[Clinical studies on zinc oxide ointment replacing boric acid and zinc oxide ointment (JP8)]

A boric acid and zinc oxide ointment (J.P. VIII) is an unique preparation in Japan, which consist of boric acid (5%), zinc oxide (10%), vegetable oil (usually soybean oil or sesame oil) and yellow wax. The ointment is widely used in the area of Hokkaido, because not only of the customary prescription but also of the characteristic clinical efficiency. However, boric acid has been recognized to be harmful in these days. Therefore, a zinc oxide ointment consisting 10% zinc oxide, soybean oil and white beeswax was tentatively made and evaluated. The zinc oxide ointment presented the same consistency as the boric acid and zinc oxide ointment, measured with penetrometer. The clinical efficiency was also confirmed on six patients with chronic eczema and seven patients with psoriasis vulgaris. The effect on wound healing of the donor site of skin graft was as good as the previous preparation.