For several decades, an inexpensive and effective remedy called zinc ointment has helped people get rid of many skin diseases. The package leaflet for this all-in-one treatment speaks of its ability to address a wide range of dermatological concerns, from acne in teens and adults to diaper rash in babies.
From which components the drug is made
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 vaseline or lanolin (90%), which softens the skin.
As additional ingredients to change the consistency, properties of zinc ointment or give it a new flavor, the manufacturer can use:
- Salicylic acid (in salicylic-zinc ointment).
- Suru (in sulfur-zinc ointment).
- Menthol (to improve smell).
- Dimethicone as an emollient ingredient.
- Fish oil (for saturating the skin with vitamins A, D and omega-3 fatty acids).
- 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 various skin diseases.
Zinc ointment: what helps
The instructions indicate the following indications for the use of the described external agent:
- Dermatitis.
- Eczema in the acute stage.
- Streptoderma.
- Herpes simple virus.
- Diaper rash.
- Decubituses.
- Prickly heat, not accompanied by a bacterial infection.
- Trophic ulcers.
- Hemorrhoids (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 remedies 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.
Different combined compositions of zinc ointment determine its purpose. So, for example, a sulfur-zinc remedy is more effective in the treatment of fungal infections, psoriasis, demodicosis, lichen and other skin lesions. And salicylic-zinc ointment is successfully used for cosmetic purposes: to eliminate traces or post-acne scars and blackheads(comedone), to smooth wrinkles, as well as lighten freckles and melasma (brown age 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 substance - zinc oxide - is of 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. Doctors call the main properties of this powder disinfecting and wound healing characteristics.
When applied to an injured surface, zinc oxide ointment:
- Provides anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.
- Reduces the severity of exudative processes, reducing the release of fluid in the affected areas (in other words, effective for weeping wounds).
- Forms a protective film that blocks the penetration of bacterial infection and other pathogenic flora into the wound. In addition, this film, due 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, courses of treatment and special instructions
Experienced doctors recommend always having underhand suspension or ointment based on zinc oxide, and also take 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 particular disease are prescribed:
- Diaper rash or diathesis in children - applied 5-6 times a day, followed by a layer of baby cream.
- Lichen, bedsores, trophic ulcers and acne - the same mode of use.
- Herpes - at the beginning of the disease - every hour, subsequent days - at least 1 time in 4 hours.
- Acne (without purulent mass) - 1 time in the evening before bedtime.
- Chickenpox - 4 times a day.
- Hemorrhoids (only external nodes and cracks) - 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 product until the epidermis is completely restored. Apply zinc oxide ointment to pre-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 prevents, but does not cure, acute bacterial or fungal infections, so if you experience symptoms (fever, redness, inflammation and discharge), you should immediately visit a doctor!
- Make sure not to get this product in your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Combine zinc ointment with othersdrugs can only be approved by the treating specialist.
- In case of internal hemorrhoids, it is forbidden to inject zinc oxide ointment into the rectum.
- The described remedy does not help with boils and severe acne, chronic ulcers, deep wounds and hematomas.
Zinc ointment: instructions for children and their parents
The skin of babies is very delicate and overly vulnerable. Therefore, even with careful care in its numerous folds, sweating (from heat), diathesis and diaper rash can occur. For the treatment of affected areas of the skin of babies with zinc ointment, special permission from a doctor is not required, so 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 soak inside. Then cover the area with baby cream. This procedure is especially effective if it is done to the baby in the evening, before going to bed. It should be noted that in combination with tetracycline ointment, the effect of zinc is enhanced many times over.
Form of release 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 remedy is produced in the form of a liniment, ointment or paste for external use. In addition to zinc oxide ointment, there is:
- Liniment,which basically contains fatty oils: olive, sunflower, linseed, castor or fish oil (cod). It softens the skin better and melts at body temperature.
- 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 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.
Analogues
There are quite a few substitutes for zinc ointment, in which zinc oxide is the main active ingredient. Their main difference from it is the percentage of zinc and the list of auxiliary components. In addition to zinc paste and liniment, the following can be used:
- Salicylic-zinc ointment, the instructions for use of which indicate that it copes well with cosmetic skin defects.
- Sulfur-zinc, giving a good result in the complex treatment of fungal infections.
"Desitin" (France) - a combined preparation for diaper and diaper dermatitis, protects at night from prolonged aggressive effects of urine on the baby's skin, softens it and prevents the appearance of a rash. It has an astringent effect, relieves inflammation in light burns, small wounds and eczema. Contains zinc oxide and cod liver oil, petrolatum, lanolin.
"Tsindol" - suspension,which contains 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 zinc oxide product
The advantages of zinc ointment in the instructions and reviews telling about the practical use of the product are as follows:
- Zinc ointment in its pure form is hypoallergenic, side effects are extremely rare.
- No toxic effects on the body.
- The product does not clog pores, therefore it is actively used in the treatment of acne (acne) in areas where there are no abscesses. Due to the ability of zinc to block the hyperfunctionality of the sebaceous glands, reduce the inflammatory process, increase skin cell regeneration 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 harsh rays of the sun, reduces redness and irritation of the skin after prolonged sunbathing.
- Zinc ointment also actively counteracts skin photoaging, is effective in anti-aging therapy for fine wrinkles, and significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer.
- Greatly relieves signs of dermatitis.
- Copes well with minor scratches andburns.
Patients also note the remarkable effect of zinc ointment, which relieves burns after a solarium, prevents skin inflammation when applying a fresh tattoo. 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 is an indispensable attribute of most home first aid kits.
