In calamine, what role does zinc oxide play?

In calamine, what role does zinc oxide play?

• A. Emollient
• B. Antipruritic
• C. Astringent and mild antiseptic
• D. Coloring agent

Answer: (C)

Zinc oxide in calamine provides an astringent and mild antiseptic action. The astringent effect helps dry oozing or irritated skin by precipitating surface proteins, which tightens tissue and reduces secretions. The zinc ions also offer mild antimicrobial activity, helping protect the affected area from minor infection. It also forms a protective, soothing layer on the skin. This differs from an emollient, which moisturizes, and from a coloring agent—calamine’s pink color comes from ferric oxide, not zinc oxide. So the best description is that zinc oxide acts as an astringent and mild antiseptic.

Zinc oxide in calamine provides an astringent and mild antiseptic action. The astringent effect helps dry oozing or irritated skin by precipitating surface proteins, which tightens tissue and reduces secretions. The zinc ions also offer mild antimicrobial activity, helping protect the affected area from minor infection. It also forms a protective, soothing layer on the skin. This differs from an emollient, which moisturizes, and from a coloring agent—calamine’s pink color comes from ferric oxide, not zinc oxide. So the best description is that zinc oxide acts as an astringent and mild antiseptic.