Next to iron, zinc is the most common trace mineral in your body. It is found in every cell, plays roles in your immune functioning, growth, reproduction, smell, taste, blood clotting and thyroid and insulin performance. It has also been used for centuries for healing wounds, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms seen in zinc deficiencies are a variety of skin disorders.
Acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder. Pimples, blackheads and clogged pores are caused by the skin's natural oils being trapped in the follicles. Acne is most encountered around the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and upper trunk. Zinc's healing properties may help with open sores. A 2002 article in the "International Journal of Dermatology" says that zinc applied topically may assist in wound healing. Zinc may also be taken orally for acne, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Usual dose is 30mg twice a day for a month and then 30mg per day after that. Zinc should only be used under the supervision of your doctor.
Herpes Simplex
Zinc topical applications show promise in relieving the symptoms of herpes simplex, or cold sores. It may also prove effective in preventing future outbreaks. A study in the "Journal of Clinical Microbiology" in 2000 applied topical zinc sulfate to 18 subjects within 48 hours of herpes eruption. Within two days, 16 experienced crusting of the sores, and within 9.5 days, all sores had healed, as opposed to 16 days in the control group. The study concluded that zinc can inactivate herpes simplex. However, the effectiveness may depend on the strength of the zinc application and the length of the treatment.
Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers offer a significant challenge for millions of Americans each year. These open leg wounds may be caused by diabetes, problems with blood vessels, infections, underlying disease or medications. The "British Journal of Dermatology" published a study that applied topical zinc oxide to 37 geriatric patients suffering from leg ulcers over a course of eight weeks. At the end of that time, 83 percent saw significant improvement, as opposed to only 42 percent improvement in the placebo group. The study concluded that zinc, applied topically, was an effective treatment for leg ulcers.
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Acrodermatitis enteropathica was first diagnosed is 1973. It is a rare skin disorder caused by the inability to absorb zinc from foods. In infants, acrodermatitis enteropathica can be fatal. Symptoms may include alopecia, or hair loss, acral dermatitis, diarrhea and psychiatric abnormalities. The earliest signs are scaling of the skin and nose, an orangey-brown rash around the knees and elbows, and vesicles and lesions on the fingers and palms. Supplements of zinc salts supplements see rapid improvement, according to the 2002 article in "The International Journal of Dermatology."
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Zinc
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
- Journal of Clinical Microbiology: Zinc Salts Inactivate Clinical Isolates of Herpes Simplex Virus In Vitro
- University of Utah Health Care: Leg Ulcers
- British Journal of Dermatology: Topical Zinc Oxide Treatment Improves Arterial and Venous Leg Ulcers
- International Journal of Dermatology: Evidence Supporting Zinc as an Important Antioxidant for Skin
