Zinc Oxide

For Skin Irritation or Diaper Rash

• Dosage: Apply a liberal amount of ointment or cream to the affected area as needed.
• Frequency: For diaper rash, apply with every diaper change, especially at bedtime or when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged.

For Sun Protection

• Dosage: Apply enough to cover all exposed skin (approximately 1 ounce or a shot-glass full for the entire body).
• Frequency: Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours, or after 40-80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Zinc Oxide is generally considered safe for infants and children when used as directed.

• Infants: Use the same application method as adults for diaper rash. Ensure the area is clean and dry before application.
• Children: Use as a sunscreen or for minor scrapes. Avoid application to the face in very young children to prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation of powders.

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustments are required for topical application. For oral zinc supplements, consult a doctor as excessive zinc can accumulate in patients with severe renal failure.

Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustments are necessary for topical Zinc Oxide.

Elderly Patients

No specific adjustments are needed; however, elderly patients with fragile skin should apply the product gently to avoid skin tears.

Zinc Oxide is for external use only.

1. 1Clean the area: Wash the affected skin with mild soap and water and pat dry completely.
2. 2Apply: Use your fingers or a tongue depressor to apply a thick layer of the product.
3. 3Storage: Store at room temperature (68°F to 77°F). Keep the container tightly closed to prevent the product from drying out.

If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled application, skip the missed dose. Do not apply double the amount to make up for a missed dose.

Topical overdose is unlikely. However, if the product is swallowed, it may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention immediately.

> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.

Zinc Oxide is exceptionally well-tolerated. The most common experiences are not side effects of the drug itself but rather the nature of the formulation:

• Skin Whiteness: A visible white residue on the skin (common with physical sunscreens).
• Greasy Sensation: Ointments may feel heavy or sticky on the skin.

• Mild Skin Irritation: Some patients may experience slight redness or itching at the application site.
• Folliculitis: Prolonged use of thick pastes can occasionally clog pores, leading to minor inflammation of the hair follicles.

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A rare allergic response to zinc or other ingredients in the cream (such as lanolin or fragrances).
• Severe Dryness: In some cases, the astringent nature of zinc can cause the skin to feel overly dry or cracked.

> Warning: Stop using Zinc Oxide and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives or severe skin rash.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing or severe dizziness.
• Signs of Infection: If the skin area becomes warm, oozing, or develops red streaks, this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

There are no known systemic long-term side effects from the topical use of Zinc Oxide. It does not accumulate in the body to toxic levels when applied to intact skin. However, chronic use on very large areas of broken skin should be monitored by a healthcare professional.

No FDA black box warnings have been issued for Zinc Oxide. It is considered one of the safest topical ingredients available.

Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Zinc Oxide is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. If the product gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water for several minutes.

No FDA black box warnings for Zinc Oxide.

• Allergic Reactions: Patients with a known history of allergy to zinc, petroleum, or lanolin should exercise caution and perform a patch test before widespread use.
• Deep Wounds: Do not use Zinc Oxide on deep puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns without consulting a physician, as the barrier may trap bacteria inside the wound.
• Inhalation Risk: When using Zinc Oxide powders, keep the powder away from the face to prevent infants or children from inhaling it, which can cause respiratory distress.
• Condition Worsening: If the skin condition does not improve within 7 days or clears up and occurs again within a few days, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

No routine lab tests (such as blood counts or liver function tests) are required for patients using topical Zinc Oxide. Healthcare providers will typically monitor the healing progress of the skin lesion through visual inspection.

Zinc Oxide does not affect the central nervous system and has no impact on the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

There are no known interactions between topical Zinc Oxide and alcohol consumption.

Zinc Oxide can be discontinued at any time without the need for tapering. There is no risk of withdrawal syndrome.

> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Zinc Oxide.

There are no known drugs that are strictly contraindicated for use with topical Zinc Oxide. Because it is not absorbed systemically, it does not interfere with oral medications.

• Topical Corticosteroids: While not a direct chemical interaction, applying a thick layer of Zinc Oxide over a topical steroid may significantly reduce the absorption and efficacy of the steroid. It is generally recommended to apply the medicated cream first, wait for it to absorb, and then apply Zinc Oxide as a barrier.

• Other Topical Meds: Zinc Oxide may act as a physical barrier that prevents other topical medications (like antifungal creams or antibiotics) from reaching the skin surface. Always consult your pharmacist regarding the order of application.

There are no relevant food interactions for topical Zinc Oxide. If taking oral zinc supplements, avoid taking them with high-phytate foods (like whole grains and legumes) as they can reduce zinc absorption.

There are no known interactions between topical Zinc Oxide and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort or Ginkgo Biloba.

Zinc Oxide is not known to interfere with standard blood or urine laboratory tests.

For each major interaction, explain:

• Mechanism: Physical barrier interference (pharmacodynamic).
• Clinical Consequence: Reduced efficacy of co-administered topical drugs.
• Management Strategy: Stagger the application of different topical products by at least 30 to 60 minutes.

> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

Zinc Oxide must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Zinc Oxide or any component of the formulation (e.g., petroleum, mineral oil, wax, or lanolin).
• Ophthalmic Use: It should never be placed directly into the eyes.

Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:

• Broken or Blistered Skin: While used for minor scrapes, applying thick pastes to severely denuded or oozing skin may interfere with proper wound assessment.
• Severe Burns: Third-degree burns require specialized medical care rather than OTC barrier creams.

Patients allergic to other zinc-based salts or those with a history of sensitivity to sunscreens containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) should monitor their skin closely, though cross-reactivity with Zinc Oxide is rare.

> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Zinc Oxide.

FDA Pregnancy Category: Not formally assigned (Topical). Zinc Oxide is considered safe for use during pregnancy when applied topically. Because systemic absorption is negligible, there is no known risk of teratogenicity or harm to the developing fetus. It is frequently used by pregnant women for skin irritation and sun protection.

Zinc Oxide is compatible with breastfeeding. It is not expected to pass into breast milk in significant amounts when used topically. However, mothers should avoid applying the cream directly to the nipple or areola area before nursing to prevent the infant from ingesting the product.

Zinc Oxide is a primary treatment for diaper rash in infants and is approved for use in all pediatric age groups. It is essential to use the product as directed and ensure that powders are kept away from the child's face to avoid inhalation.

No specific concerns exist for the elderly. Zinc Oxide is useful for preventing skin breakdown in bedridden patients (incontinence-associated dermatitis). Care should be taken to avoid vigorous rubbing when applying or removing the paste from thin, fragile skin.

No dose adjustment is required for topical use. Systemic accumulation is not a concern with standard dermatological application.

No dose adjustment is required for topical use.

> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.

Zinc Oxide functions as a physical barrier. Its high refractive index allows it to reflect and scatter UV radiation, protecting the DNA in skin cells from damage. Furthermore, it provides an occlusive layer that protects skin from maceration (softening due to moisture). At the cellular level, it has been categorized as an Adenosine Receptor Agonist [MoA] in specific models, which may contribute to its ability to modulate local inflammatory responses and promote tissue repair.

The effect of Zinc Oxide is immediate upon application. Its duration of action lasts as long as the product remains on the skin. It does not induce tolerance, and its protective effects are consistent with repeated use.

| Parameter | Value |

|---|---|

| Bioavailability | Negligible (Topical) |

| Protein Binding | 99% (if systemic) |

| Half-life | N/A (Topical) |

| Tmax | N/A (Topical) |

| Metabolism | None (Inorganic mineral) |

| Excretion | Fecal (70-80% of absorbed zinc) |

• Molecular Formula: ZnO
• Molecular Weight: 81.38 g/mol
• Solubility: Insoluble in water and alcohol; soluble in dilute acids.
• Structure: A white, odorless powder with a hexagonal crystal structure.

Zinc Oxide is a Skin Protectant. It is also categorized under Vitamin C [EPC] and Vitamin D [EPC] in some databases when used as a mineral supplement. Related medications include Petrolatum, Lanolin, and Titanium Dioxide.