Zinc Oxide

Description

Zinc oxide is a major ingredient in topical sunscreens, and is also used as a medication to treat or prevent minor skin irritations. Zinc oxide occurs in nature as the mineral zincite. Since it is nearly insoluble in water, products made with zinc and applied to the skin tend to adhere well, and have a relatively long life as a protectant.

Usage

Zinc oxide is used as a sunblock and also as a medication in the treatment or prevention of minor skin irritations, such as cuts, burns, poison ivy, and skin rash. Currently, sunblocks are available in colors that make it easy to see when the sunblock has worn or been rubbed off.

Dosage and Administration

Apply a generous amount of sunblock to the skin as often as needed to protect from sunburn. As a medication, apply topically to affected areas once or twice a day.

Side Effects

There are no reports of side effects from using this product.

Precautions

None noted.

Interactions

None noted.

Overdose

None noted.