Sometimes, it starts with a slight itch and pain on the lips, followed by small blisters. We usually call these 'Cold Sores'. These are often caused by a virus called Herpes. Your doctor may have prescribed you a cream to treat these painful blisters. Does it contain both Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone? Then this article will be very important for you. Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What actually happens with this cream?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Acyclovir: This is an antiviral. That is, it controls the spread of the herpes virus that causes the blisters.
2. Hydrocortisone: This is a mild steroid. It works by reducing redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the site of the blister.
When these two are combined, they help the blisters heal faster and reduce the discomfort they cause. But there is one very important thing to remember. This cream only heals the blisters that have appeared at that time. It does not completely eliminate the herpes virus from the body. The virus can remain in the body. This cream may come under brand names such as `Xerese`.
The most important things to tell your doctor before using this medicine are:
Before your doctor prescribes this cream for you, it is very important to clearly state some things about your health condition. Then it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV, cancer treatment) | People with weakened immune systems may react differently to these medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about this. |
| If you have allergies to this medicine or other medicines or foods | This will help you avoid things that you may be allergic to. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding | Some medications can be harmful to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, so it's important to talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are using other steroid creams, lotions, or inhalers | The doctor should be aware of the possible effects of using multiple types of steroids at the same time. |
| If there are large areas of burned or injured skin | Special care should be taken when applying medication to injured skin. |
Okay, now how exactly do you use this?
This is very simple, but it's important to do it right.
1. Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the cream.
2. Apply carefully: It's best to use a 'finger cot' or gloves, which you can buy at the pharmacy. Or apply with a clean finger. This will prevent the infection from spreading from your fingers to other areas.
3. Apply a thin layer: Apply only a very thin layer to cover all the blisters. Applying too much cream will not heal the blisters quickly.
4. Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this cream get into your eyes for any reason. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
5. Don't splash water: Don't shower, wash your face, or go swimming for at least 30 minutes after applying the cream. You need to give the medicine time to absorb into your skin.
6. Take it at the right time: Use it at the right time as prescribed by the doctor.
7. Don't stop halfway: This is very important. Don't stop using the medicine halfway just because you think the blisters have reduced a bit and before completing the number of days your doctor has told you. Finish the entire course.
8. If there is no improvement: If the blisters do not disappear after about two weeks of use, see your doctor again.
Do I need to be careful when using this for children?
Yes. Although this is sometimes prescribed for children over the age of 6, it should only be done under the advice of a pediatrician. So be sure to talk to your doctor before giving this to your child.
Other things to remember when using medication
Even if you apply this cream, you can still pass the herpes infection on to someone else. Therefore, avoid touching the blisters with other people's skin or sharing items such as towels and cups with others.
- Start early: To get the best results from this remedy, you should start applying the cream right away if you feel tingling, itching, or pain around the edges of your lips before the blisters appear.
- Do not apply anything else: Do not apply anything else, such as lip balm, makeup, or sunscreen, to the area where the cream was applied, unless your doctor has given you permission.
- If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. But if it is very close to your next dose, take the dose for that time only. Never take double the dose at once.
- In case of accidental ingestion: If you have taken too much of this medicine, or if a small child has ingested it, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not share: This medicine is for you only. Do not let anyone else use it, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
Let's also know about the side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause minor side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing. These are very rare but very serious. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Minor skin changes | Minor irritation, redness, dryness, or itching where the cream was applied. Changes in skin color or thinning and wrinkling of the skin. |
How do you store the medicine tube properly?
- Keep out of reach of children: Keep out of reach of small children and pets.
- Store at room temperature: Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold. Never store in the freezer.
- Discard after expiration: Throw away any remaining medicine after the expiration date on the medicine tube.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, if you have any further questions about this medication, it's best to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Acyclovir; Hydrocortisone cream is only a treatment for herpes blisters (cold sores), it does not completely cure the disease.
- The results are greater if you start singing before the blisters appear, as soon as you feel the numbness.
- Use the medicine for the full duration prescribed by the doctor, do not stop halfway.
- Even while taking this medicine, you can still infect someone else, so be careful.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
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