Skin Zinc is an over-the-counter product marketed for a number of skin disorders including psoriasis. There is clinical evidence that supports its use in psoriasis. However, because of its price I’d recommend shopping around a bit or contacting a compounding pharmacy to prepare it.
Psoriasis is certainly not a ‘dangerous’ disease (although in around 10-20 of people it may lead to a form of arthritis) but it can be pretty troublesome and embarrassing particularly if it covers a good portion of your body.
My youngest son actually had eczema when he was under a year old. Eczema, is actually similar to psoriasis but usually covers the body in a different pattern. It was pretty frustrating (and expensive) to find something that really worked (more on that in a second).
About Skin Zinc. As the name implies Skin Zinc has zinc pyrithione in it. And, because I see some confusion about this zinc is actually a mineral - not an herb.
The important thing to note about Skin Zinc is that it’s active ingredient does have proven anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Now, can Skin Zinc help your psoriasis?
Skin Zinc for PsoriasisFirst of all, do you know for sure that you have psoriasis? In other words, has you doctor diagnosed you? I only ask this because most people who have seen a doctor have been given a prescription to treat the psoriasis and since you are questioning using an over-the-counter product I want to make sure you know that it truly is psoriasis.
There is no consensus on the actual cause of psoriasis. But, most people believe that it is an auto-immune disease. Basically that means that your body is ‘attacking’ itself for any number of reasons. But, usually it comes down to some sort of stressful event or environmental factor. Most people like to deny that they have any stress that might be contributing to their condition but, upon digging, that’s usually the case.
If it makes you feel any better I use to suffer from stress induced urticaria. That’s hives on the skin that are caused by stress. I went to an allergist twice and couldn’t get a straight answer (or any help) as they pretty much threw their hands up in the air. So, I searched myself and discovered that is what I likely had. Long story short, when I learned to handle the stress I had in my life at that time in the right way the hives eventually went away.
So please, be honest with yourself and make sure that this is not an issue for you. My experience has been that if a patient can take this step the skin disorder will improve if not completely go away within a month or so. This ‘theory’ is also supported by the fact that psoriasis is idiosyncratic can show up for no apparent reason and then, also for no apparent reason, clear up.
There are also other contributing factors and causes of psoriasis so make sure these aren’t contributing factors:
- Infections
- Changes in season
- Climate
- Medications, especially Lithium (Litho-Bid, Eskalith, lithium carbonate, etc.); Beta Blockers (Lopressor - metoprolol, Inderal - propranolol, Tenormin - atenolol)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Obesity
Now, as far as Skin Zinc itself helping psoriasis there is some evidence that it can.
Skin Zinc is Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterialRemember, because psoriasis is auto-immune your body is attacking itself. And, despite what you might think, this over-active immune system can open you up to infections. So clinicians believe there is a ‘infectious’ component to psoriasis that Skin Zinc may help with.
So, as an adjunct to treating psoriasis Skin Zinc, in theory, can be helpful.
Downsides to Skin ZincI have read reports of Skin Zinc ‘burning’. Also, in preparing this answer I looked around on the net at some of the psoriasis forums that were discussing Skin Zinc and a lot of the posters expressed their displeasure for the product. Partly because of the commercial marketing of the product and making it seem better than what it really is.
Honestly, the actual Skin Zinc website does have a bit of a pushy, salesman-type feel that could be a turn-off. In fairness to Skin Zinc though, most posters on forums tend to be a little on the negative side anyways - but that is just my experience.
My biggest downside to Skin Zinc is the cost. Skin Zinc is not cheap by my standards. Unfortunately, that tends to be a theme with most psoriasis treatments.
Skin Zinc ConclusionHere is my takeaway on Skin Zinc. I think it could play a role in your psoriasis and may help. However, don’t expect it to be a cure-all. I still think that the best treatment for psoriasis is lifestyle modifications (I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes right now but this is based on my experience and the experience of other health care providers) and moisturizing preparations that contain some steroids to get you through the tougher bouts of the disease.
I would caution you to shop around as Skin Zinc seems to be a little overpriced to me. Another option is to call around to a compounding pharmacy and have them just mix up a zinc/moisturizing cream solution if the price is right.
