Introduction
Most of the hair and skin care kinds of stuff widely distributed and circulated in the markets are loaded with Zinc pyrithione. It has multiple therapeutic values, making it an active ingredient in various creams and shampoos. It can be easily purchased from pharmacies and does not mandate a prescription from the doctor for getting the medicated product. It is proven to be effective for various skin conditions involving flaking and peeling of the skin. However, certain studies have pointed out a few of its side effects, especially in individuals with highly reactive skin.
What Is Zinc Pyrithione?
Zinc pyrithione is a specific compound encompassing both pyrithione and zinc in a distinct proportion. It is a routine component in hair and skin care regimes. Its effectiveness as an antifungal agent is responsible for its wide application. In addition to the antifungal activity, it also possesses antimicrobial (checks disease-inducing microorganisms) and antibacterial (checks bacterial activity) effects. Thus it effectively tackles various fungal, bacterial, and other microbial infections.
Zinc pyrithione is advised for topical (over the skin and scalp) usage. Other means of intake of Zinc pyrithione, including the oral route, are strictly warned. Unintentional oral intake of Zinc pyrithione can precipitate health issues and demand medical attention.
What Does Zinc Pyrithione Do for the Skin and Hair?
Zinc pyrithione is effective in dealing with various skin and hair issues. Being a potent antifungal agent, it can check the growth of fungus in the skin and scalp. In addition, Zinc pyrithione curbs the fungal species that typically bring in dandruff (white-flaky scalp). It can calm down the itchy and irritated skin and scalp.
The antibacterial activities of Zinc pyrithione impede bacterial growth and thereby restrict bacterial infections. Thus it can have remarkable effects on acne (pimples). In addition, it can gear down the swelling, pain, and redness associated with acne and other skin conditions. At times, certain fungal growth does trigger the development of acne. Zinc pyrithione works well for fungal acne by interrupting the enzymatic activity of the fungus.
A clinical trial study report has concluded the effectiveness of Zinc pyrithione in enhancing hair growth and appearance when used regularly. Certain fungal and bacterial growth interrupt and alter the oil balance in the skin and scalp. Zinc pyrithione aids in restoring the oil balance in the skin by interfering with fungal and bacterial multiplication. Thus it helps maintain the general and overall health and well-being of hair and skin.
What Are the Skin and Hair Conditions for Which Zinc Pyrithione Works Well?
Certain studies have concluded the effectiveness of Zinc pyrithione in tackling the following skin and hair problems:
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Seborrheic Dermatitis: It is a peculiar skin condition that can develop anywhere in the skin; however, it is primarily encountered in the face, skin creases (folds), and even on the scalp. It is quite persisting in nature, with alternating flare-ups and symptom-free periods. There are many hypotheses regarding the development of seborrheic dermatitis. It is believed to result from the excessive growth of a typical fungal - Malassezia. However, hormonal disparity, altered skin lipid levels, and familial associations play a considerable role in developing seborrheic dermatitis. Exposure to extreme climatic conditions, emotional stress, and other skin conditions often act as a catalyst.
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Eczema: It encompasses a wide range of allergic skin issues in the form of dryness, cracking, and an extreme tendency for scratchiness. Occasionally, the skin develops sores which make the condition worse. The symptoms tend to vary on an individual basis, and hence the manifestations are often broader. It is quite a debilitating condition that impacts the quality of one's life. Studies have figured out a few triggering factors, including foodstuff, pollutants, pollen grains, certain smells, and many more that can bring in eczema breakouts.
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Psoriasis: It is a skin condition with close relation to aberrant immune functions. The pace of skin cell growth will get triggered in psoriasis, which eventually results in the gathering of the cells within the skin surface, forming scales. There are different variants of psoriasis, and at times, more than one variant co-exist in a single person. Many topical medications employed for psoriasis have Zinc pyrithione as one of their crucial ingredients.
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Dandruff: Dandruff is a more familiar variant of seborrheic dermatitis, where the condition exclusively involves the scalp. It is a widely reported and frequently encountered condition in which the person experiences severe itching on the scalp. Noticeable white-colored flakes can be adherent to the scalp, and some can be seen freely floating within the hair strands. It induces hair fall and which eventually brings about thinning of hair. A wide variety of medicated shampoos claimed to have anti-dandruff properties.
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Acne: These are manifested in the form of small bumps over the skin surface and are precipitated once the oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) over the facial skin are occluded.
What Are the Different Forms in Which Zinc Pyrithione Is Available?
Zinc pyrithione is intended to be used topically (over the skin surface); however, the internal application is strictly warned. It is available in the form of various skin and hair care stuffs, including:
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Zinc Pyrithione-Based Scalp Lotion and Shampoo: It is advised for dealing with hair issues like dandruff. In addition, it also tackles various bacteria-induced scalp issues that are responsible for hair fall. It works wonders in calming down the itchiness of the scalp.
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Zinc Pyrithione Face Wash and Cleanser: Zinc pyrithione topical medication is also available in face wash with an appropriate concentration of Zinc pyrithione. It aids in settling the discomfort, itching, and erythema (redness) in the skin that develops in association with disease conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. It also calms down the acne.
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Zinc Pyrithione Cream: Regular application of Zinc pyrithione-based creams is fruitful for skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, and a mild degree of seborrheic dermatitis.
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Medicated Soaps: Recently medicated soaps with a considerable concentration of Zinc pyrithione are being marketed for patients with skin issues.
Conclusion
Zinc pyrithione is reported to have broad application for skin and hair health. It works against various fungal and microbial growth, eventually bringing down some skin and scalp conditions. Microbial growth in the scalp can impact the hair follicles and eventually induce hair fall. Similarly, microbial growth on the skin surface triggers various skin reactions. Zinc pyrithione-containing topical medications are among the most widely prescribed drugs for skin and hair issues.
