A metal, several salts of which are used in medicine for external application. It is essential for growth and development in animals and plants. The average human body contains a total of 1– 2 grams, and most human diets contain 10–15 mg. In human beings, de?ciency of zinc results in lack of growth, slow sexual development and ANAEMIA. De?ciency is also associated with a skin disorder known as acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Uses Zinc chloride is a powerful caustic and astringent which, combined with zinc sulphate, is used as an astringent mouthwash. Zinc sulphate is also used in the form of eyedrops in the treatment of certain forms of conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF).
Zinc oxide, zinc stearate, and zinc carbonate are made up in dusting powders, in ointments, in paste bandages or suspended in water as lotions for the astringent action they exert upon abraded surfaces of the skin. Zinc and castor oil ointment of the British Pharmacopoeia is a well-tried treatment for nappy rash.
Zinc undecenoate is used as an ointment and as a dusting-powder in the treatment of RINGWORM.... zinc
A radio-opaque white powder used in X-ray examinations of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. The barium sulphate may be swallowed to enable the oesophagus, stomach and small and large intestines to be assessed for disorders such as ulceration, tumours, DIVERTICULAR DISEASE and polyps. It may also be inserted into the RECTUM or descending COLON to investigate for possible disease. These procedures are usually done after endoscopy examinations have been carried out.... barium sulphate
An ingredient of many skin preparations that has a mild astringent action and a soothing effect. Zinc oxide is used to treat painful, itchy, or moist skin conditions and to ease the pain caused by haemorrhoids and insect bites or stings. It also blocks the ultraviolet rays of the sun (see sunscreens).... zinc oxide
an antibiotic effective against a number of microorganisms. Combined with polymyxin B, it is applied externally to treat infections of the skin and eyes.... bacitracin zinc
a mucopolysaccharide that forms an important constituent of cartilage, bone, and other connective tissues. It is composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine units. Although it is sold as a supplement to help with joint pain, evidence of any benefit is limited.... chondroitin sulphate
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