Lassar Paste
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Lassar Paste is a medicated ointment containing zinc oxide, salicylic acid, and a base of yellow wax or petroleum jelly. It was developed by the dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna to prevent bacterial growth in similar pastes. The paste is widely used for various skin conditions, especially subacute eczematous processes.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
LASSAR PASTE, Zinc Lassar Paste, Unguentum Zinci Salicylatum (F.U.), a paste consisting of 25% zinc oxide in a fine powder, 48% ointment base (according to F.U.P. - yellow wax), 25% thickening agent (according to F VII - wheat starch, according to German F VI - talc in a fine powder), and 2% salicylic acid in a fine powder. The original prescription, proposed by the well-known dermatologist Lassar and included, for example, in the Austrian Pharmacopoeia, contained only zinc oxide, starch, and wax (or lard, according to Unna); however, such a mixture proved to be a good substrate for the development of bacteria, which is why Lassar proposed the addition of salicylic acid. For the same reasons, the replacement of starch with an inorganic powder, such as talc, diatomaceous earth, etc., is more expedient. Lassar's paste has wide application in various skin diseases, primarily in subacute eczematous processes and others.
Related articles
Cite this page
“Lassar Paste.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/lassar-paste/