Zinc oxide is a white solid mineral used in a variety of health and cosmetic applications. It is used as an active ingredient in many skin creams, lotions, and ointments to protect against sunburn and other skin irritations. It is also used to treat a variety of ailments including diaper rash, acne, cold sores, and minor cuts and scratches. Additionally, it is used as a dietary supplement to treat zinc deficiency and can be found in a variety of multivitamins.
Zinc oxide is a substance with a variety of uses, but in medicine it is primarily a topical treatment. Topical refers to medication applied to the skin. Zinc oxide is used in many over-the-counter creams, ointments, and lotions to treat a variety of skin conditions including:
- Diaper rash
- Minor skin irritations like scrapes and burns
- Eczema
- Acne
Zinc oxide works in several ways to treat these conditions. It:
- Creates a barrier to protect the skin from irritants and moisture
- Has mild astringent properties that help dry weeping wounds
- May reduce inflammation
Zinc oxide is also found in some sunscreens because it can absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, it typically needs to be combined with other sunscreen ingredients for broad-spectrum protection.
Here are some additional things to know about zinc oxide:
- It is generally safe for most people when used as directed.
- It can cause side effects such as skin irritation or stinging.
- It is not likely to interact with other medications.