Skin zinc is a topical lotion or spray containing zinc pyrithione. Zinc is a mineral (metallic, not herb) which is found in minute amounts in nearly all living things. Zinc pyrithione is a preparation of a zinc compound. In the 1990s, over the counter preparations for skin zinc became popular. Zinc pyrithione had been previously used with a high degree of effectiveness in shampoos to treat dandruff. Both Suave® and Head & Shoulders® contain zinc, which is considered a better alternative to the tar some dandruff shampoos contain. Tar is thought to be carcinogenic and has recently been pulled from US markets.

Zinc pyrithione has anti-fungal properties, and was first synthetically produced in the 1930s. It is also considered to have anti-bacterial agents, which may fight certain bacteria strains, though the evidence on this is largely anecdotal. As skin zinc, it is used to treat skin irritation caused by dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. It is also promoted as a fungicide for treating athlete’s foot or ringworm.

When skin zinc first hit the US markets in the mid 1990s, many doctors immediately supported its use. A 1997 article discussed the efficacy of the product Skin Cap® as used to treat psoriasis, a condition caused by an autoimmune disorder that results in noticeably large patches of red, scaled and scabbed skin on the joints.

Within a month, the same doctors retracted their statements because the initial Skin Cap® preparation contained steroids. The tests were unreliable and the product unsafe, thus it was quickly pulled by the FDA. Skin Cap rebounded by reformulating their product without steroids, and it is now sold throughout the US.

Most skin zinc preparations claim efficacy based on early tests that were tainted because the formula contained corticosteroids. There is good anecdotal evidence that newly formulated skin zinc is effective for the treatment of skin conditions that relate to psoriasis, yet there are no long term, double blind clinical studies.

When looking for skin zinc, keep in mind that the claims of the advertisers are often misleading. Reading the fine print can help. Most advertisers point to individual case studies of relatively short duration. None of these studies show adverse reactions to skin zinc, though oral zinc can be a significant irritant to the stomach.

Claims of skin zinc effectiveness are less well established when the product is marketed to those suffering from eczema. Some eczema is caused by zinc deficiency, yet there is little evidence that either oral or topical supplementation resolves the condition. Eczema is often the cause of prolonged allergies, diet, and stress. Identifying the causes and successfully treating the condition are difficult even for dermatologists. Little in the way of positive results may disappoint those wishing to try skin zinc preparations.

Given that zinc pyrithione has been used for decades in dandruff shampoos, there is at least clinical evidence that very little zinc is absorbed through the skin. Although trying skin zinc may not improve a skin condition, it is unlikely to cause harm. However, these trials have not been done on large populations of children, so parents should consult their child’s doctor prior to using skin zinc on a child with skin conditions. There are a few people who have reported adverse skin reactions to zinc pyrithione and should avoid skin zinc in any form. As with any over the counter preparation, one should consult a doctor before starting a skin zinc regimen in order to address any drug interactions or other issues that might make the product unsafe for an individual.