The cream for skin infections: Let's learn more about Cortisporin? (Bacitracin; Hydrocortisone; Neomycin; Polymyxin B Ointment)

Sometimes a small wound or scratch on your skin can become infected, right? Or it can become itchy, red, and swollen like a rash. In times like these, a doctor may prescribe a cream for you. In this case, a cream may be given that is made by combining several medications together. Today, we are talking about one of the most commonly used medications.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, this is a combination of several medications. Your doctor may have given you this under a name like Cortisporin. It has two main components.

1. Antibiotics: This cream contains three types of antibiotics: Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. These work to control and kill bacterial infections on your skin. These help to heal wounds without allowing them to fester .

2. Steroid: This also contains a mild steroid called hydrocortisone . This works to reduce swelling, redness, and especially itching in the skin.

So, with the combination of these two, you can reduce the discomfort (itching, redness) that comes with it while also healing the infection on your skin.

What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?

Before you start applying this cream, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.

• If you are allergic to the medicines Bacitracin, Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B contained in this cream, or to any other medicine, food, or clinic.
• If you have another viral infection, such as chickenpox or herpes.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have burns or large areas of damage to your skin.
• If your skin is very thin or weak.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

How exactly do you use this cream?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it properly.

• Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying medicine.
• Dosage: Do not apply too much of the medicine. Apply a very thin layer to the affected area of ​​skin.
• Bandages: Unless your doctor tells you to, do not apply the medicine and cover it with a bandage or tape.
• Healthy skin: Do not apply this cream to healthy skin. Also, do not apply it to a large area of ​​the body at once.
• Eye Care: Do not let this cream get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dosage: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor, nor more often than the prescribed dosage.

What if it is used for small children?

If you are using this medicine on your young child, talk to your pediatrician about it. Sometimes special care may be needed.

What to do if the dose is increased?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, or if someone has accidentally taken it, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of your nearest hospital.

Things to be careful about when using this medicine

• If your symptoms do not improve after about a week of taking this medicine, tell your doctor.
• If you have come into contact with someone who has measles or chickenpox during this time, tell your doctor about it as well.
• If your wounds are not healing properly and you develop blisters, let your doctor know.
• Prevent the spread of infection: This is very important. Do not share your towels, washcloths, etc. with other family members. Also, only use this tube of cream for yourself.
• Do not keep unused or expired medications. Dispose of them properly.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.

This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor.

How should I store the medicine?

• Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Always keep medicines out of reach of children, at a high place.
• Temperature: Store at normal room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not store in extremely hot or cold places, such as the refrigerator.
• Do not freeze: Never allow this cream to freeze.
• After expiration: If the expiration date on the medicine tube has passed, do not use it and throw it away.