What can zinc oxide cream be used for?
Descriptions. Zinc oxide topical cream is used to treat and prevent diaper rash. It is also used to protect skin from being irritated and wet caused by diaper use. This medicine is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
Zinc oxide is a topical skin product that is used as a protective coating for mild skin irritations and abrasions. It can promote the healing of chapped skin and diaper rash. Zinc oxide works as a mild astringent and has some antiseptic properties.
Uses & Benefits
Zinc oxide is used as a bulking agent and a colorant. In over-the-counter drug products, it is used as a skin protectant and a sunscreen. Zinc oxide works as a sunscreen by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. Sunscreens reduce or prevent sunburn and premature aging of the skin.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Clean the diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow it to dry.
- Apply the cream to the diaper area with each diaper change, at bedtime, or when prolonged exposure to wet diapers may occur.
One of the major roles for zinc in wound healing was found that zinc oxide enhances the ability of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to enzymatically break down collagen fragments.
This medication is used to treat and prevent diaper rash and other minor skin irritations (such as burns, cuts, scrapes). It works by forming a barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants/moisture.
It heals dark spots
Zinc oxide should always be a part of your skincare regime as it whitens your skin and heals melasma and dark spots. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide can help to prevent the skin from getting dark.
* Exposure to Zinc Oxide can cause “metal fume fever.” This is a flu-like illness with symptoms of metallic taste in the mouth, headache, fever and chills, aches, chest tightness and cough. The symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure and usually last for a day or two.
Results: Our data showed that ZnO was able to reduce the inflammatory response of DECs, in terms of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression induced by TNF-α stimulation.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax. Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.
Can you use too much zinc oxide cream?
An overdose of zinc oxide is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, topical zinc may help clear acne-causing bacteria from the skin and reduce oil production. The form you use ultimately depends on the severity of your acne, your skin type, and your current dietary habits.
Zinc Oxide helps with tissue growth and regeneration, including the repair of connective tissues and production of collagen (what keeps our skin bouncy and youthful looking)! By keeping your collagen production supported, skin will stay full and more elastic, helping prevent against wrinkles and fine lines.
Then there's the anti-aging benefits: zinc is known to encourage the production of collagen fibers and elastin, which can firm skin and boost healing. “Both help support the underlying structure of the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains Cleeve.
Dark Spots
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen containing, you guessed it, zinc oxide, to fade these spots and prevent more from forming.
Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin 2 to 4 times per day. Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin 2 to 4 times per day.
Final verdict on zinc oxide for skin
Because of its amazing ability to protect your skin from UV rays, this isn't the sort of ingredient you reach for now and again, it's a product you should be using on a daily basis.
If only for its UV-protecting properties, zinc oxide is a skincare stalwart. But this calming mineral also provides soothing benefits that are particularly appreciated by those acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
- Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. ...
- Laser and intense pulsed light. ...
- Freezing (cryotherapy). ...
- Dermabrasion. ...
- Microdermabrasion. ...
- Chemical peel.
DESITIN® Maximum Strength Original Paste contains the maximum level of zinc oxide, immediately forming a protective barrier to help heal and soothe diaper rash discomfort. Our thick, rich, hypoallergenic, pediatrician-tested formula provides overnight relief for baby's tender skin.
Is zinc oxide an antifungal?
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have anti-fungal properties and therefore are good candidates for inhibiting growth.
Orally-administered zinc sulfate produced surgical wound healing that was three to four times faster than unmedicated closure in a recent United States Air Force study.
Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be effective in reducing oxidative stress and the treatment of gouty arthritis.
Research Note: Studies show significantly lower zinc levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis compared to those without it. The lowest levels are associated with more severe disease. Researchers say zinc may help improve RA symptoms by supporting the immune system and cartilage.
Those over 18 should not take more than 40 mg of zinc daily, and those 14-18 years old should not take more than 34 mg daily while pregnant. Breast-feeding: Zinc is likely safe when used in the recommended amounts while breast-feeding. But zinc is possibly unsafe when used in high doses.
Final Notes Clinically, zinc oxide keeps wounds moist and clean while facilitating wound healing. After cleansing of the wound with saline (along with indicated debridement), one may apply zinc oxide onto the wound in a thick layer followed by a non-adherent dressing or gauze.
1. As A Sunscreen. When you are using a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, make sure to apply it 30 minutes before you set out in the sun. To completely protect yourself from sun damage, use a sufficient amount of sunscreen and gently apply it to your face, neck, top of the ears, etc.
Our group has previously demonstrated that a carbohydrate polymer with zinc oxide has a potent anti-inflammatory effect on human mononuclear cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro and that it also induced lower cell infiltration in an in vivo murine model of peritonitis [16].
Zinc plays a major role in regulating every phase of the wound healing process; ranging from membrane repair, oxidative stress, coagulation, inflammation and immune defence, tissue re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, to fibrosis/scar formation.
Zinc helps to regulate the menstrual cycle by nourishing healthy ovarian follicles and therefore promoting ovulation. Premenstrual mood symptoms. According to a 2022 randomized clinical trial, zinc supplementation can improve PMS.
Is zinc oxide an antibiotic?
It is universally known that zinc oxide nanoparticles are antibacterial and inhibit the growth of microorganisms by permeating into the cell membrane.
To treat acne, you may dab a small amount of zinc oxide cream on the acne spots after washing your face and moisturizing it. Remember to check the concentration before using the product. It is however always advisable to consult your dermatologist before using any of such skincare products containing zinc oxide.
Zinc oxide cream is for external/topical use only, so be careful not to swallow any or to get it into your eyes, ears or mouth. Apply zinc oxide cream directly to the affected area, including skin suffering from a diaper rash, redness, chafing, burns, poison ivy or skin irritation.
“Soothing cleansers containing zinc for the anti-inflammatory or anti-acne effect can be used both mornings and evenings or if you're using a zinc oxide cream for its healing, anti-inflammatory, wound healing or barrier repairing effects, I suggest using it at night time as thesis the time that your skin undergoes most ...
Then there's the anti-aging benefits: zinc is known to encourage the production of collagen fibers and elastin, which can firm skin and boost healing. “Both help support the underlying structure of the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains Cleeve.