Zinc oxide ointment is an over-the-counter drug commonly used in dermatology. It is mainly used for acute dermatitis, eczema, rash, and mild, small-area skin ulcers.
Generally speaking, if the efficacy is not mentioned in the data sheet, it is not an indication. In our pharmacy profession, there is a professional term called “superindication medication”, which refers to the behavior of taking medicine beyond the scope of the indication indicated in the drug manual. If the medication is used for over-trial syndrome, it may cause adverse drug reactions. Over 80% of these adverse reactions are caused by the “superindication” medication.
The efficacy of the drug is related to the ingredients inside. The main ingredient of zinc oxide ointment is zinc oxide, and the auxiliary material is yellow vaseline. The zinc oxide in it is an oxide of zinc, which is stable in nature. It is generally a white powder, which is difficult to dissolve in water, and mainly plays a drying and astringent effect in the skin. It can also promote wound healing by regulating multiple aspects of epidermal healing. In addition, studies have shown that zinc oxide has an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida, so it also has a certain antibacterial effect. Zinc oxide is not only found in medicines, even some children’s diaper cream and tape also contain this ingredient.
Many cosmetics contain zinc oxide, mainly because zinc oxide is a widely used physical sunscreen, which can prevent UV rays and conceal the effect, and it is the antibacterial effect of zinc oxide, which can inhibit adhesion to the skin Surface bacteria.
Zinc oxide ointment dressing, yellow petrolatum, is one of the most common greasy bases. When combined with drugs, it can absorb moisture and prevent external moisture from penetrating.
In general, zinc oxide ointment is relatively safe and can be used by infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Because yellow petroleum jelly in zinc oxide ointment can prevent water from leaking out, zinc oxide ointment is also not suitable for use, such as large areas of ulcers, blisters, and eczema with more exudate. In addition, elderly patients with pruritus and psoriasis based on dry skin are not recommended for long-term large-scale use. Improper use not only has no therapeutic effect on the skin, but may also cause further deterioration of the condition.