A soothing and protective agent that is mildly astringent and used in the form of a cream, ointment, or dusting power to treat napkin rash, urine rashes, eczema , haemorrhoids , and mild skin abrasions. Creams and ointments often also contain emollients , such as castor oil, arachis oil, and wool fat. Zinc oxide is also used as a paste in medicated bandages to treat leg ulcers. Combined with coal tar or ichthammol , it is used as a paste to treat psoriasis or eczema.
Zinc oxide reflects sunlight and is therefore included in some sunscreen preparations .
Zinc oxide can be obtained without a prescription but some compound preparations are prescription only medicines. Dictionary of Medicines, Oxford University Press 3. All rights reserved.