Is zinc oxide antimicrobial

Answer 1

ZnO (Sigma Aldrich 99.999%) was found to posses antimicrobial activties against Escherichia coli (29522) and Staphylococcus aureus (29523), however ZnO indicated no activty against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Answer 2

The short Answer is "No" because zinc oxide cannot be absorbed into the skin. Zinc sulfate, on the other hand, is absorbed by the skin.

But there are topical Antifungal Creams, such as

Clotrimazole_or_Baza_Cream_Antifungal_Moisture_Barrier.">Clotrimazoleor Baza Cream Antifungal Moisture Barrier. Clotrimazole is only antifungal, where as Baza is Antifungal and also has zinc oxide in it.

Possibly the solutions below can be used for diaper rash as well as yeast (fungal) infection along panty lines or under breasts (bra line). Fungal Yeast infections along panytlines or under the bra are usually characterized by rash that is itchy little red bumps.

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s is the main ingredient in most commercial diaper creams, such as Balmex, Desitin, and A&D with zinc oxide. Compared to the creams for preventing rashes above, zinc oxide is "stickier" than petrolatum and will last longer as a barrier between your baby's skin and the irritating environment inside the diaper. These various creams will also have other soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, beeswax and mineral oil. I like these creams for the mild to moderate rash. They can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies. My personal favorite is Balmex, because it is not greasy and doesn't have a strong smell. It's important to experiment to find the best product for your baby, because every baby's skin is different, so one product may work better for your baby.

• Hydrocortisone 1% cream. For a very irritated diaper rash, you can apply this over-the-counter cream twice a day beneath any of the other creams. This will help decrease the inflammation faster, but don't use it for more than a few days at a time because long-term use can damage the sensitive skin in the diaper area.
• Anti-fungal cream. For stubborn rashes, yeast (fungus) may be involved (see Diaper Rashes for help in identifying yeast rashes). Nystatin (prescription), or Clotrimazole (over-the-counter) are both good for yeast rashes, and are normally used three or four times per day in addition to a "barrier" cream with zinc oxide. Note: unless you are familiar with what a yeast rash looks like, you should probably see your baby's doctor for this type of rash.
• [Also, just buying over the counter Monistat or Vagistat and rubbing on the infected surface will do. These are Antifungal Vaginal Cream - meant to be used internally but can be used for a topical cream on the infected rash area.

Answer 3

Yes, zinc oxide has antimicrobial properties. It can help prevent bacteria and other microbes from growing and causing infections. This makes it a common ingredient in topical ointments and creams used to treat skin conditions.