Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound having the formula ZnO. It is widely used in skin creams. It can prevent sunlight and ultraviolet rays from penetrating the skin and can protect skin from outside irritants. It also has mild astringent and antiseptic properties, and is particularly useful for wound care.
Protection From Irritants
Topical skin ointments containing zinc oxide are effective treatments for diaper rash. Diaper rash is often caused by moisture, or extended contact with urine and feces. In addition, irritation and chafing, along with poor air circulation around the skin can exacerbate the rash. Zinc oxide mainly acts by blocking irritants from contacting the skin, minimizing infection and promoting healing.
Sunscreen
Zinc oxide is extremely effective as a sunscreen. It reflects ultraviolet rays away from the skin, providing protection against sun damage. Zinc oxide is particularly effective against long-wave UVA rays. It appears to block out the harmful rays without actually penetrating the skin.
Antiseptic Properties
Zinc oxide has mild antibacterial qualities on the skin. However, it will not treat bacterial or fungus infections. Interestingly, however, a 2010 report in the Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology by R. Rajendran and colleagues described the development of antimicrobial cotton fabrics using zinc oxide nanoparticles. They applied zinc oxide nanoparticles to the 100 percent cotton woven fabric and then assessed the antibacterial activity of the finished fabrics. The fabric demonstrated significant antibacterial activity which remained active after up to 25 wash cycles.
Allergic Reactions
Zinc oxide can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to zinc. In addition, because zinc oxide-containing creams also contain other ingredients such as dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil or wax, people who are allergic to these ingredients should avoid using topical zinc oxide creams.
Wound Care
Zinc plays a major role in wound healing. It is particularly easy to use and has excellent anti-inflammatory and drying properties. In addition, zinc is required for a variety of enzymatic and cellular activities normally, but is in increased demand during the wound healing process. Topical zinc oxide creams appear to enhance the wound healing process by delivering zinc ions to the wound and allowing them to remain there for an extended period of time. Although the thought is that the zinc accelerates re-epithelialization of the skin, the mechanism is really not known.
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