We treat skin diseases. Zinc pyrithion

Zinc pyrithione is a complex zinc compound , which consists of three sulfur atoms and two oxygen atoms. This solid, colorless substance has been used in dermatology since the 1930s. It has pronounced fungicidal and antibacterial properties.

Zinc pyrithione is widely used in the treatment of seborrhea and psoriasis, including on the hairy areas of the skin. It was first used in North America for the treatment of dandruff. He was a member of various therapeutic shampoos and was released without a prescription. About his property to help with psoriasis became known by accident: it turned out that people suffering from this disease for a long time independently use the funds, which include zinc pyrithione, and he helps them. This effect was of interest to dermatologists, and in the course of clinical studies, many interesting facts were revealed. For example, it turned out that the use of this substance allows you to get rid of psoriatic plaques in just a few days. And in the studies involved patients in whom traditional treatment had no effect. The scientists also found out that after 2 days of using the drug in the plaque, apoptosis phenomena are observed.

The mechanism of action of this compound has not yet been fully studied. According to one of the theories, zinc pyrithione blocks the proton pump in the cell membrane, as a result of which transportation of the substances necessary for vital activity is disrupted, and the cell dies. Today this tool is most often used when Treatment of psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, shingles and dandruff. For various forms of dermatitis, children also use the "Pyrithione zinc" agent. Cream or aerosol is applied to the affected areas several times a day until complete recovery. He is also active against stethococci and staphylococci.

Zinc pyrithione is a part of many dandruff shampoos, as well as in medicines of various forms. These can be aerosols, creams, ointments and shampoos. The latter are used to treat psoriasis on the head. One of the most important advantages of the drug is that unlike the steroid hormones that are most often used in the treatment of psoriasis, it does not become addictive.

Today in any pharmacy you can buy a medicine "Pirityon zinc." The price for it, as a rule, depends on the manufacturer. Original drugs will cost an order of magnitude more expensive than their counterparts.

The drug is well tolerated, in rare cases, there are local allergic reactions, such as irritation or dry skin. Contraindications to use may be hypersensitivity to the active components of the drug. In case of contact with the eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with a large amount of water, if the substance is swallowed, gastric lavage should be performed. Preparations containing zinc pyrithione are not recommended for use in combination with local glucocorticosteroids.