Zinc Oxide for Wound Healing

zinc oxide for wound healing

Topical zinc oxide is widely used for the treatment of wound healing. Zinc is an essential metal in the body to activate different transcription factors (zinc fingers) and enzymes. 

 

According to several studies by Mayo Clinic, zinc is a key element when it comes to running vital bodily functions. Moreover, it is an integral element in bone development, muscle development, liver functions, kidney functions, and the immune system. 

 

The deficiency of zinc oxide can result in a poor immune system, slow bone growth, and hair loss. According to the National Institute of Medline Plus, zinc deficiency can also affect cell growth and division. 

 

Zinc Oxide for Wound Healing

Wound healing is a significant healthcare expense. The treatment of trauma, surgical, skin, and burn wounds along with lower limb ulcers is a major challenge in the medical industry. The current therapies of wound healing mainly focus on care and supportive measures. 

 

Successful wound healing is a complicated process that requires several coordinated steps including extracellular remodeling, new tissue formation, angiogenesis, coagulation, and inflammation.

 

Zinc oxide is an essential cofactor for various metalloenzymes required for cell growth, cell proliferation, cell membrane repair, and the immune system.

 

Zinc deficiency often results in compromised wound healing, skin lesions, retarded cell growth, and impaired immune function. 

 

A common cause of zinc deficiency is malnutrition. Consuming high phytate foods hinder the availability of zinc in the body. 

 

Benefits of Zinc Oxide for Wound Healing

As zinc deficiency is difficult to diagnose, many wound care specialists recommend taking a zinc oxide supplement to accelerate wound healing. For instance, if you will take 220 mg of zinc sulfate, your body will consume 50 mg of elemental zinc.

 

Zinc oxide regulates every phase of the healing process, such as:

  • Oxidative stress
  • Cell membrane repair
  • Coagulation
  • Immune defense
  • Inflammation
  • Scar or fibrosis formation
  • Angiogenesis
  • Tissue re-epithelialization

Zinc oxide for hemostasis

After a skin or burn injury, the hemostasis phase begins. In this phase, our body requires to form platelet adhesion to stop bleeding. Zinc oxide, however, plays a significant role in aggregating and decreasing bleeding time.

Zinc oxide for inflammation

Zinc oxide is an essential element to proliferate cells during the inflammation phase. It is responsible for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, cell proliferation, and protein.

Zinc oxide for cell proliferation

Angiogenesis develops a healthy network so that fibroblasts can create new tissues for wound healing. However, the cell wall is unstable in the following process. Zinc oxide is responsible to accelerate the growth of fibroblasts and maintain cell wall stability.

 

Conclusion

We require further research on the topic of zinc oxide for wound healing. However, physicians suggest taking zinc oxide supplements whenever possible for speedy wound recovery.

 


 

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