Introduction
Zinc ointment is often found in home and travel pharmacies. Zinc ointment has various properties that give it possibilities and limits in use against various diseases and ailments.
General indications
Zinc ointments offer the possibility of external application of zinc. They contain zinc oxide, which has a wound-healing promoting, within certain limits anti-inflammatory and weakly disinfecting effect. Zinc ointments are used in many different ways.
In principle, zinc ointment can have a symptomatic supporting effect almost everywhere where moisture, the risk of inflammation and wound edges need to be treated. Zinc ointment is not indicated to fight the causes of certain diseases, but as a supporting measure to alleviate certain symptoms. General indications for zinc ointment are therefore minor wounds, injuries and skin complaints.
For example, zinc ointment may be indicated for various skin complaints associated with (too) moist skin, as well as in certain phases of neurodermatitis, herpes, shingles, genital warts and minor burns. It is also used to fight pimples, blackheads and acne. It is also known for its healing effect in the so-called diaper dermatitis.
Among the general indications of Zinc Ointment is also its external application in the anal and intimate areas in both sexes. Zinc ointments, as well as the intake of zinc, are often recommended for complaints such as pimples and acne. The zinc oxide contained in the zinc ointments has a supportive effect on skin affected by pimples and acne due to its properties.
A prerequisite for the effect of the zinc ointment is thorough skin cleansing. This plays a major role in the treatment of pimples and acne. In some cases, the drying effect of the ointment contributes to an improved skin appearance.
However, if the skin is already dry, it can increase dryness and aggravate skin problems. It is recommended to apply the zinc ointment sparingly and only selectively to the individual pimples. Dry skin areas should be left out.
At best, the ointment should be applied in the evening so that it can work overnight. If the pimples are not yet superficial, exposed, the pimples should not be squeezed out. It is better to treat them with heat.
A facial steam bath, for example, can have a supporting effect. Afterwards the zinc ointment can be applied. In addition, the active ingredients of zinc ointments can have a supporting effect on so-called pimple marks and slight acne scars.
However, the ingredients of the zinc ointments and the individual reaction to them are decisive. From experience reports it is possible that an intolerance to so-called kerosenes can result in the short or long term. Kerosenes include Cera MicrocristallinaMicrocristallina Wax, Ceresin, Mineral Oil, Ozokerite, Paraffinium Liquidum and Petrolatum.
Some zinc ointments contain plant active ingredients such as tea tree oil, manuka oil and healing earth, which in some cases can contribute to an improved skin appearance. However, intolerances to these ingredients can also exist or develop. The zinc ointment can also be used against blackheads.
The disinfecting effect of zinc oxide in particular contributes to healing. It delimits the skin around the blackhead so that it can heal. The principles of application correspond to those of the treatment of pimples and acne.
HSV type 1 herpes viruses appear as itchy, burning, highly contagious blisters on the lips, nose and oral mucosa. In some cases the healing process of the blisters can be shortened by zinc ointment. When applying the zinc ointment, it is important to apply it carefully and thinly to the blisters with a clean, smooth cotton swab.
The zinc oxide in the ointment can help to remove the liquid from the weeping blisters. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect, which can also have a positive effect on the herpes blisters. However, zinc ointment is not the remedy of choice to combat herpes viruses.
This means that zinc ointment can alleviate the symptoms, but it does not work against the cause of the disease. It is important to observe hygiene regulations to prevent further infection and spread of the herpes virus. So-called virustatics, such as Aciclovir, can be used as medication.
In case of a pronounced herpes virus, further complaints or uncertainties, a doctor should always be consulted.Genital warts are also known as genital warts or in technical jargon as Condylomata acuminate. They are benign skin changes. The cause of genital warts are the so-called papilloma viruses.
They are usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Again, zinc ointment cannot be used to fight the cause, but only in some cases to relieve the symptoms. Zinc ointments dry out the genital warts and thus increase the chance that they will fall off (faster).
In combination with other medications, application of the zinc ointment 2 – 3 times a day can have a supportive effect on the affected area. It is important to strictly and conscientiously follow the hygiene regulations in order to reduce the risk of spreading the viruses. A consultation with a doctor is recommended.
The application of zinc ointment can have a supporting effect on so-called haemorrhoids in the anal region. It is important that the affected person suffering from hemorrhoids is aware of the nature and limitations of the application of zinc ointment. The use of zinc ointment for hemorrhoids can inhibit itching.
But it is not the method to fight hemorrhoids. For this purpose, medical sclerotherapy of hemorrhoids and other measures, depending on the severity, must be taken. However, the zinc ointment can support the healing of wounds after the measures taken.
The zinc ointment should always be applied in a thin layer. If there are open spots on the anus, the Zinc Ointment must not be used there. Furthermore, the ointment must not be introduced into the anal area.
This can lead to damage of the intestinal mucosa. The Zinc Ointment is only suitable for external treatment. If there are any uncertainties, the treating physician should be consulted.
Usually, neurodermatitis treatment is divided into 4 stages. The use of Zinc Ointment in combination with other measures can be supportive in some treatment stages. In other treatment stages it is contraindicated, as it could aggravate the symptoms.
In stage 1 of the neurodermatitis treatment the skin is usually dry. In this stage, prophylactic measures must be taken to prevent an outbreak of neurodermatitis. This means that all actions and means that dry out the skin should be prevented.
Accordingly, zinc ointment is contraindicated in the prophylactic treatment stage due to its drying effect. In the 2nd stage of the treatment of neurodermatitis, skin inflammations that occur should be alleviated by low-dose medication. In most cases, low concentrated cortisone preparations are used.
In the case of an acute flare, zinc ointment may help to alleviate the symptoms. In stage 3 of the neurodermatitis treatment, the symptoms are more pronounced and the medication is administered in higher doses accordingly. In the case of weeping eczema, zinc ointment may be helpful.
In stage 4, oral systemic drugs are often advisable in addition to the local medications. Here, too, a properly applied zinc ointment in combination with other measures can be useful in acute phases of weeping eczema. The treatment of neurodermatitis should always consider and include various aspects and be individually tailored.
Accordingly, the additional use of zinc ointment in this context is not generally recommended or generally contraindicated. For smaller, fresher scars, e.g. acne, the use of Zinc Ointment may be supportive. In some cases it can also have a prophylactic effect on scars.
As a rule, however, scar tissue is characterized by the fact that it contains less water than healthy skin. Therefore, zinc ointment is usually contraindicated in these cases. It is advisable to consult the treating physician regarding scar treatment.
Furthermore, it is possible to get an ergo- or physiotherapeutic scar treatment via a prescription. The therapist can then respond individually to the respective scar condition and carry out scar treatment measures. Furthermore, these specialists can also provide additional instructions for effective, independent scar treatment.
Colloquial shingles is a viral disease. The cause cannot be treated with zinc ointment. However, zinc ointment can alleviate the itching in the context of shingles.
In addition, the wound edges can be treated with the ointment.In some cases, certain zinc ointments can have a supporting effect against athlete’s foot. However, the ointment cannot fight the cause. In the case of recurring and non-healing athlete’s foot, a doctor should be consulted.
A suitable, effective treatment should at best be discussed with him. Mild burns can be treated with home remedies. A doctor should always be consulted in case of severe burns and uncertainties.
For all types of burns, a zinc ointment is usually less indicated and in some cases strongly contraindicated. Effective cooling is in the foreground. This can be done with the help of cooling pads, quark compresses or cooling ointments, for example with aloe vera.
If the sore bottom has developed due to moisture, an external application of zinc ointment can have a soothing and protective effect. As with the above-mentioned diaper dermatitis, zinc ointment attracts water and acts as a barrier against faeces and urine. In the case of a wet, sore bottom, it is important to ensure good air circulation as much as possible so that the bottom can dry and heal.
As in the treatment of hemorrhoids, the ointment may only be applied externally, otherwise it will damage the intestinal mucosa. Zinc ointment may only be used on weeping wounds. It is particularly important to have cleaned the wound thoroughly beforehand.
At best, a sterile wound compress should be used to dress the wound. Zinc ointment must not be applied to deep and bleeding wounds, or to larger or more complex wounds. Application of the ointment could aggravate the discomfort and possibly lead to complications.
In case of uncertainty, a doctor should always take a look at the wound. On a normally healing tattoo, zinc ointments are contraindicated, as are Bebe®, Penatencreme®, skin lotion or other disinfecting ointments. Should weeping skin problems develop, a zinc ointment can be supportive.
This is best discussed with a doctor. The use of Zinc Ointment in the intimate area can only relieve discomfort, regardless of gender, and cannot fight the cause of the complaints. For both sexes it applies that Zinc Ointment is only suitable for external treatment.
It can relieve itching and burning pain in the vaginal area and in the area of the testicles and penis. For both sexes, it can support the regeneration of impure, irritated or slightly injured skin, for example by shaving. In women, the zinc ointment is only suitable for superficial treatment of the groin region and the outer labia.
In men, the zinc ointment is only suitable for the treatment of the groin region and the male external genital organs. In addition, irritations can occur after sexual intercourse, which in some cases heal faster with external treatment with a zinc ointment. If there is any suspicion of inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, it is essential to consult a doctor.
In case of doubt, it is always advisable to consult a medical specialist. Feelings of shame are human in this case, but not necessary. For medical professionals, the well-being and health of the patient is the primary concern, no matter what illness or limitation is involved.
All articles in this series: