Acne is a common problem that everyone has to face. While single rashes can be dealt with relatively easily, serious skin lesions, especially on the face, cause a lot of inconvenience. A person develops certain complexes against the background of which he inevitably becomes a hostage to his appearance. Acne affects people regardless of their gender or age, so adult patients who have long gone through puberty also experience acne. Among all treatment methods, salicylic-zinc paste for acne is considered one of the most effective. Its application will be discussed in more detail in this article.
Salicylic-zinc paste for acne
Salicylic-zinc paste or, as it is also called, Lassara, is an antiseptic drug with disinfectant and antimicrobial properties. The drug is actively used in the treatment of many dermatological diseases. For several years now, people have been successfully using ointment as an effective remedy against acne.
Salicylic-zinc paste
But, despite the high effectiveness of the drug, some components included in the composition can provoke negative reactions in the body. Therefore, before use, be sure to read the instructions, because salicylic-zinc paste is a medicinal product.
Chemical composition
The active components of the drug are chemicals that are produced industrially. We are talking about salicylic acid and zinc oxide. The action of these components is practically the same; moreover, due to the antibacterial effect of the acid and the anti-inflammatory effect of zinc oxide, the pharmacological effect of the ointment used is significantly enhanced.
Use of salicylic-zinc paste for acne
Note! The paste is based on pharmaceutical petroleum jelly, a substance with medicinal properties. First of all, this Vaseline prevents the skin from drying out after contact with salicylic acid. This allows you to avoid serious skin problems.
Zinc oxide is a crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. The powder itself is colorless, but when heated or exposed to sunlight it turns yellow. Salicylic acid was originally extracted from willow bark (hence the name - salix translates as “willow”). But over time, people learned to obtain the substance using artificial methods.
Zinc oxide for skin
Effect
The rich chemical composition makes Lassara paste indispensable for problem skin. The main advantages of this product are availability, low cost and, accordingly, high efficiency. In addition to fighting acne, the paste can also be effectively used for other skin problems:
- nervous skin diseases;
- superficial burns;
- development of different types of dermatitis;
- herpes and other viral skin lesions;
- the formation of skin wounds accompanied by serious suppurative processes;
- acne (inflammation of the skin that occurs against the background of changes in pilosebaceous structures).
Brief description of the product
The drug is prescribed both independently and as part of complex treatment. It is often used for the preparation of complex pharmaceutical mixtures and when performing physiotherapeutic procedures.
The therapeutic effect of the drug is achieved through:
- adsorbent effect;
- detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms that are sensitive to the active components of the drug;
- drying the skin;
- eliminating itching and pain;
- relieving the inflammatory process or reducing its intensity.
The paste acts comprehensively
All active components of the medicinal ointment, recognizing the cause of suppuration and the inflammatory process, negatively affect the pathological microorganism, slowing down its vital activity. After the microbes die, special components are activated that restore the skin and bring it to its normal state. Painful sensations and tissue swelling go away, blood circulation improves, and cell regeneration is restored.
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When using any medicine you need to be extremely careful, and salicylic-zinc ointment is no exception. Despite the large number of advantages, the drug has several contraindications that must be taken into account when fighting acne.
The product has its contraindications
The main contraindications to the use of paste based on zinc and salicylic acid include:
- anemia (pathological condition of the body, accompanied by an increase in the level of hemoglobin in the blood);
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- hemocoagulation or poor blood clotting;
- development of hemorrhagic diathesis;
- renal failure;
- the course of pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding;
- age factor (it is prohibited to use the product by persons under 12 years of age).
Contraindications to the use of paste based on zinc and salicylic acid
On a note! Doctors do not recommend using the paste for dry skin. Also, the medicine should not be applied to large areas of the skin, as this may cause side effects such as increased sweating, tinnitus, hearing loss or dizziness.
There is nothing complicated in using salicylic-zinc ointment. It is enough to apply the medicine to problem areas of the skin in a thin layer. The optimal time to use the drug is morning and evening, but applying the ointment 2 times a day may not be enough, so experts may recommend using the medicine 4 to 6 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is prescribed by the attending physician.
Features of the use of salicylic-zinc paste
In order for the effectiveness of the drug to be high, when treating acne you need to follow a few simple recommendations:
- It is strictly not recommended to use the drug together with cosmetics, therefore, before using the ointment, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed of cosmetics (if they have been previously used) and sebum. For cleaning, it is advisable to use special hypoallergenic cosmetics;
- Salicylic-zinc ointment is a fairly fatty substance with a dense consistency, so the remaining medication must be carefully removed with a napkin approximately 2-30 minutes after application. Otherwise, you risk staining your clothes or bedding;
- the drug can be used for all parts of the body, but if there are no severe rashes, and only one pimple appears on the face, then there is no need to treat the entire facial area. In such cases, the ointment must be applied pointwise to the resulting pimple.
The paste can be used on all areas of the body
Using salicylic-zinc paste, irritation or acne can be eliminated in the shortest possible period, but all precautions must be taken. First of all, you are not using a cosmetic product, but a medicine. Therefore, the ointment should be used strictly in recommended dosages and only as prescribed by a doctor.
If desired, such a medicine can be prepared at home, and its effectiveness will not be inferior to store-bought drugs. All the necessary components can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy, as they are publicly available. So, to prepare the ointment, you need to prepare the following ingredients:
- zinc oxide (18 g);
- salicylic acid (1.5-2 g);
- cosmetic Vaseline (35 g).
Vaseline cosmetic
To ensure accurate dosage, all components can be weighed on a professional scale. To prepare the medicine, you need to take half of the cosmetic Vaseline used and heat it to a temperature of 50°C. Then carefully add the main ingredients (zinc and acid) and mix everything again until smooth. After about 2 minutes, you can add the remaining Vaseline (by the way, it is used as a base for the paste) and, after mixing again, leave the paste to cool. The finished product should be stored in the refrigerator.
Note! To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, only high quality Vaseline and powders should be used. It is also necessary to take care of a dry and clean container for storing the prepared pasta.
Reviews of salicylic-zinc ointment
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What kind of medicine is this?
Salicylic-zinc paste is a medicine in the form of an ointment, which is also called Lassara paste. This medication has a wide spectrum of action, and is often recommended for facial skin care, including eliminating acne and age spots. But initially, salicylic-zinc paste was recommended for use in various dermatological diseases.
Let's try to understand the features of such a medicine and understand whether it really treats acne and other skin imperfections.
Compound
In principle, its name speaks volumes about the main components of the paste. The ointment contains zinc (25 g in volume) and salicylic acid (2 g in volume). In addition, the medicine contains a couple of additional ingredients, represented by potato starch and medical petroleum jelly.
Salicylic-zinc paste: composition
About 100 years ago, one of the leading German dermatologists of the time, Lassar, invented salicylic-zinc paste. Literally immediately after its discovery, the doctor received a patent for this drug. Therefore, in modern pharmacies the ointment can be found under the name “Lassara Paste”.
It is important not to confuse simply zinc ointment with salicylic-zinc paste, although this is very common, because both medicines are used to treat ailments with similar symptoms. However, these drugs differ slightly from each other in composition.
to answer the question of which is better - zinc paste or salicylic-zinc paste , because each of these drugs is highly effective. The only difference between them is that zinc paste, as a rule, treats best only rashes, while salicylic-zinc:
- Disinfects the skin
- Regenerates her
- Dries out
- Reduces sebum production
- Relieves irritation
- Increases elasticity
Such a wide range of effects of the drug is due to its composition. Salicylic-zinc paste consists of:
- Zinc oxide, which is odorless and insoluble in liquid
- Salicylic acid
- Vaseline
- Potato starch
Manufacturers of skin medications very often use this compound as a basis for other drugs - ointments, baby powders and creams. This suggests that salicylic-zinc paste does not have any side effects, except for allergies in rare cases in some people who have an individual intolerance to some elements of the drug.
Why is this ointment needed?
In accordance with the instructions, salicylic-zinc paste is a combined product for topical use only. What it helps with is determined by the action of its components:
- Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and keratolytic effects.
- Zinc has pronounced drying properties.
Accordingly, salicylic-zinc paste can come to the rescue in the treatment of many dermatological problems. Indications for its use include:
- Dermatitis.
- Diaper rash.
- Pyoderma.
- Psoriasis.
- Rosacea.
- Acne.
- Eczema.
- Ulcers accompanied by exudation.
Thus, salicylic-zinc ointment is an inexpensive medicine with a fairly wide spectrum of action.
Will it help against acne?
Among the list of indications for the use of salicylic-zinc paste is acne. But in fact, such a medicine can help in the treatment of a wide variety of pimples, both single and multiple. Many dermatologists recommend using ointment as part of a comprehensive treatment for teenage acne. It can also become an emergency medicine in every woman’s first aid kit.
Can I use it during pregnancy?
In the instructions for salicylic-zinc paste, pregnancy is not listed among the contraindications to the use of such a medicine. However, to date, the safety of using Lassara paste by expectant mothers has not been confirmed by clinical trials. This does not mean that the drug can harm the woman or her baby. But it must be used after the doctor’s approval and only in doses.
It is worth considering that during pregnancy the sensitivity of the body increases. Therefore, even a safe salicylic-zinc paste can cause unexpected allergies.
Instructions for use
Using salicylic-zinc paste is very simple:
- The medicine should be applied only to dry, previously cleansed skin.
- The ointment is applied in a thin layer exclusively to problem areas.
- You can repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times a day.
The duration of therapy with salicylic-zinc paste is selected on an individual basis. On average, this period varies from 6 to 20 days.
How to use for rashes?
When treating acne, you should use the paste after taking a shower or thoroughly cleansing your face. It is recommended to apply the product to the skin only once a day. And if we are talking about treating acne on the face, then it is better to do this procedure not every day, but at intervals of a day, otherwise the skin may dry out. But if the epidermis is excessively oily, it is quite possible to use the paste daily.
For acne treatment to be truly effective, you should avoid the use of cosmetics and adhere to a diet for the entire period of therapy.
What does salicylic-zinc paste help with?
According to numerous positive reviews, salicylic-zinc paste helps get rid of various problems:
- First of all, salicylic-zinc acne paste helps. If you are faced with various types of rashes, then you need:
- Apply the salicylic-zinc paste to the face or other part of the body where the rash appears (you can use ear sticks to spot-smear the pimples).
- It is best to use the medicine before bed, since the salicylic-zinc paste is absorbed very slowly.
- It is necessary to avoid other drugs with similar effects so as not to dry out the skin and clog its pores.
- You should definitely stop using decorative cosmetics until the problem is resolved.
- sweat using Dermatologists recommend applying a thin layer of this ointment every day for two weeks after a contrast shower in the armpit area. The medicine will reduce sweating and eliminate unpleasant odor.
- Salicylic-zinc paste for age spots is often prescribed as a medicine . The fact is that zinc oxide whitens the skin and evens out its tone. In order to achieve this effect, you need to apply the ointment several times a day. By the way, you can use salicylic-zinc paste for spots that form after acne or pimples are eliminated, as well as for freckles.
- If you dilute salicylic-zinc ointment with a moisturizer, you will get an excellent remedy for preventing skin burns, which we often get under the scorching summer sun.
- Salicylic-zinc paste also treats nail fungus on the hands and feet. Before applying the ointment to the surface of the affected nail plates, as well as after this procedure, doctors advise taking baths with a solution of potassium permanganate or soda. In 5 days of such treatment, you can completely get rid of the problem that causes physical discomfort.
- is often used for psoriasis. To do this, the diseased areas of the skin are cleaned with peroxide and then lubricated with a thin layer of ointment. It is advisable to carry out this treatment procedure at least three times a day. As practice shows, within three weeks of using this medicine you can relieve the symptoms of psoriasis or completely cure it.
- of herpes using . You just need to apply the ointment very carefully, because there is very thin skin on the lips, which the medicine can corrode, resulting in the formation of wounds through which the salicylic-zinc paste is absorbed by the blood and causes a side effect (most often it manifests itself in the form of an allergy).
- People often use salicylic-zinc paste for dermatitis accompanied by severe itching, because the components that make up the drug relieve the inflammatory process, eliminate redness, and therefore relieve unpleasant symptoms quickly and most effectively.
- You can also use salicylic-zinc paste for lichen. To treat this disease, the ointment is used in the same way as for psoriasis.
- Pediatricians prescribe salicylic-zinc paste to children to treat diaper rash, which often forms under their diapers. It can also be used as a preventive measure against rashes in infants.
Contraindications
Salicylic-zinc paste does not have many contraindications for use. It cannot be used for:
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- Acute purulent lesions of the skin or purulent tissues.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys.
- Insufficient blood clotting.
- Hemorrhagic diathesis.
- Anemia.
- Ulcerative-erosive lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Also, the paste should not be used on those areas of the skin where there is increased exudation or excessive dryness.
It is worth noting that salicylic-zinc ointment is not intended for application to mucous membranes. Also, this medicine is not recommended for children.
Side effects
The use of salicylic-zinc paste can provoke several unpleasant sensations on the skin:
- Increased dryness.
- Itching.
- Burning sensation.
- Redness.
- Rashes.
If salicylic-zinc paste is applied excessively to the skin, the intensity of these side effects may increase.
If the use of a medicine causes unexpected side effects not listed in the above list, you should seek medical help.
How to avoid skin problems
In order not to encounter such an unpleasant phenomenon as acne (in particular on the face), you must follow some recommendations. Proper prevention will help prevent not only the appearance of acne, but also the development of many dermatological diseases.
Table. Prevention of acne.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
| Step one | Carefully choose cosmetics, or more precisely, moisturizing lotions for the skin. Give preference to proven brands. |
| Step two | Avoid using hair products if you have oily (acne-prone) skin. The fact is that these products contain fats that provoke the appearance of a rash on the surface of the forehead. If you cannot completely avoid these products, then try to prevent them from coming into contact with your skin. |
| Step three | Avoid wearing tight headwear such as hats, caps or bands. It is also necessary to avoid dense materials that irritate the skin - this can cause acne. |
| Step four | Despite the great temptation, try not to squeeze pimples, as this can trigger the development of an inflammatory process, which will only worsen the situation. If you still decide to take this step, then disinfect your hands and the affected area before squeezing. |
| Step five | Apply moisturizer to your face regularly. Be sure to use a low-fat product to avoid causing a rash. You also need to treat other “problem” areas of the skin. |
| Step six | Use a concealer (camouflage agent) to temporarily eliminate cosmetic defects. The product is applied with your fingers or a special makeup brush. This method is used if acne does appear, and you are facing a serious event where a flawless appearance is required. |
Don't forget: a person is what he eats! Therefore, for preventive purposes, you need not only to regularly use special cosmetics or take care of your skin. Particular attention must be paid to your diet, so try to eat enough fresh food every day. Replace confectionery, fast food, chips and other unhealthy foods with fresh vegetables and fruits.
