According to Medline Plus, zinc supplement fails to treat skin diseases like eczema and allergies. Anyway zinc oxide when used topically showed improvement in treating atopic eczema.
There are different types of eczema. Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema. So note that one remedy won’t work for all eczema. You must try, test and use to treat eczema and for this you must take doctor’s help.
Also read: Sulfur for Eczema
Zinc oxide for Treating Eczema
Not just for treating eczema, zinc oxide can be used to soothe skin. Dr. Marilynn Syrett says to protect skin from harmful UV rays zinc oxide turn to be safest treatment. This is why many sunscreen creams add zinc oxide as main ingredient.
- Wash the entire eczema affected area with water.
- Pat dry and apply with zinc oxide paste on it.
- If you’re allergic to zinc, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly or any other ingredient in zinc oxide, don’t use it.
- Follow doctor’s prescription.
- For rough or thickened eczema affected areas you can use bandage containing zinc paste and ichthammol paste so that it boosts absorption of medicine and soothes skin.
Related post: Interesting Facts About Eczema
Excess oil production caused by puberty can be controlled by topical application of zinc oxide. Thus it can be used to treat acne in some cases.
Must read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema
Note that zinc oxide leaves thin white residue on applied part which can’t be rubbed.
Overdose may cause side-effects, consult your doctor before considering zinc oxide. Side-effects include hives, itching, skin rashes and difficulty in breathing.
