Activated zinc pyrithione. Mechanism of action. Clinical application

Activated zinc pyrithione (ZP) has a number of contributory pharmacodynamic effects that provide it's efficacy in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Because of ZP impairs the integrity of cell membranes it is active against many bacterial and yeast species. In psoriasis and atopic dermatitis ZP therapy is accompanied by accelerated cells' apoptosis of lower layers of epidermis and atopic inflammatory infiltrate as well as by decrease in skin neutrophils and lymphocytes. The broad spectrum of pharmacological activities together with wide clinical experience worldwide endorse activated ZP as effective and safe nonsteroidal medication for topical therapy of different dermatoses and support it's use in dermatology, paediatrics and allergy.