A metal, several salts of which are used in medicine for external application. It is essential for growth and development in animals and plants. The average human body contains a total of 1–2 grams, and most human diets contain 10–15 mg. Deficiency of zinc results in lack of growth, slow sexual development and ANAEMIA. It is also associated with a skin disorder known as acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Zinc chloride is a powerful caustic and astringent which, combined with zinc sulphate, is used as a mouthwash. Zinc sulphate is used in the form of eye drops in the treatment of certain forms of conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF).
Zinc oxide, zinc stearate, and zinc carbonate are made up in dusting powders, in ointments, in paste bandages or suspended in water as lotions for the astringent action they exert upon abraded surfaces of the skin. Zinc and castor oil ointment is a well-tried treatment for nappy rash.
Zinc undecenoate is used as an ointment and as a dusting-powder in the treatment of RINGWORM.