoderma, and, in addition, with the occurrence of superficial wounds.
- Against the background of excessive sweating.
- In case of ulcers of the skin.
- With the appearance of corns and in the treatment of pressure sores.
- In case of skin irritation in infants.
It is worth noting that this tool is a fairly universal drug and therefore is very popular.
We examined how zinc ointment differs from zinc paste.