About Zinc oxide Zinc compound, A sunscreen,antipruritic. Mechanism of Action of Zinc oxide It works by providing a skin barrier and helps in healing and prevent skin irritation. It acts as a sunscreen which absorbs incident solar radiation in the UVA ranges and reduces its transmission to the skin. Indications for Zinc oxide 1.To prevent minor skin irritations such as burns, cuts, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and diaper rash. 2.As sunscreen 3.Zinc oxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat diaper rash, minor burns, severely chapped skin, or other minor skin irritations. 4.Zinc oxide rectal suppositories are used to treat itching, burning, irritation, and other rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids or painful bowel movements