Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by patches of red, itchy, inflamed skin, usually occurring on the face, knees, elbows and wrists. The exact cause of eczema is often unknown, but may be related to allergies such as asthma and hay fever. Because skin creams containing zinc are effective in treating several skin conditions, zinc creams are sometimes recommended for treating eczema, although there is little evidence available to support this use. Like any over-the-counter medicine, consult your doctor before using zinc skin creams to treat eczema.
Zinc Creams
Zinc skin creams have not been widely investigated as a treatment for eczema, according to health authorities such as the MayoClinic.com. One small study found that zinc improved the effectiveness of skin creams containing a prescription skin medication known as clobetasol, reports a study published in the May 2008 issue of the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology." However, there is little evidence that skin creams containing zinc alone are beneficial for eczema.
Zinc Supplements
Increasing the level of zinc in your body by taking zinc supplements is unlikely to reduce systems of eczema, according to a research study published in the October 1991 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." In this small study of 50 children with eczema, daily doses of oral zinc supplements did not reduce the symptoms of eczema.
Other Skin Conditions
Zinc creams containing zinc pyrithione are likely effective in treating another type of dermatitis called seborrheic dermatitis, or more commonly known as dandruff, explains an article published in 2006 in the "Journal of Dermatological Treatment." Zinc creams have also been found to be moderately effective in treating diaper dermatitis and male pattern baldness, although other available treatments are more effective. Zinc skin creams are likely not effective for treating psoriasis.
Effective Skin Creams
The most common treatment for eczema is skin cream containing corticosteroids, explains the MayoClinic.com. Many corticosteroid creams are available by prescription only, but low-strength corticosteroid skin creams can be purchased as over-the-counter treatments. Certain cases of eczema may also require treatment with topical antibiotics, if severe eczema has led to a skin infection. Orally administered corticosteroids or antihistamines are also often prescribed for treating eczema.
References
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Failure of Oral Zinc Supplementation in Atopic Eczema; C.L. Ewing et al.; October 1991
- "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology"; The Efficacy of '0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% Zinc Sulphate' Cream vs. '0.05% Clobetasol Alone' Cream in the Treatment of the Chronic Hand Eczema: a Double-Blind Study; G. Faqhihi et al.; May 2008
- "Journal of Dermatological Treatment"; Zinc in Skin Pathology and Care; Y. Bibi Nitzan and A.D. Cohen; 2006
- MedlinePlus: Zinc; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema); August 2009
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Eczema; February 2011
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