

Zinc oxide appears to simulate the action of certain growth factors, in addition to increasing its release. The advantages over zinc sulphate, which is a water-soluble compound, are due to the fact that it enables a sustained release of zinc avoiding cytotoxic levels.

On the contrary, its topical application has shown improvement at experimental and clinical level in patients presenting with both deficit and normal serum levels.Īlthough zinc oxide and low zinc sulphate concentration have anti-inflammatory effects, experimental studies comparing these two presentations have demonstrated benefit of zinc oxide in wounds. If normal levels exist, the conclusion of a systemic review of six clinical trials including leg wounds (with small sample size and different limitations) is that there is no benefit over placebo. Oral zinc sulphate supplementationis essential for healing in zinc-deficient patients. What is the interest of the topical application route?

If we take into account that these effects are what we look for in all our patients, it seems like an interesting treatment, doesn’t it? The conclusion would be that, when zinc is applied directly on the wound and damaged perilesional skin, the elimination of non-viable tissue is promoted, the risk of superinfection decreases, inflammation is reduced and epithelialization is stimulated. However, resistance has been detected in certain strains, such as SAMR, and their ability to act on biofilms seems limited. 1Īlthough more studies are needed on its antimicrobial role, experimental studies have detected growth inhibiton of different bacterial species. Its anti-inflammatory effect is also associated with its regulatory action of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. On the other hand, zinc is also a cofactor of metalotioneins, antioxidant proteins that increase cellular resistance to apoptosis by having a protective effect against reactive oxygen species and bacterial toxins. This benefit has been observed in pressure ulcers, diabetic foot and burns. This is due to the collagenase activity of the matrix metalloproteinases of which zinc is a cofactor. In addition, it has also been shown that topical zinc in wounds promotes autolytic debridement. In the final stage of wound healing, these levels are reduced, with the consequent decrease in cell division.2Īlthough the exact action mechanismof zinc is unknown, different pathways in which it could be involved have been proposed, such as cell replication and migration (important role of zinc in the expression of the involved integrins), protein synthesis and cell repair. This is due to increased expression of membrane transporters in keratinocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages. In the initial inflammatory phase, zinc levels rise at the edges of the wound and this concentration increases during granulation and epithelialization phase. In the skin, the highest concentration of zinc is found in the epidermis, especially in the keratinocytes closest to the basement membrane. The role of zinc in wound healing has been studied predominantly in experimental animal studies. What role does zinc play in wound healing? On the contrary, t opical application of zinc has gained a good positioningbetween the alternatives of local treatment of wounds and perilesional skin. Although dermatological disorders secondary to low levels of zinc in the body are normally resolved with oral supplements, this route of administration has not shown clear benefits in patients with wounds without this deficit.
#TRIPLE PASTE ZINC OXIDE SKIN#
Zinc deficiency, due to either hereditary or dietary causes, has been associated with skin alterations and delayed healing. The concentration of intracellular zinc is regulated by different cellular transporters. Following iron, it is the most abundant trace element in the human body. a metal found in the body in very small amounts, but it is essential for the activity of different enzymes and transcription factors(proteins with structural domains called “ zinc fingers“). Zinc in wounds is a subject that has never lost its relevance.
