Zinc ointment is one of the best remedies in the fight against diaper rash, excessive sweating and acne. It provides the necessary skin care, disinfecting and protecting from external adverse factors. The low price makes it accessible to consumers, and the low percentage of allergic reactions gives it the right to be called safe for babies.
How to use zinc ointment
Zinc ointment is used in pediatrics as a protective agent against diaper rash. In addition, it is recommended to lubricate the baby's delicate skin under the diaper every time after bathing. Zinc creates a reliable barrier that protects children's skin from constant contact with urine and loose stool. By applying zinc ointment to the buttocks daily, you can protect your baby from diaper dermatitis.
The disinfecting effect of the drug is used when treating wounds. By applying the composition to abrasions, you can avoid infection, prevent acidification of the damaged surface, and speed up the process of skin regeneration.
The main indications are:
- diaper rash;
- scratches;
- dermatitis;
- eczema;
- cuts.
In addition, zinc ointment is used to care for the elderly and immobile patients. Treatment of bedsores slows down their spread and disinfects, which eliminates the risk of secondary infections.
Laxative for ostomy
Constipation can seriously interfere with the normal functioning of your stoma. Laxatives during an ostomy must be taken with caution, since the causes of constipation can be different, for example, bowel dysfunction can be associated with intestinal diseases. Therefore, patients with an ostomy should take laxatives after consultation with their doctor. With constant constipation, the patient needs to adjust his diet: drink more liquid, fruit and vegetable juices, meat broths, eat vegetables, salads, fresh and dry fruits, wholemeal bread. It is allowed to consume spicy foods and nutritional supplements.
Plant fiber is a kind of brush for our body, helping not only to cleanse the body of toxins, but also to neutralize toxic substances.
How does zinc ointment work on acne?
Use in cosmetology has shown its effectiveness against acne. Skin rashes caused by excessive secretion from the sebaceous glands may disappear if zinc ointment is used correctly:
- Cleanse skin of makeup and impurities.
- Wipe skin dry.
- Apply zinc ointment to the area affected by acne.
- Leave overnight.
Zinc will dry out areas of the skin and prevent the sebaceous glands from producing sebum.
Description of drugs
Zinc cream (ointment) is a representative of a large group of universal pharmaceutical preparations intended for external local treatment of affected areas of the epidermis. The medication has pronounced anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antiviral properties, which is largely due to the activity of zinc oxide, the main active component in the composition.
Zinc ointment is effective against many dermatological diseases
The difference between the paste is the thicker consistency of the pharmaceutical product. The medicine is distributed in darkened glass jars, and the dosage form has a high degree of viscosity. It is used mainly for the treatment of ulcerative formations and weeping eczema.
Pharmacological action and group
Zinc ointment belongs to dermatoprotective drugs with pronounced drying and astringent properties. Ointment and paste are used only locally, externally. The medicinal effect of the drug is due to the activity of the main element of the composition - zinc oxide.
Pharmacological action of the drug:
- After treating the surface of the skin or mucous membrane, a chemical reaction occurs that denatures proteins with the formation of albuminates. These products are quickly removed from problem tissues, thereby activating regeneration processes.
- The pharmaceutical agent stops foci of inflammatory processes and suppresses excessive exudation.
- Zinc ointment is characterized by a whitening and antiseptic effect, thanks to which it is actively used for the treatment of pigmented tumors, scars and scars.
Zinc oxide is one of the most powerful adsorbents. The peculiarity of the chemical compound in question lies in its ability to absorb potentially dangerous toxins, waste, pathogenic microorganisms and related products.
Composition and release form
Having carefully studied the composition and release form of the drug, it is easy to determine what the difference is between ointment and paste.
Composition of paste and ointment:
- zinc oxide – 25%, (10% for ointment);
- potato starch – 25%;
- Vaseline – 50%.
The indicated ratio is not indicated on the packaging. Moreover, the standardized concentration of powders in the composition under consideration is up to 50%. The basis of the drug is medical Vaseline.
Zinc paste, like ointment, is supplied in darkened glass jars, as well as aluminum tubes, with a volume of 50, 40, 30 and 25 g. The dosage form has a light yellow or white tint and a thick consistency. The primary packaging is a cardboard box, which is accompanied by an annotation with instructions.
Indications and contraindications
Treatment of dermatological diseases begins only after consultation with a specialist. A dermatologist determines the etiology of tissue damage and prescribes the appropriate drug. He also develops the most appropriate treatment strategy, based on the characteristics of the pathological process and the patient’s condition.
Zinc ointment (paste) is indicated for the following ailments:
- Pimples, acne, burns, herpes on the lips, dermatitis. The active substance stops inflammation, inhibits the activity of pathogenic microflora, dries problem areas and activates regeneration.
- Dry skin. In combination with other components, it helps to soften the keratinized layer of the dermis, making the skin firm and elastic.
- Pore blockage. The components of the ointment absorb dust, dirt, subcutaneous fat, and prevent the listed substances from clogging pores.
- Shallow cuts and wounds. After application, the paste forms a protective “barrier” that eliminates the possibility of the spread of pathogenic infections in tissues.
- Post-acne, shallow scars and ulcers. The composition activates regeneration at the cellular level, due to which scars quickly resolve and ulcers heal.
The fundamental difference between zinc paste and ointment is that it is prescribed for acute pathological processes (or when the main task is to “dry the problem area”). Liniment has a mild effect, and therefore its use is indicated for chronic ailments.
Since the medications in question do not have a systemic effect on the body, and the composition is monocomponent, they have practically no contraindications. The only exception is individual intolerance to zinc oxide.
Directions for use and doses
Zinc ointment (like salicylic ointment) is used to treat dermatological ailments of non-fungal etiology. The medicine is applied in a thin layer to the affected area of the skin and then evenly distributed over the entire area. Before the procedure, it is important to treat the wound with an antiseptic and also dry it slightly by blotting with a cotton swab. The paste is not applied to open wounds without signs of epithelialization.
Zinc ointment is applied pointwise, externally
Average recommended dosages (the values given are standard, unless prescribed by a dermatologist):
- In cosmetology for the treatment of acne: spot-on up to 6 times a day. The dosage ranges from 0.5 g to 4 g.
- Acne therapy - problem areas on the face are treated with ointment before bedtime, 1 time per day. Average dosage – 1.5 g.
- Treatment of weeping dermatitis and diaper rash - zinc paste is applied 2 to 4 times. Over the next 15 minutes, the treated area is left open. The duration of therapy is determined by the dynamics of the disease process.
- Elimination of herpes (in combination with herpevir) - the paste is applied to the localization of herpes every hour, from the 2nd day - at intervals of 1 time in 4 hours.
Self-medication can be dangerous to the patient’s health, and therefore it is important to consult a doctor before starting treatment. The doctor will help you choose an effective remedy, decide what needs to be treated and how. In some cases, visiting a specialist in advance completely eliminates the likelihood of the disease occurring. The disease begins with the appearance of accompanying symptoms, which only a doctor can “recognize.”
Side effects and special instructions
The medication in question does not cause side effects, since it does not have a systemic effect on the body. Adverse reactions are observed in rare cases, mainly in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. We are talking about the following allergic manifestations:
- burning;
- itching;
- rash.
At the first signs of adverse reactions, you must stop using zinc paste or ointment and consult a dermatologist to adjust the treatment regimen.
Special instructions:
- Before applying the composition, the skin is thoroughly treated with an antiseptic. The product is used in dosages and multiplicities prescribed in the instructions.
- The medication is not applied to open wounds. Treatment is allowed by applying a cotton swab soaked in the paste.
- The duration of therapy depends on the characteristics of the pathological process.
- The ointment should not be used continuously, especially for patients with dry skin.
Zinc paste can be combined with other dosage forms, but only as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision.
Do I need to wash off zinc ointment from my face?
The constant presence of zinc on the skin of the face can lead to dryness and flaking. However, this depends on the individual characteristics of the sebaceous glands. If pathological activity is noted, the zinc ointment may not be washed off, but in this case there is no need to apply foundation and other cosmetics on top of it: firstly, this will clog the pores, and secondly, the compositions of some products may react with zinc, which may lead to chemical reactions between components.
If the ointment is not washed off during the day, be sure to cleanse the skin by washing before the next application. Otherwise, the accumulation of daytime dust in the pores with ointment residues can give rise to a new skin problem.
Rehabilitation of ostomy patients at the Yusupov Hospital
Specialists at the Yusupov Hospital Rehabilitation Center use an individual approach in their activities. The development of a multifaceted rehabilitation program is based on the study of the clinical and functional diagnosis of the patient: the reasons that necessitated the installation of a stoma, the nature of the stoma (permanent or temporary), and the possible consequences of surgical intervention. Thanks to the modern equipment and arrangement of the Yusupov Hospital, consultations with competent doctors in various fields - rehabilitation specialists, surgeons, therapists, oncologists, acupuncturists, as well as the sensitive, attentive attitude of junior medical staff, our patients return to their usual way of life in the shortest possible time.
You can make an appointment with a specialist at the Yusupov Hospital by phone or through the feedback form on the website. The coordinators will tell you about the nuances of hospitalization at the rehabilitation clinic of the Yusupov Hospital.
Contraindications
The ointment is not used to treat skin diseases in patients prone to allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
Zinc ointment is not applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth. Once zinc enters the bloodstream through the esophagus, it can cause poisoning, which can lead to convulsions, allergic skin reactions, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Exceptions may be the mucous membranes of the anal ring and foreskin, where the ointment can be applied to relieve the inflammatory process, accelerate the healing of cracks and disinfect the surface.
Treatment of skin irritation
Most often, due to improper care, patients experience irritation around the stoma. Treating this common problem requires some effort and time. At the point of contact between the skin and the adhesive layer of the colostomy bag plate, skin inflammation develops and difficult-to-heal wounds appear.
Due to the increased sensitivity of the skin around the stoma and the constant exposure of the skin, which is located slightly further than the stoma, to mechanical stress (when replacing a colostomy bag), irritation and sometimes infection of the affected areas occurs. Therefore, the patient needs to monitor the cleanliness, and most importantly, the health of the skin. Stoma care products should be gentle and not dry out the skin.
Healthy skin before and after gluing the colostomy bag should be treated with warm water and furatsilin solution, and then dried well. It is necessary to provide air access to the skin. Before performing air baths, it is recommended to apply elementary baby oil to the skin, which has a nourishing effect. After hygiene procedures and before applying a colostomy bag, the layer of oil remaining on the surface of the skin must be removed with a soft cloth.
Affected, inflamed, cracked areas of the skin around the stoma require treatment with modern anti-inflammatory agents. Ostomy products such as Prontosan, Coloplast, etc. are widely used. The drug Prontosan is available in the form of a solution and gel. The solution is used to wash the skin before and after gluing the colostomy bag. After removing the system, a gel is used for treatment procedures.
How to use zinc ointment for sweat
Excessive sweating is a problem that zinc ointment helps combat. Violation of the function of thermoregulation leads to excessive production of sweat by the glands, due to which the body tries to reduce body temperature. Zinc ointment does not affect the center of thermoregulation, however, it can reduce the activity of the sweat glands, thereby reducing the amount of sweat produced.
It should be noted that the sweat produced by humans is odorless. The waste products of bacteria that multiply in the armpits, which contain a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, smell. Zinc ointment, having an antiseptic effect, reduces the rate of bacterial growth, thereby eliminating unpleasant odors.
How to wear a bandage correctly
During the first months after surgery, patients should not lift heavy objects weighing more than 5 kilograms. To prevent complications, it is recommended to wear a bandage. The most effective bandage is a single-layer bandage, with a width from the groin to the ribs. It should be worn while lying down, only in case of urgent need. The bandage is placed over the napkin covering the stoma or colostomy bag.
Patients with an ostomy should apply a bandage, avoiding tension, and forcefully fasten only the lower hook. The bandage should not compress, but support the abdomen, evenly distributing pressure.
Zinc pyrithione activated in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is characterized by age-related rashes and is accompanied by severe itching.
As a rule, atopic dermatitis occurs in waves, that is, periods of exacerbation are replaced by relative calm and a decrease in the severity of symptoms.
An integral part of the treatment of atopic dermatitis is external therapy. For this purpose, patients with severe exacerbation can be prescribed hormonal drugs based on corticosteroids to relieve acute inflammation. The second stage, as a rule, prescribes more gentle drugs, for example, Skin-cap, as maintenance therapy. It is known that the microbiome of the skin of a patient with atopic dermatitis has its own characteristics - streptococci and fungi of the genus Malassezia, which abundantly colonize the skin, causing constant irritation and itching. That is why Skin-cap is especially indicated for atopic dermatitis - it not only helps eliminate inflammation and reduce itching, but also has an antibacterial and antifungal effect. Another difficulty in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is that the rashes differ in different periods - in younger children weeping rashes predominate, and in the older age group - peeling, dryness and thickening of the skin. The Skin-cap line offers various forms for any type of rash - the aerosol is convenient to apply contactlessly to wet areas, while the cream is suitable for dry rashes. The drugs are approved for use from 1 year of age and can be applied to any area of the skin without restrictions.
Aerosol Skin-cap
The concentration of activated zinc pyrithione in the preparation is 0.2%. The aerosol is used both for treating the scalp (a special nozzle is included), it is also suitable for treating so-called “wet” lesions, and is convenient for contact-free application, including in skin folds. Used externally to treat:
- psoriasis;
- atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis;
- eczema
- seborrheic dermatitis.
Before use, the bottle with the drug must be shaken several times. Spray the aerosol onto the site of inflammation from a distance of about 15 cm, holding the bottle in a vertical position. If you need to treat the scalp, then for ease of application, it is recommended to use the special attachment included in the kit. In case of exacerbation of these skin diseases, the drug is sprayed 2-3 times a day, the duration of use depending on the disease is 1-1.5 months.
