Zinc ointment simple instructions for use. How to use zinc ointment
Indications
In medicine, zinc ointment is widely used in the treatment of skin diseases.
In particular, with the help of this ointment you can relieve the symptoms of eczema, cure some types of dermatitis, diaper rash and bedsores.
For affected areas of the skin that require rapid drying, it is difficult to find a worthy replacement.
You can also use zinc ointment to heal wounds after burns, but only 1st degree, provided that a small area of skin is affected.
If the skin damage is significant - blisters, weeping areas, then professional medical attention is required. Self-medication is dangerous.
Directions for use and dosage
The ointment is used externally only.
Regardless of the disease, zinc ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected area of the skin 2-3 times during the day.
In some diseases it has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect, in others it has a drying effect.
For a better antiseptic effect, the affected area of the skin can be treated with fucorcin before using the ointment.
Contraindications
Due to its effect only on the surface of the skin, the ointment cannot affect the general condition of the body, i.e. has no systemic effect.
In very rare cases, minor allergic reactions have been observed in patients who did not tolerate one of the components of zinc ointment.
Pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy or lactation, a woman can be treated with an ointment without any restrictions.
In medical practice, there have been no cases of deterioration in the well-being of the mother or child when using zinc ointment.
From what age can it be used?
There are no age restrictions, it is possible from the first days of life (this does not apply to salicylic-zinc!)
Overdose
An overdose of this drug has not been observed in medical practice.
Side effects
Intolerance to the drugs included in the zinc ointment can lead to side effects.
Most often these are allergic manifestations on the skin: redness, slight itching, rashes. Such a reaction may appear in the first days when using the ointment. In this case, you should stop using it and notify your doctor, who will select a replacement drug.
Composition and pharmacokinetics
Zinc ointment has a soft astringent suspension in consistency. The active ingredient of this drug is zinc oxide, which is diluted in a ratio of 1:9 with petroleum jelly.
The drug is white with a slightly yellowish tint. You can purchase zinc ointment in special glass jars or aluminum tubes, packaged in 25, 30 or 50 g.
Each package of the drug contains detailed instructions for its use.
How to properly remove zinc ointment from the skin
Those patients who have treated skin inflammations on the face, especially the fair sex, know that zinc ointment is not so easy to remove using conventional makeup removers.
Tar soap is best suited for this purpose. Those who have dry skin need to be careful when using tar soap. Instead, it is better to use moisturizing makeup removers.
One of the universal drugs used for a wide variety of skin diseases is Zinc ointment. It is successfully treated in children and adults; it is relatively safe and has virtually no side effects. Zinc ointment has become widespread due to its ability to prevent inflammation and infection and quickly heal wounds.
Clinical and pharmacological group
The drug belongs to the category of anti-inflammatory drugs for topical use.
Composition and release form
Zinc ointment is made 10%, white, sometimes with a slight yellowish tint.
The active ingredient of the drug is zinc oxide - 0.1 g per 1 g of product.
Auxiliary components: white soft paraffin, lanolin, petroleum jelly (depending on the manufacturer).
The drug is sold in plastic or aluminum tubes. Some manufacturers produce ointment in glass jars.
There are many other zinc oxide based products that have the same properties as Zinc Ointment. These are Desitin, Diaderm, Tsindol, Zinc paste, Zinc oxide liniment.
pharmachologic effect
Zinc oxide is a chemical compound of inorganic nature. Externally, it looks like a white powder with a fine-grained structure. It is not affected by alkali and acid, and is insoluble in water. The substance is made from the mineral zincite, however, pharmacists have learned to extract it through a chemical synthetic reaction.
The main actions of zinc oxide are:
- wound healing;
- disinfectant.
It is thanks to them that Zinc ointment for hemorrhoids is extremely common. In addition, the drug has an adsorbing and drying effect.
When applied topically, it helps relieve inflammation and irritation, reduces exudation, and forms a protective film that prevents the penetration of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms into the wound.
The auxiliary component of the medicine prevents excessive drying of the skin and mucous membrane at the site of application, helps the rapid healing of wounds and cracks.
What does Zinc ointment help with?
The range of applications of Zinc ointment, judging by the instructions, is very wide. Thus, it is indicated for various skin diseases and injuries accompanied by the process of exudation. These include:
- eczema;
- pyoderma;
- dermatitis;
- haemorrhoids;
- bedsores;
- Diaper rash.
The drug is effective in treating scratches, cuts, minor sun and thermal burns.
Since the product has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, it is prescribed for various types of skin diseases caused by viruses (herpes, chicken pox, lichen). Some people use the medicine as an effective remedy to combat acne.
Contraindications to the use of Zinc ointment
The instructions indicate the following contraindications to therapy with Zinc ointment:
- Severe intolerance to zinc oxide or auxiliary components of the product.
- Acute purulent skin processes.
The product is not applied to the eyelid area and mucous membranes. It is not recommended to constantly use the medication as a sunscreen. The fact is that regular use of the ointment can cause undesirable consequences due to the fact that zinc oxide reacts with ultraviolet radiation, forming free radicals. These have a negative effect on the skin, which can increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
Does Zinc Ointment cause side effects?
Judging by the reviews, Zinc ointment is well tolerated by patients, however, with increased sensitivity to the active component, undesirable reactions cannot be ruled out. As a rule, these are local skin irritations in the form of itching, burning, and rashes caused by severe intolerance to the components of the medication.
They appear in the first days of use and require discontinuation of the drug.
Dosage and duration of treatment
Zinc ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day until complete recovery. A more specific dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician, depending on what disease the patient wants to get rid of. So, with:
- diaper rash, diathesis: 5-6 times daily. After each application, baby cream is applied on top;
- herpes: the first day every hour, subsequently every 4 hours;
- lichen: 5-6 times a day;
- chickenpox – 4 times a day;
- acne: 1 time a day before bedtime;
- acne: up to 6 times a day;
- hemorrhoids – 2-3 times a day.
How to use Zinc ointment
The drug is intended exclusively for topical use, i.e., the affected areas of the skin are lubricated with a small amount of the product. The ointment is applied to previously washed and dried skin. After use, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use disinfectants.
Zinc ointment for hemorrhoids has its own application characteristics. It must be remembered that the product is used only externally, therefore it is not prescribed for internal hemorrhoids. The ointment should not be injected into the rectum.
To ensure maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use the ointment at the first signs of the disease.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
According to the instructions for use, Zinc ointment is not contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, but only if it is applied correctly, i.e. externally.
Animal studies have been conducted that show that when taken orally, zinc oxide can cause fetal death or the birth of an abnormally low-weight baby.
In addition, inhaling zinc oxide vapors or swallowing the substance can lead to poisoning, signs of which include muscle weakness, cough, shortness of breath, sweating, and chills. In this regard, during lactation, a woman should not apply the medication to the breast and nipple area.
It is important to consult a specialist before using the ointment. Only he decides the advisability of using the medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
special instructions
Zinc ointment is one of the few drugs approved for use in newborns. With its help, they successfully fight diaper rash and dermatoses in children under 6 months. It is also used to lubricate the skin of small children before going to the beach to prevent sunburn.
Avoid getting the product into your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Zinc ointment can prevent, but not cure, fungal or bacterial infections. Therefore, if symptoms such as redness, fever, or discharge appear, you should not delay your visit to the doctor. After making a diagnosis, he will prescribe adequate treatment.
The drug can be used with other drugs, however, this issue must be decided individually by the attending physician.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
The drug is available from pharmacies without a prescription. You should not self-medicate. It will not be superfluous to consult a specialist before buying a drug and carefully study the annotation.
Price
The cost of Zinc ointment for the most part depends on the form of release and varies from 19 to 60 rubles.
Zinc ointment
Haemorrhoids
Storage conditions and periods
It is customary to store the medication in a dry, dark place, away from sunlight, as the drug decomposes under the action of ultraviolet radiation. The optimal storage temperature is 12-25 degrees. Storage temperatures below 12°C are not recommended as this will create problems when applied to the skin.
The drug easily copes with minor skin damage. It quickly heals small wounds, disinfecting them and relieving inflammation. Moreover, the ointment slightly dries out the skin. This is especially valuable when treating weeping formations.
Do not confuse zinc ointment with Lassara paste. The first is vaseline-based zinc oxide, and Lassar's paste also contains salicylic acid. It enhances the drying and healing effect of zinc oxide.
Zinc ointment is used externally only. Before this, it is necessary to remove all cosmetics from the affected area, clean the skin, blot with a napkin or towel, and then apply the drug.
A fundamentally important condition: the more often you nourish the skin with ointment, the faster it will become healthy. Usually you need to apply it at least five to six times a day. Then a permanent protective layer of ointment is formed, and it acts as efficiently as possible.
When does ointment help?
Skin irritations and injuries
Some houseplants can cause redness, rashes, small blisters. For example, monstera, dieffenbachia, anthurium, some ivies. For such skin inflammations, zinc ointment is very effective. If you cut your finger shallowly, burned your hand, scratched your leg, lubricate the sore spots with it, and they will also heal quickly.
Diaper rash
In babies they occur due to skin contact with urine and feces. Zinc oxide protects it from these irritants. Many generations of mothers have successfully saved their own from such a misfortune with zinc ointment. To keep skin clean, healthy, apply it every time you change diapers. The maximum benefit from it is when the baby’s skin is completely dry before lubrication.
The ointment helps some people get rid of it on their face, but not others. What's the matter? This depends on the depth of tissue damage, the hormonal state, and the degree of neglect of treatment. You should not rely only on the ointment - you should also take a zinc preparation orally at the same time. Some doctors recommend combining zinc ointment with erythromycin.
Haemorrhoids
Zinc ointment is recognized as one of the effective drugs in the complex treatment of this disease. It is impossible to cure it with one ointment. But, acting symptomatically, it significantly alleviates the condition and accelerates the healing of hemorrhoids and fissures.
This is a consequence of skin pigmentation disorders, mainly. Zinc ointment often helps remove stains or lighten them so they are less noticeable.
UV protection
For many, for a cosmetic effect, and if you are prone to skin cancer, such protection from harsh sunlight is simply necessary, especially in the summer. Zinc ointment is the only harmless drug that can be used as a sunscreen for very young people - from the first days of life to six months. Zinc oxide is not contraindicated for women during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
When ointment doesn't help
There is no point in using it for acute skin infections. The antibacterial properties of zinc oxide are not strong enough to cure them. This requires powerful bactericidal, antifungal drugs, and antibiotics.
The ointment will not help with severe acne, deep wounds, old ulcers, or hematomas.
The drug is well tolerated by the vast majority of people. But there is, although rare, increased sensitivity to zinc oxide. Then there may be skin itching, tingling or burning at the site of application of the ointment. Of course, it cannot be used in case of allergic reactions.
A simple allergy test will help you find out whether you should be wary of zinc ointment. To do this, apply it in a small spot on your elbow. If after three to four hours the skin remains unchanged, then there is no allergy.
Zinc ointment is not one of those drugs that gives an instant therapeutic effect. She is criticized mainly by those who do not have the patience to undergo treatment for a long time.
The problem of acne, or scientifically acne, is familiar to almost all of us, but this problem is especially acute for young people and adolescents. There are many reasons that cause acne. We sometimes spend a lot of time, effort and money fighting them, and sometimes we forget that there are simple, accessible and proven remedies. Zinc ointment can rightfully be considered one of these remedies, due to its properties, it dries and fights inflammatory processes, accelerating skin restoration and improving its condition after acne is eliminated.
The effectiveness of zinc ointment when applied to the skin.
Let me start with the fact that zinc itself, as an element, is one of the most important components included in the composition of care products intended for oily and problematic skin, which is prone to the development of inflammation, pimples and blackheads. It has a drying, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, adsorbent, antimicrobial, wound-healing and soothing effect on the skin, hence it is regularly added to baby creams and lotions (for diaper rash, prickly heat, dermatitis, etc.).
Video: About the importance of zinc for beauty and skin health
In addition to zinc oxide, zinc ointment contains petroleum jelly (in a ratio of 1:10, that is, one part zinc oxide to 10 parts petroleum jelly). Regular use of zinc ointment in the treatment of acne reduces the secretion of the sebaceous glands, dries and reduces inflammation, reduces skin irritation, stimulates regeneration processes and reduces skin recovery time. In the presence of so-called unripe acne, the use of zinc ointment has a pulling effect, accelerating the maturation of the acne and its release. Finding zinc ointment is not difficult; it is freely available in any pharmacy, and it is inexpensive, about twenty-five rubles.
Zinc acne ointment, application.
Before using zinc ointment, it is important to prepare well. First, you should thoroughly disinfect the skin of your hands (wash with soap and wipe with vodka or alcohol) so as not to cause any infection during the procedure. It is known that any procedure for the skin should be carried out only after cleansing it. Start by removing your makeup and impurities with a cleanser designed for oily or acne-prone skin.
Apply zinc ointment exclusively to the area affected by acne in a thin layer, or with pinpoint strokes on each pimple for small rashes. In the latter case, it is convenient to use a regular match. You can use it up to six times a day, but I would recommend not doing this more than three times a day. However, before using the drug, be sure to test it on a small area of skin to make sure there are no allergic reactions (which are not common). Individual intolerance to the drug can lead to serious complications.
The drug is practically not absorbed, so half an hour after application, lightly blot the affected area with a paper napkin. There are some nuances when using zinc ointment to treat acne. This treatment is not suitable for working women, because after using the ointment, no decorative cosmetics should be applied to the skin (and few people can do without it), the skin must breathe. In addition, the ointment is not at all suitable as a base for makeup. In this case, you will have to use the ointment only at night and on weekends, so you will have to wait a little longer for the effect. For non-working women, this problem does not exist; use the product daily until complete recovery.
If there are wounds on the skin, minor damage, especially near the mucous membranes (eyes, eyelids), acute purulent-inflammatory processes, it is better not to apply the ointment to these areas. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding should use the drug with caution, only after consulting a doctor and taking into account the risk/benefit ratio.
Prevention of acne and consolidation of results after treatment with zinc ointment.
- To get a positive effect from using the ointment, it must be used daily.
- During and after treatment, it is important to eat properly and include more zinc-containing foods (eggs, nuts, liver, beans, legumes) in your diet.
- When using zinc ointment, it is not recommended to use other medications for acne; this can cause unpredictable reactions or reduce the beneficial effect of the ointment to a minimum.
Recipe for acne (acne, comedones) and blackheads based on zinc ointment.
Ingredients.
Zinc ointment - 20 g.
Salicylic ointment 10% - 25 g.
Birch tar - 7 drops.
Sulfur ointment 33% - 25 g.
Essential oil of tea tree, bergamot, juniper, rosemary - 2 drops each.
Vitamin A in oil - 5 drops.
Application.
Combine all components into a homogeneous creamy mass; to do this, use an empty, clean cream jar. Transfer the prepared mixture into a jar and store in a cool, dark place. Apply the product to problem areas and leave overnight.
Salicylic-zinc ointment.
The famous dermatologist from Germany O. Lassar patented a salicylic-zinc ointment (known as Lassar's paste) in the last century. In addition to zinc oxide, this ointment contains salicylic acid, wheat starch and petroleum jelly. The product has an active antiseptic and astringent effect, excellently and quickly relieves inflammation, accelerates recovery processes. Ideal for treating “fresh” acne.
In this medical article you can familiarize yourself with the drug Zinc ointment. The instructions for use will explain in what cases the ointment can be used, what the medicine helps with, what are the indications for use, contraindications and side effects. The annotation presents the forms of release of the drug and its composition.
In the article, doctors and consumers can only leave real reviews about Zinc ointment, from which you can find out whether the medicine helped in the treatment of acne (acne), dermatitis, diaper rash and prickly heat in adults and children, for which it is also prescribed. The instructions list analogues of Zinc ointment, prices of the drug in pharmacies, as well as its use during pregnancy.
A medicine for external use that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, drying, and bactericidal effect is Zinc ointment. The instructions for use indicate that ointment or paste 10% and 25% is intended for external treatment of skin for eczema, dermatitis, and diaper rash.
Release form and composition
The drug is available in the following dosage forms:
- Ointment for external use 10%.
- Paste for external use 25%.
Zinc ointment is available in the form of a thick, odorless, 10% white ointment. The drug is available in aluminum tubes of 15 and 30 g in a cardboard box with attached instructions.
The main active ingredient of the drug is zinc, the auxiliary component is petroleum jelly (proportion 1:10 parts, respectively). Some manufacturers may add lanolin to the ointment to soften the skin, essential oils, fish oil, vitamins, and preservatives.
pharmachologic effect
Zinc ointment has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, wound-healing, antiseptic, astringent, drying and adsorbing effects. Relieves symptoms of diaper rash and dermatitis, softens and has a protective effect. The active substance forms albuminates and denatures proteins.
Indications for use
What does Zinc ointment help with? Indications for use of the drug:
- minor sun and thermal burns;
- scratches;
- dermatitis;
- eczema;
- cuts;
- Diaper rash.
Since the product is active against viruses, it is also often used for viral skin diseases. If the patient has any doubts about the use of this remedy, which Zinc ointment helps with in each specific case, it is better to consult a specialist.
Instructions for use
Zinc ointment can be used externally and topically. The dose and frequency of use depend on the indications and dosage form of the drug. Apply to affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day. When treating burns and wounds, it can be used under a bandage.
- diaper rash in children: apply a thin layer of ointment to previously washed and dried skin 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment is up to 30 days. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to use the drug on areas of the skin that have been in contact with wet laundry for a long time;
- chicken pox: Zinc ointment is used to relieve itching 4 times a day;
- lichen: the drug is used in conjunction with therapy prescribed by a specialist, 5–6 times a day;
- skin damage (burns, scratches, cuts): a thin layer can be applied only to superficial and modified damage; if necessary, apply a gauze bandage;
- photocontact dermatitis: the drug is applied in a thin layer to the affected skin area pre-treated with an antiseptic solution 4-6 times a day;
- herpes: it is recommended to use Zinc ointment in combination with Gerpevir, the agents are applied alternately, on the first day of the disease - every hour, then - every 4 hours;
- diaper rash: it is recommended to use the ointment several times a day, then lubricate the affected areas of the skin with baby cream; diathesis: the drug is used 5–6 times a day; Before going to bed, it is recommended to wash the skin with chamomile, and in case of peeling, apply baby cream.
Zinc ointment for acne is applied up to 6 times a day. During treatment, the use of cosmetics, including makeup base or foundation, is prohibited, as they make the product ineffective. Reviews indicate that to achieve a positive result, the drug must be used regularly.
If you cannot refuse makeup, Zinc acne ointment can be applied to clean skin before bed. In order not to dry out the dermis, it is advisable to mix the medicine with regular cream 1 to 1.
Contraindications
Zinc ointment is not prescribed to patients with increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.
Side effects
When using the medicine, the following side effects may occur: skin itching, rash, hyperemia, etc. With prolonged use of the product, skin irritation may occur.
Children, pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is possible to use the drug during pregnancy and lactation under the supervision of a physician.
The medication can be used for children. Side effects are extremely rare. It is often used for dermatitis in children. In this case, the drug is applied to dry skin, especially at night. It is advisable to use the product when the first redness, irritation or diaper rash appears.
For newborns
Zinc ointment for newborns is applied under diapers in a thin layer in case of dermatitis. This should be done during every diaper change. The product helps relieve skin irritation, which often occurs with frequent contact with wet diapers.
special instructions
Immediately after applying the drug to the affected area of the skin, the patient may experience burning and itching, which disappear on their own after 15-20 minutes. When using Zinc ointment to treat teenage acne and acne, the drug can be applied pointwise to the rash and left until the morning.
The ointment is intended for external use only; be careful not to get it in the eyes. It is not recommended to use the drug on damaged areas of the skin.
Drug interactions
If necessary, in parallel with Zinc ointment, patients can be prescribed antibiotics, hormonal agents for oral and local use in the form of cream and ointment.
Analogues of the drug Zinc ointment
According to the structure, analogues are determined:
- Zinc oxide.
- Zinc paste.
- Diaderm.
- Tsindol.
- Desitin.
Analogs have a similar effect:
- Zinc-salicylic paste.
- Sulfur-zinc paste.
- Sudocrem ointment.
Vacation conditions and price
The average cost of Zinc ointment in Moscow is 27 rubles per 25 g tube. It is available from pharmacies without a prescription.
It is recommended to store the tube with the drug in a cool place, out of reach of children, avoiding direct sunlight on the packaging. The shelf life of the drug is 3 years from the date of manufacture; at the end of this period, the ointment should be thrown away.
