The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it contains around one fifth of the body’s total zinc content, with the highest concentration being in the outermost layer of skin.4 Zinc is essential for growth, tissue maintenance, immune function, and wound healing.2 Systemic zinc deficiency may be associated with older age, especially in individuals with a poor diet and those who suffer with morbidities such as chronic wounds or dermatological conditions.2
Topical zinc has been used in the treatment of wounds for over 3,000 years and is reported to have antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound healing properties.1 Nowadays, topical zinc oxide is predominantly used to treat chronic wounds and dermatological conditions and when applied has been shown to reduce red, irritated skin, reduce wound debris, improve healing rates, promote epithelialisation, and to have antioxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial actions.2,3,4,5
Zinc oxide is slowly but continuously solubilised when applied topically on open wounds and that absorption of zinc oxide through human skin increases zinc levels in the epidermis, interstitial fluid and the dermis, thereby not only correcting a local zinc deficit and enhancing wound healing, but also acting pharmacologically.1
Zinc oxide is particularly helpful in managing skin conditions and leg ulcerations as it provides a protective barrier, reduces inflammation, and creates a moist wound healing environment where the skins integrity has been lost.3
Viscopaste and Ichthopaste Bandages have been used by clinicians for decades to treat patients successfully. They provide a protective barrier, reduce inflammation, and provide a moist healing environment.
Share the benefit of zinc oxide bandages with your patients today.
1 Agren M (1990) Studies on Zinc in Wound Healing. Linkoping University Medical Dissertations No. 320. Department of Pathology II, Faculty of Health Science. Linkoping, Sweden.
2 Kogan S, Sood A, Granick MS (2017) Zinc and wound healing: A review of zinc physiology and clinical applications. Wounds 29(4): 102–6
3 Lansdown ABG, Mirastschijski U, Stubbs N et al (2007) Zinc in wound healing: Theoretical, experimental and clinical aspects. Wound Repair Regen 15: 2–16
4 Maher SF (2015) Chronic venous leg ulcers – role of topical zinc. Chronic Wound Care Management and Research 2: 95–100
5 Pasquet J, Chevalier Y, Pelletier J et al (2014) The contribution of zinc ions to the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physiochem Eng Aspects 457: 263–74
