During pregnancy, the female body experiences a huge load. As a result of hormonal changes and a decrease in immunity, acne begins to appear, which greatly upsets the expectant mother. The situation is complicated by the fact that most medicines are prohibited during this period. An approved drug for the treatment of skin rashes is zinc ointment. How to use and whether there are contraindications, suggest tips from specialists.
Causes of cosmetic problems in pregnant women
Skin rashes are an indicator of the presence of any malfunctions in the body. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out the true root cause of acne in order to choose a method of exposure. Rash, herpes and inflammatory foci on the epidermis in expectant mothers arise in connection with such factors:
- Hormonal changes. The skin may become too dry or excessively oily. The secret, abundantly produced by the sebaceous glands, provokes the appearance of inflammatory foci.
- Transformations in the metabolism. Most of the nutrients are spent on the development of the child, and the skin does not receive enough vitamins and minerals.
- Allergy. Habitual food causes a rash due to a decrease in immunity. The body reacts especially sharply to citrus fruits, red berries, early vegetables and fruits, which may contain nitrates.
- Stress. Nervous overexcitations are often reflected on the skin.
- The effect of cosmetics. During pregnancy, it is advisable to use natural remedies, because the abundance of preservatives and fragrances in creams provokes skin irritations. Poor tonal foundations and powders also clog pores.
- The reaction to household chemicals. Neglecting rubber gloves while washing or washing dishes allows the skin to come into direct contact with aggressive detergents, which is fraught with dermatological problems.
- Change in food preferences. Expectant mothers often want too spicy, salty, fried foods or sweets in large quantities. Such gastronomic excesses are reflected on the skin.
Having determined the cause of acne formation, first of all, it is important to exclude “provocateurs” of rashes, establish the daily regimen, and adhere to proper nutrition. At the same time, external treatment is connected. One effective remedy is zinc ointment. During pregnancy and lactation, its use is allowed. The medication is also suitable for treating skin problems in young children.
Structure
Most of the medicines are prohibited for expectant mothers, as they enter the bloodstream and can cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus. Zinc ointment can be used during pregnancy due to its safe composition. Basic ingredients of the product:
- zinc oxide;
- petroleum jelly;
- additional components.
The ointment acts only on the epidermis, does not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and, therefore, is not absorbed into the blood. In addition, zinc oxide, the main substance of the drug, is not toxic when exposed externally. The danger of the ingredient is only when ingested it in its pure form or by inhaling its vapors in large quantities.
Dosage form and packaging
The zinc-based product is available in two forms: a glass bottle of dark glass in the amount of 25, 40 and 50 g, as well as a tube of 25 g. Additional protection in the form of a cardboard package. Also included instructions.
Zinc paste or ointment - what's the difference?
The difference between the two forms of the drug is expressed in composition and consistency. 100 g of paste contains 25% zinc oxide, and the remaining mass is filled with potato starch, in ointment - 10% of the basic substance, the rest is petroleum jelly.
The paste is dense in texture and does not spread after application, when heated from body temperature. It has a more drying effect. It is convenient to apply locally - for acne, ulcers, cuts.
Vaseline ointment is more oily and more easily distributed on the skin when used on large areas of the body, for example, with diaper rash on the buttocks.
During pregnancy, zinc ointment and paste are allowed for use.
Pharmacological properties
Zinc ointment during pregnancy and is not only prescribed for the treatment of many dermatological diseases. The components of the product have the following effects on the skin:
- antiseptic;
- reducing irritation;
- absorbent;
- drying;
- regulating the production of sebum;
- increasing skin elasticity;
- astringent;
- blocking exudative processes;
- regenerative.
The ointment forms a thin film on the surface of the epidermis, thus protecting it from aggressive environmental factors.
Indications for use
Zinc ointment during pregnancy is used to solve such skin troubles:
- herpes;
- acne;
- acne
- dermatitis;
- burn;
- diaper rash and prickly heat;
- sores;
- streptoderma;
- wounds and injuries to the skin.
In addition, the tool is used to treat pressure sores, abscesses, psoriasis and eczema in the period of exacerbation.
Special recommendations
Decorative cosmetics reduces the therapeutic effect of the ointment, therefore, during the use of the ointment, it is important to abandon masking agents - concealers, powders, tonal bases, etc.
It is necessary to avoid getting the medication on the mucous membranes, in the eyes or inwards (into the esophagus).
Contraindications and side effects
Zinc ointment during pregnancy and sensitivity of the skin can cause:
Do not use the drug for people with intolerance to zinc oxide.
Application Rules
The effectiveness of the drug depends on compliance with all recommendations for use:
- First you need to clean the skin from dust, dirt and greasy deposits. Before processing rashes on the body, take a shower, on the face - wash, and treat the wounds with an antiseptic.
- With clean hands, apply the ointment locally to the lesions with a thin layer.
- Use the tool two to three times a day.
- Close the tube and place it in a dark and out of reach of children.
- When going outside, blot the remnants of the ointment that has not been absorbed with a paper towel.
- Wash your hands after use to prevent the product from falling into your eyes or mouth.
Benefits
Zinc paste has gained popularity due to a number of reasons:
- Low price. The approximate cost of the drug is 30-50 rubles.
- The absence of unpleasant sensations during application - burning or pinching.
- Quick result. Many note that acne disappears after the first application, especially if applied at night.
- The absence of contraindications and serious side effects.
- Over-the-counter sale.
- Availability at most drugstores.
- Time-tested tool. For many years of using zinc ointment during pregnancy, the drug has only positive reviews. A quick and gentle effect on the skin was noted.
Frequently asked Questions
Future mothers, worrying about the baby's health, are wary of using any medications. Therefore, women turn to dermatologists and therapists to get the necessary information about the treatment of acne and rash.
1. Is it possible to use zinc ointment during pregnancy?
According to the instructions, the only restriction on the use of the drug is an allergy to zinc oxide.
2. What should I do if the ointment gets into my eyes?
It is necessary to rinse the mucous membranes under running water, after washing your hands well from the remnants of the product.
3. Is zinc ointment allowed during early pregnancy?
Throughout the entire period of bearing a baby, especially in the first trimester, it is necessary to use any medications with caution. This antiseptic ointment is absolutely safe for external use, as it acts only on the upper layer of the skin and does not penetrate the circulatory system.
4. Is it necessary to coordinate the use of the drug with a doctor?
In any case, before use, it is necessary to consult a specialist who will determine the nature of the rashes and find out whether this ointment is suitable for a specific diagnosis. Perhaps the rash appeared on the basis of an allergy to food, then the use of a sorbent (activated charcoal) or antihistamine tablets that are allowed to expectant mothers will be more effective.
Salicylic Zinc Ointment
This drug is also used to eliminate dermatological problems. In its effect, it is similar to zinc ointment, as it has the same antiseptic, wound healing and drying properties.
The difference is in the additional component - salicylic acid. The substance is able to penetrate into the bloodstream, which is why salicylic-zinc ointment is prohibited for use during pregnancy.
Shelf life
The drug can be used five years from the date of manufacture. With prolonged use, it is necessary to take care of the hygienic use of the product. The ointment produced in the tube is applied quite conveniently - by pressing on the package, you get the necessary amount of substance.
Another situation is with a jar that has a wide neck. Pharmacists warn patients not to take the product with a finger. It is necessary to use a toothpick or a spatula and remove the desired volume of substance. So pathogens, sebum will not get into the ointment and will not affect the physico-chemical properties and effectiveness of the drug.
Is zinc ointment possible during pregnancy? The answer is yes. The safe composition and non-aggressive, but at the same time effective, effect on the skin allowed future mothers to use the drug to treat dermatological problems.