Zinc oxide is a compound that has the chemical formula ZnO in which the Z stands for zinc and the O stands for oxygen. This means that it consists of one atom of zinc and one atom of oxygen, which are bound together. Humans use this substance in many different ways, including in diaper cream, sunblock, paint, rubber goods, and some paper coatings. It is even used in some foods. Despite the fact that it has so many uses, many people are most familiar with it in topical form.
Zinc oxide may be found in many health care products. It is used, for example, in order to protect the skin from irritation. For this use, it is often found in diaper creams. It’s also used in special lotions that help soothe irritated, itchy skin as well as in preparations that are intended to soothe burns. An individual may also find zinc oxide in sunscreens, which have the job of protecting skin from the sun. Interestingly, this compound may even be included in some preparations that are used to treat the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
The reason zinc oxide is used in so many topical products is because of its unique qualities. For starters it absorbs ultraviolet light, which is why it’s such a popular ingredient in sunscreens. It also has mild astringent properties, which make it useful for drying minor skin irritation. The compound may also help promote immune system health, making it helpful in wound healing. It also helps to absorb moisture from wounds and is sometimes used in special tape designed to help athletes avoid soft tissue injuries.
This compound is also taken internally. For example, it is included in some multivitamin supplements. It may also be taken as part of treatment for a condition called macular degeneration, which is a progressive type of eye disease. People may also find it in foods that are fortified with vitamins and minerals. For example, some cereals include zinc oxide in order to provide consumers with extra zinc in their diets. This is an important use, as zinc is a mineral that is essential for good health.
In addition to the ways zinc oxide may be helpful in health care, it also has many other uses. For example, it provides a basis for paint pigments, such as Chinese white, and it can be used as a filler for items that are made out of rubber. It may even be used as an additive in making fire retardants and ceramics.