Zinc Oxide for Eczema: Understanding the Benefits

Zinc Oxide for Eczema Itch

Zinc oxide is medically recommended as an excellent anti-inflammatory treatment for irritated skin conditions including diaper rash, poison ivy and clinical research has also confirmed using zinc oxide for treating eczema to calm the itch and soothe the skin. Non-allergenic, zinc oxide is a mild astringent and offers antiseptic benefits.

Zinc Oxide is the most effective active ingredient in diaper rash creams like Desitin and anti-itch calamine cream and high-quality sunscreens. You will also find a zinc oxide derivative in a complex compound - zinc pyrithione - for treating dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis (cradle cap). Research studies and clinical trials by Mrinal Gupta and a team of research colleagues have also revealed the potential benefits and effectiveness of using Zinc Oxide to treat atopic dermatitis /eczema and psoriasis by providing relief from the burning skin sensation, control the itch and stop the spread of potential infections.

Clinical research has also shown that zinc oxide provides relief from the following skin disorders and illnesses: rosacea, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) - chickenpox and shingles, pigmentary disorders, neoplasias, and certain viruses like some warts.

Let’s take a look at what zinc oxide is and how it can provide relief specifically from eczema.

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a derivative of zinc (Zn), which is a metallic element abundantly found in nature. Researchers have also recently recognized the importance of zinc as an essential nutrient for infant growth. Zinc has been known to help prevent the spread of viruses like the common cold. It’s a safe and natural ingredient that even the tiniest of humans can benefit from, in restricted doses.

Besides medical applications, there are thousands of commercial and industrial uses for pure zinc and its compounded versions, like zinc oxide, in the household and electronic products. Like other elemental metals, zinc carries a unique electrical charge that has been proven to provide relief from various illnesses as well as therapeutic benefits to the body. There are no known allergies or adverse side effects from topical use of zinc oxide.

Benefits of Using Zinc Oxide to Treat Eczema: 

• Aids in healing the skin. Zinc oxide has been proven to help the skin heal after burns or injury.
• Moisture retention. Eczema makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture. By using zinc oxide, you can create a protective layer on top of the skin and in turn retain more moisture.
• Stops the spread of infection. Zinc possesses anti-bacterial properties, which helps clean the broken eczema skin and keeps out bacteria that can cause infections.
• Prevents eczema flare-ups. Eczema flare-ups can be prevented by regular use of a zinc oxide topical cream.
• Relieves rashes and itch. Itches and rashes are soothed by this natural micronutrient.

Zinc oxide and products that contain it are excellent in combating the symptoms of eczema. Whether used as a cream or in a product like our eczema-friendly children’s clothing, this ingredient can provide relief from uncomfortable eczema symptoms like itching, burning sensations, and rashes. 

Clothing Infused with Zinc Oxide: Zinc Oxide Fabric is effective in treating Eczema.

Yes functionalized, skin-smart textiles have been clinically proven to speed relief from eczema flareups. According to research from the National Institution for Biotechnical Information titled Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: 

“Zinc oxide impregnated textiles have been tried in vivo for the management of atopic dermatitis in a study and a significant improvement was observed in the disease severity, pruritus, and subjective sleep in patients who wore zinc oxide-impregnated textiles than in control group. These zinc oxide-functionalized textiles could be the upcoming treatment modality of choice for atopic dermatitis for the future.”

Zinc Oxide: What is the best fabric for eczema?

Dermatologist recommended Soothems Eczema sleepwear and Psoriasis clothing are FDA registered, class 1 medical device, exempt status for adults and eczema suffering children are made from a proprietary fabric called TEWLTect®. 

SOOTHEMS® has been developed as a therapeutic treatment to help people with particularly sensitive skin, such as those suffering from Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema, Psoriasis, Neurodermatitis, Xerosis (dry skin) and other skin allergies.

SOOTHEMS® are made from a proprietary smart fabric called TEWLTect®, a blend of high performance sustainable cellulosic polymer fibers enhanced with completely safe, non-allergenic biopolymer called Chitosan and Zinc Oxide. The beneficial properties of TEWLTect® Skin Smart fabric provide a positive, soothing effect that reduces itchiness and helps preserve moisture levels on the skin. When the skin naturally releases moisture, there is an active exchange between human skin and the unique properties of TENCEL™ lyocell fibers with Chitosan, TANBOOCEL® viscose made from bamboo pulp fibers and the zinc oxide that encapsulates the fabric:

• TEWLTect® smart fabric is an environmentally sustainable blend of natural cellulosic polymer fibers encapsulated in zinc oxide; 60% TENCEL™ is a lyocell fiber made from beech wood embedded with the environmentally safe, FDA approved, biopolymer Chitosan (used for healing skin is a hypoallergenic, bio-polymer, made from a renewable resource, approved by the FDA for human use), and 35% TANBOOCEL® viscose made from bamboo, and 5% Creora® (latex free) spandex.
• Zinc Oxide (or ZnO), is an inorganic mineral compound which is incorporated into the TEWLTect™ fibers through an encapsulation process that can never wear out or wash off, contributes to the regeneration of the skin, naturally soothing irritated skin and used to heal wounds.
• Zinc Oxide is a mild astringent that is clinically proven to be anti-inflammatory, soothing to the skin and even acting like a protective layer on the skin to lock moisture in to help relieve itchiness for people with skin problems.

According to Dr. Peter Lio, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist, and a member of the National Eczema Association Scientific Advisory Committee "the TEWLTect® fabric used to make Soothems eczema clothing is highly effective at controlling bacteria on the skin of atopic dermatitis patients and helps calm itching, inflammation and works great for wet wrapping. The overall benefits are incredible and even help reduce patient stress and improve sleep patterns."  

The Truth about Zinc vs. Zinc Oxide:

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell and is a truly beneficial element in both cutaneous health and disease. Zinc stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in the body. It must be obtained from the diet since the body cannot make enough. Next to iron zinc oxide is the most abundant trace mineral in the body. Zinc deficiency may explain alopecia, ulcers, infections and a host of strange unexplainable skin changes.

Despite oral zinc supplements being widely available and offering other health benefits, MedlinePlus says that these zinc pills are “possibly ineffective” for skin conditions such as eczema. “Taking zinc orally does not appear to improve skin redness or itching in children with eczema.”

Zinc oxide pastes (or emollients) can be purchased for eczema treatment and can be slathered on liberally in most cases – though it should be kept in mind that the skin does not absorb zinc oxide, so it leaves a residue and will need to be covered.

Independently Tested: Sensitive Skin Safe, and Dermatologist Recommended - Soothems

Soothems eczema clothing use medical-grade zinc oxide particles that are incorporated into the TEWLTect® fibers through an encapsulation process that can never wear out or wash out. The zinc oxide contributes to the regeneration of the skin, naturally soothing irritated skin and used to heal wounds. Besides being thoroughly tested for harmful chemicals, Soothems has tested negative (which means no adverse effects) following the Human Repeated Insult Patch Test, have independently passed the EU certification REACH, and use only Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified materials. They are completely safe for the most sensitive human skin.

Zinc oxide in psoriasis and eczema sleepwear and clothing is absolutely a treatment worth exploring, with the approval of your physician, to make your child’s life a bit easier. Less Itch, More Smile!