Abstract
- Background
Zinc, both in elemental or in its salt forms, has been used as a therapeutic modality for centuries. Topical preparations like zinc oxide, calamine, or zinc pyrithione have been in use as photoprotecting, soothing agents or as active ingredient of antidandruff shampoos. Its use has expanded manifold over the years for a number of dermatological conditions including infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, and neoplasias. Although the role of oral zinc is well-established in human zinc deficiency syndromes including acrodermatitis enteropathica, it is only in recent years that importance of zinc as a micronutrient essential for infant growth and development has been recognized. The paper reviews various dermatological uses of zinc.
- Methods
This paper provides a narrative literature review examining the historical and contemporary therapeutic applications of elemental zinc and its salt forms across a wide spectrum of dermatological pathologies.
- Results
Topical zinc preparations serve effectively as photoprotective and soothing agents, as well as active ingredients in antidandruff shampoos. Therapeutic indications have expanded to encompass infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, and neoplasias. Oral zinc remains the standard treatment for deficiency syndromes such as acrodermatitis enteropathica while supporting infant growth and development.
- Conclusions
Zinc possesses a rich history and a versatile range of applications in dermatology, proving valuable in managing both topical dermatological conditions and systemic deficiency states.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4120804/