Zinc, a trace mineral, aids many bodily functions that affect the skin. Zinc helps preserve the integrity of the skin; synthesize important proteins involved in skin structure and repair, such as collagen; and supports immune function. A lack of zinc in the diet may contribute to skin infections and retard wound healing. Foods that are good sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, fortified breakfast cereals, crab, lobster and nuts. Many vitamin supplements also include zinc.
Zinc Deficiency
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a skin condition that arises as a result of severe zinc deficiency. According to Dr. Amanda Oakley of the New Zealand Dermatological Society, acrodermatitis enteropathica results when the body cannot metabolize zinc properly and sometimes occurs in those with intestinal malabsorption diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms include severely inflamed skin lesions, especially around orifices such as the mouth, anus and eyes, as well as hair loss. Treatment involves zinc supplementation, which typically heals the skin in one or two weeks.
Acne
Acne affects people of all ages, as one of the most common skin problems. According to D.P. Fivenson of the Henry Ford Hospital department of dermatology in Detroit, zinc has shown some efficacy in treating persistent inflammatory skin problems such as acne and bullous pemphigoid -- a chronic skin disease that causes large blisters to form on the skin. Zinc appears to have an anti-inflammatory impact on acne, limits the proliferation of bacteria and can also help decrease oil production.
Skin Infections
Zinc also appears to protect against some of the most common skin infections. Zinc is often used to treat viral skin infections such as herpes simplex, for example. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, zinc helps boost the immune system, and also helps to heal skin wounds.
Ezcema
Zinc is used to treat skin conditions, including eczema. Dermatologists regularly proscribe zinc oxide -- a powdered form of zinc used in ointments and pastes -- to treat eczema. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, zinc helps to soothe the inflammation associated with eczema and can reduce the symptoms of oozing and weeping lesions associated with this common skin condition.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Zinc; April 2011
- New Zealand Dermatological Society; Acrodermatitis Enteropathica; Dr. Amanda Oakley; March 2010
- Cutis; The Mechanisms of Action of Nicotinamide and Zinc in Inflammatory Skin Disease; D.P. Fivenson; January 2006
- Medline Plus; Zinc; February 2011
- Skin Care Physicians: Doctor, Why Are You Prescribing an Ointment?
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