Zinc has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment intervention. Topical preparations of zinc have been used as photoprotecting, soothing agents or as active ingredient of antidandruff shampoos. It is also used for several dermatological conditions including infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, and neoplasias.¹

Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances reepithelialization. It is a potential antipruritic agent. Zinc also has a strong antioxidant and antibacterial action. Zinc inhibits mast cell degranulation and decreases the secretion of histamine which is a mediator of inflammatory response and induces itch. This makes zinc a useful treatment option in pruritic conditions.¹

Yashada bhasma, a traditional herbomineral preparation, mainly comprises of zinc and plays a significant role in the normal functioning of skin by influencing the synthesis of collagen.² A study noted that formulations containing Yashada bhasma show better wound contraction, higher collagen content and better skin breaking strength as compared to control group.²

A study assessed the effect of Yashada bhasma in the management and prevention of the recurrence of eczema. Yashada bhasma provided significant relief in the symptoms of eczema including pruritus (89.49%), papules (81.83%), hyperpigmentation (68.40%), discharge (62.51%), pain (79.98%), dryness (92%) and thickness (83.33%). Overall, 73.33% patients had marked improvement and 26.67% patients had moderate improvement.³

Zinc has been shown to relieve itching, eruption and burning sensation in eczema.⁴ Yashada bhasma has antimicrobial properties, and is known to improve complexion and moisture holding capacity of skin. It is also known to work as a rejuvenator.²

Zinc, or Yashada bhasma, thus seems to have a potential role in treating pruritic skin conditions and can act as an antimicrobial agent with potential anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

References

1. Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014; 2014: 709152.
2. Datta HS, Mitra SK, Patwardhan B. Wound Healing Activity of Topical Application Forms Based on Ayurveda. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2011, Article ID 134378, 10 pages.
3. Rani M, Kashyap CP, Sankhyan JR. A study on the effect of Yashadamrita Malhara and Yashad Bhasma with Sikth Taila in Vicharchika with special reference to eczema. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal 2017;5(9):3398-405.
4. Chandran S, Patgiri B, Galib R, Prasanth D. A Review through Therapeutic Attributes of Yashada bhasma. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives 2016;7(5):6-11.