Otitis, e.g. ear inflammation, can occur in the outer ear (otitis externa), middle ear (otitis media) and inner ear (otitis interna syn. labyrinthitis). Otitis is mostly triggered by infection from bacteria or fungi, or as an allergic response.

Depending on the severity of the inflammation, ear drops may alleviate symptoms. Solutions for drops containing Aluminum Hydroxide Acetate and Aluminum Acetotartrate can for example produce an acidic milieu in the ear canal, which impedes the settling and spreading of pathogens.

• Aluminum Hydroxide Acetate
• Aluminum Acetotartrate

Dry skin can have many causes. Heat, cold, inadequate fluid intake, disturbances in sebum production by the sebaceous glands, and spending a long time in water are just some possible triggers. Troublesome itching is generally the outcome. There is also an increased risk of infection.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a severe form of dry skin. This skin keratinization disorder is of genetic origin and incurable. It requires lifelong treatment with products that remove dry skin and add oil to it¹⁴.

Ammonium lactate is a highly effective humectant and a frequent component in skin care products. You can find out more about the use of mineral salts in dermatological products here.

Dry skin, infections and inflammations, in addition to allergic responses or chronic diseases such as psoriasis and neurodermitis, often entail troublesome itching (pruritus). Calamine, a mixture of zinc oxide and iron(III) oxide, is traditionally used as an antipruritic (anti-itch treatment) in powders, creams, lotions and ointments to treat a variety of skin diseases and complaints. You can find out more about the use of calamine in skin care here.

The causes of seborrheic eczema are not yet fully understood. This red, scaly, localized inflammatory rash often occurs on hairy scalp areas or along the spine. Sufferers appear to have a genetic predisposition, and the inflammation involves fungal colonization of the affected areas. Lithium Gluconate is one of the treatments used. You can find out more about mineral salts to treat seborrheic dermatitis here.

Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles and can have numerous causes. Acne vulgaris – simple acne – is the most common form, which frequently occurs during the hormonal changes brought about by puberty, and then disappears.

Acne can also be caused by metabolic disorders, allergic reactions or contact with toxic substances such as chlorine or dioxin.

Aluminum Acetate is one of the products used as an astringent for the topical treatment of acne. Zinc Acetate is also used because of its antibacterial effects.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, major stretching of the skin tissue can cause collagen fibers in the dermis to tear. This leaves behind visible, parallel scars.

Being severely overweight and intensive body-building can also result in stretch marks. Those can be treated with products containing Copper Gluconate or Manganese Gluconate, for example.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums (gingivitis) are mainly caused by inflammation. Other triggers can be chemical, hormonal or mechanical, such as overly vigorous tooth brushing. Mouthwashes and toothpastes therefore often contain aluminum lactate, which is astringent and therefore suppresses bleeding. Zinc salts are also used, because their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects tackle the primary cause of bleeding gums.

• Zinc Citrate
• Zinc Lactate
• Zinc Acetate
• Aluminum Lactate

Aphthous ulcers

Aphthous ulcers are inflammatory changes in the skin that mostly occur in and around the mouth but occasionally also in the genital area. There is still disagreement about what causes them. Above all, ulcers cause discomfort and hamper talking, eating and swallowing.

Magnesium hydroxide paste can be used for the topical treatment of ulcers.

You can find out more about mineral salts for oral hygiene here.