What Is Zinc Pyrithione?
Zinc pyrithione, as defined by the online Merriam-Webster medical dictionary, is an "antibacterial and antifungal" chemical compound. This composite, states the Environmental Protection Agency, works as "an active ingredient" in various consumer based products "to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and algae." Zinc pyrithione is incorporated into many items such as shower curtains, bath mats, shampoos, over-the-counter and prescription medications.
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Major Use
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), zinc pyrithione is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Because of its bacteria and fungus fighting properties, the FDA advises zinc pyrithione is largely used in products that relieve and prevent scalp and skin irritations such as excessively dry and flaky skin.
Medical Treatments
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People who suffer from the subsequent conditions listed below, may use zinc pyrithione to help alleviate these ailments caused by bacterial fungal infections:
• Eczema: a persistent skin disorder consisting of scaly and itchy patches.
• Plaque Psoriasis: a chronic skin disease that results in dry, thick, and flaky (scaly) build-up of skin cells.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff): a common condition where excessive dead skin cells accumulate on the scalp.
• Tinea: a bacterial fungus that causes athlete's food, jock itch, and ringworms.
• Vitiligo: the loss of skin pigmentation resulting in irregular white patches. -
Risks
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Risks associated with zinc pyrithione are still under review and a final determination has not been issued as of November 2009. However, the EPA has preliminarily indicated concerns associated with inhalation and dermal exposure to zinc pyrithione for those who regularly work with the product, such as using residential boat paints or pressurized house paints that contain zinc pyrithione as a preservative.
Products
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Zinc Pyrithione works as an active agent in the following products:
• Scalp (anti-dandruff) shampoos and conditioners
• Anti-itch/rash creams and lotions
• Feminine moisturizers
• Pain relief creams
• Body and foot powders
General Items
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Examples of how zinc pyrithione is used. For intangible items, zinc pyrithione is used as a preserving agent for objects such as garbage bags, rubber, tents, adhesives, and storage containers.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Bryan S
