Zinc in Dermatology

April 2022 in “ Journal of Dermatological Treatment ”

Tamara Searle, Faisal R. Ali, Firas Al‐Niaimi

zinc acne vulgaris hair loss hidradenitis suppurativa leishmaniasis warts acne rosacea zinc deficiency oral supplementation

Studysummary This review found evidence supporting zinc use in treating infectious and inflammatory skin conditions, as well as hair loss, with supplementation recommended for zinc-deficient patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review investigated the role of zinc in dermatology, focusing on conditions such as acne vulgaris, hair loss, hidradenitis suppurativa, leishmaniasis, and warts. It found evidence supporting zinc's use in treating infectious conditions like leishmaniasis and warts, as well as inflammatory conditions such as acne rosacea and hidradenitis suppurativa. Zinc was also noted to be beneficial in hair loss disorders, particularly for patients with zinc deficiency who should receive oral supplementation. The review concluded that further research and large randomized controlled trials were necessary to explore zinc's potential as a monotherapy.

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This study found that male androgenetic alopecia patients had significantly lower serum zinc levels and suboptimal biotin levels compared to healthy controls, suggesting the potential value of zinc and biotin supplementation.

research Comparing the Effects of Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Their Combination, and Minoxidil Solution Regimens on Controlling Hair Loss in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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This study found that the combination of zinc sulfate and calcium pantothenate improved hair density and participant satisfaction in women with hair loss, suggesting its potential as an initial treatment option.

research Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review

165 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

This review discusses the various dermatological applications of zinc, including its use in treating infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, and neoplasias, and reports no new clinical findings.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

This study observed that patients with various types of hair loss had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to healthy controls, suggesting zinc disturbance may play a role in the condition.

The Therapeutic Effect and Changed Serum Zinc Level After Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients with Low Serum Zinc Level

research The Therapeutic Effect and Changed Serum Zinc Level After Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients with Low Serum Zinc Level

65 citations , January 2009 in “Annals of Dermatology”

In this study, oral zinc supplementation for twelve weeks increased serum zinc levels in alopecia areata patients with low zinc, showing positive hair regrowth in 66.7% of participants, though this was not statistically significant.

research The Effects of Minoxidil, 1% Pyrithione Zinc, and a Combination of Both on Hair Density: A Randomized Controlled Trial

57 citations , August 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that daily use of 1% pyrithione zinc shampoo modestly improved hair growth over 26 weeks, although these effects were less than those of 5% minoxidil.