Zinc pyrithione is a chemical complex used in anti-dandruff shampoo and other hair and skin products, as well as prescription drugs and paints. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used to treat various skin and hair infections. Over-the-counter products contain varying concentrations and should not be ingested or applied to open wounds. Pyrithione zinc is also used in paints to resist mold and mildew and UV rays. It is commonly used in exterior paints and sponges to resist bacteria and fungi.
Zinc pyrithione is a chemical complex that has been used since the 1930s. It has a number of applications, the most famous of which is probably as anti-dandruff shampoo. Most of the products designed to fight dandruff contain this complex. Other hair and skin products also contain this complex, as do some prescription drugs, and they also have some industrial uses, particularly in paints.
This chemical complex has antibacterial and antifungal activities, along with resistance to ultraviolet radiation. It can be used in topical applications to treat fungal or bacterial infections of the skin and hair, ranging from tinea pedis to dandruff. Some conditions for which pyrithione zinc is commonly prescribed include: impetigo, dermatitis, ringworm, dry skin, eczema, and staph skin infection. It is also sometimes recommended for patients with psoriasis, although the effectiveness of zinc products in treating psoriasis has been questioned.
Many over-the-counter products contain zinc pyrithione in varying concentrations. It can be found listed in the active ingredients, and the ingredients list should also include a disclosure of how much of the complex is in the product. If home treatment for skin and scalp irritation with products containing this substance is ineffective, you may need to see a doctor to evaluate the condition and access stronger prescription products that may contain more zinc pyrithione or other products that may be more suitable for the specific condition being treated.
This product is designed for external use only and should not be ingested or applied to wounds that are oozing or where the skin is clearly broken. It can be dangerous for pregnant women and nursing mothers, along with people who have allergies to zinc. Most over-the-counter products have concentrations low enough not to cause harm, but allergic reactions to zinc pyrithione or other compounds in the product can occur in patients with increased sensitivity, in which case it is important to take the container to your doctor when looking for a allergy treatment.
In paints, pyrithione zinc is used to help paints resist mold and mildew, allowing them to last longer. The complex can also prevent paint fading by resisting UV rays, keeping paints looking brighter for longer. Not all paints can be mixed with this substance, as the complex can interfere with some of the ingredients that allow certain paints to dry, and the complex is most commonly used in paints intended for exterior use, because they need to be more weather resistant . Pyrithione zinc is also added to things like sponges to help these products resist colonization by bacteria and fungi.
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