What Is Zinc Sulphate?

Zinc sulphate, otherwise known as zinc sulfate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate and zinc sulphate heptahydrate, is an inorganic substance with a chemical formula of ZnSO4. The inorganic substance is water-soluble colorless or white crystals. Zinc sulphate is also a common source of soluble zinc ions and has several applications both commercially and medically.

General Concepts about Zinc

Zinc is an important trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant in your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you can use zinc in combination with erythromycin to treat acne and also to help prevent macula, a part of the retina responsible for central vision, degeneration, to enhance the immune system and for symptoms and prevention of oral herpes. The daily recommended dose of zinc for is 8 to 11 mg. Zinc occurs naturally in many foods including nuts, beans, grains, dairy products, cereal and seafood.

Medical Use

According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," doctors use zinc sulphate to treat zinc deficiencies, as a protection from tissue damage produced by alcohol abuse and as an astringent for mucous membranes of the eyes to treat disorders such as excessive inflammation or dryness in your eyes. During the treatment of acne, you can also use zinc sulphate as a cream to protect the skin. Some brand names of zinc sulphate are Orazinc 110, Orazinc 220, Zinc-220 and Zincate. You can administer zinc sulphate both orally and by injection.

Deficiency Indications

Doctors often use zinc sulphate to treat zinc deficiencies. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," zinc deficiency in your body normally manifests as a decreased sense of smell and taste or acne in adults. Additionally, if you have zinc deficiencies you may also experience a loss in your central vision, extreme sensitivity to sunlight, premature gray hair and dry hair with brittle ends. Further, an enlarged prostate and impotence are also manifestations of zinc deficiency. Other symptoms include brittle nails, dry, chapped or cracked lips and mouth sores.

Industrial Use

The manufacturing industry also uses zinc sulphate to produce rayon fiber and manufacture tires, rubber hoses and industrial belts. Zinc sulphate is also used as a fertilizer for crops such as pecan, deciduous fruits, peanuts, cotton, corn, and citrus, and in feeds for swine and poultry. Additionally, manufacturers use zinc sulphate in the production of paint and varnishes, glues, zinc sterate and fungicide.