Treatment of acne with zinc ointment

Zinc ointment for acne is an external remedy with local antiseptic, adsorbent, astringent, drying effect. In case of inflammation it promotes denaturation of protein molecules and formation of albumins, reduces formation of secretions and absorbs them.

Indications zinc ointment for acne

Indications for the use of zinc ointment for acne are various skin diseases:

• dermatitis;
• pyoderma;
• burns;
• prickly heat;
• ulcers, including trophic ones;
• acute eczema;
• herpes;
• streptoderma;
• bedsores;
• diaper rash;
• scratches and cuts.

Analogues: zinc paste, diaderm, desitin, zinc oxide.

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Release form

The ointment is intended for external use, contains zinc oxide and paraffin or petroleum jelly. 10% of the drug is available in tubes and jars with different dosages (indicated in grams or milliliters).

Paste for external use 25% is packaged in dark glass or polymer jars of 15, 25 and 40 g; aluminum tubes of 30, 40 g - in individual or group cardboard packaging with instructions. Contains zinc oxide, starch, petroleum jelly.

Combined zinc-based ointments: salicylic-zinc (Lassar paste), sulfur-zinc, salicylic-sulfur-zinc, zinc-ichthyol, boric-sulfur - are also available in various packaging.

Zinc preparations are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

Salicylic-zinc ointment

Salicylic-zinc ointment, as the name suggests, consists of salicylic acid and zinc oxide: the drug effectively combines the qualities of both components.

Release form - 25 gram paste, packaged in dark glass jars. It is used externally and shows maximum effect in the treatment of various skin diseases. The following testify in favor of the drug: many years of practice of its use, positive reviews, as well as over-the-counter sales and low price.

• Salicylic acid performs anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, keratolytic functions; zinc oxide perfectly dries problem areas. Skin lubricated with the preparation gets rid of excess secretions, keratinized cells, pathogenic microorganisms and begins to recover faster.

If the dosage and method of application are observed, there should be no undesirable manifestations after the ointment. But no one is immune from individual intolerance to the ingredients, and this should be kept in mind in case of an allergy. Usually, unpleasant symptoms quickly disappear when the remains of the ointment are removed from the affected area.

During pregnancy, the ointment is used, but with caution and with the permission of a doctor. In the first trimester, when the developing fetus is especially vulnerable, it is better not to use the ointment. The same restriction applies to children under 12 years of age.

When treating individual pimples, the ointment is applied to problem areas without rubbing, and for complex problems, under a bandage; after changing it, the skin should be treated with an antiseptic. The duration of the course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the characteristics of the body.

Sulfur-zinc ointment

Sulfur-zinc ointment is a dermatological veterinary drug that belongs to the group of antimicrobial and antiparasitic drugs. The ointment contains pure sulfur and zinc oxide; they are mixed to a uniform consistency with petroleum jelly. The active components provide the following actions:

• astringent;
• drying;
• anti-inflammatory;
• absorbent;
• antimicrobial;
• healing;
• fungicidal;
• acaricidal.

The ointment is used for various, rather complex skin diseases of farm and domestic animals (weeping wounds, purulent eczema, seborrhea, scabies, fungal infections, bedsores).

However, the product, which was intended, it would seem, for other purposes, turned out to be very useful in the treatment of pimples, acne. By the way, like other preparations containing sulfur.

You can make this remedy, which combines the beneficial properties of sulfur and zinc, yourself, but it is much better for a specialist to suggest the proportions and treatment regimen for sulfur-zinc ointment for acne. Can we advise you to carry out the procedures on a day off, since the ointment has an unpleasant smell and leaves indelible marks on clothes and linen.

Pharmacodynamics

The main component of zinc ointment for acne has anti-inflammatory, softening, protective effects, eliminates signs of dermatitis and other inflammatory processes. Dries exudate, softens the skin, stimulates regenerative processes.

Salicylic acid eliminates itching, pain, and inflammation.

Sulfur-containing preparations destroy demodex mites and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

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Pharmacokinetics

When applied to the skin, zinc ointment for acne and similar drugs do not have a systemic effect.

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Dosing and administration

Zinc ointment for acne is applied in a thin layer to a cleansed (washed and dried) face up to six times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by specific indications. During therapy, you should avoid all cosmetics, and if this is not possible, then use the ointment only at night. To avoid overdrying the skin, experts advise mixing it half and half with a moisturizer.

Zinc ointment at night eliminates not only acne, but also wrinkles and evens out skin tone.

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Use zinc ointment for acne during pregnancy

Some believe that the use of zinc ointment for acne during pregnancy and breastfeeding is allowed only in case of urgent need, as prescribed by a doctor. Other manufacturers call their product completely safe and does not cause harm to either the mother or the child. The choice is up to the patient and his doctor.

Newborns are shown the use of ointment for diaper inflammation of the skin and diaper rash.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of zinc ointment for acne:

• hypersensitivity to the drug;
• acute purulent inflammation of the skin and adjacent tissues.

Sulfur-containing ointments are not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under three years of age.

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Side effects zinc ointment for acne

Side effects of zinc ointment for acne are minor. With prolonged treatment, local manifestations of irritation, itching, and other accompanying allergy symptoms are possible.

During the procedure, you must ensure that the ointment does not accidentally get into your eyes, and afterward, wash your hands thoroughly.

Overdose

There are no cases of overdose when using zinc ointment externally for acne. Ingestion in large doses is fraught with poisoning: it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, even convulsions.

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Interactions with other drugs

There is no data on drug interactions with other drugs. But it is not advisable to use zinc ointment for acne simultaneously with other ointments.

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Storage conditions

Zinc ointment for acne and similar products are kept in a dry, dark place, at a positive temperature, but not higher than 25 degrees. Storage conditions do not provide for placing the drug in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep out of reach of children.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of zinc ointment for acne of various manufactures is from 3 to 5 years; zinc-sulfur ointment – 2 years.

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Simple and affordable pharmacy products are quite effective in eliminating pimples, acne, and rashes on the face. However, such symptoms are not only a cosmetic problem: sometimes they indicate problems in the body, poor nutrition or lifestyle, so they require a comprehensive approach. To completely cleanse the face, eliminate inflammation and defects, it is necessary not only to undergo treatment, including zinc ointment for acne, but also to streamline the diet, combine work with healthy leisure and rest - preferably in ecologically clean places.