Publication:

Elucidating the role of zinc oxide in dermatitis of varied etiology across the age spectrum: a comprehensive review

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely used in dermatology for its protective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. This comprehensive secondary review evaluates the efficacy of ZnO in preventing and managing skin rashes across pediatric and adult populations, including those caused by tight clothing, frictional dermatoses, sanitary pad dermatitis, diaper dermatitis (DD), contact dermatitis, and anti-chafing conditions. ZnO plays a crucial role in skin barrier repair, hydration, and the treatment of inflammatory conditions, making it particularly beneficial for thick-skin areas. Clinical evidence confirms the efficacy of ZnO in various concentrations, with 5-10% proving effective for mild cases, while higher concentrations or combination therapies with tocopherol and petrolatum enhance therapeutic benefits. Additionally, ZnO has shown effectiveness in wart management, with a 20% ZnO ointment is comparable to a combination of 15% salicylic acid and 15% lactic acid ointment, with half of the patients achieving complete cure within three months without scarring, hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation, while another randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial found that topical 15% ZnO ointment significantly reduced the median surface area of common warts after four weeks. These findings suggest that ZnO can be used as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the efficacy of other treatments. These findings establish ZnO as a versatile agent in the prevention and treatment of rashes across multiple skin conditions, reinforcing its tolerability, efficacy, and role in maintaining skin health.