Are you experiencing red, itchy patches on your skin? Sometimes this could be a skin condition called eczema. It can be very frustrating at times like this, isn't it? So today we're talking about a special ointment that your doctor may prescribe for this condition, and one that has brought relief to many people.
What is this ointment called Crisaborole?
Simply put, Crisaborole is a medication that is used to control the swelling, redness, unbearable itching, and rashes caused by skin diseases, especially conditions like eczema (medically known as atopic dermatitis).
Think about it, our body's defense system is called the immune system. But sometimes this defense system becomes overactive and starts attacking our own skin. That's what happens in eczema. So what this Crisaborole ointment does is control this overactivity of the immune system a little, and reduce the damage to the skin and the discomfort it causes. That is, it works by going to the root of the problem.
This medicine is most commonly found under the brand name EUCRISA in Sri Lanka and around the world.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor of these facts before prescribing this medicine to you, as it is for your safety.
- Tell us if you have any allergies to this Crisaborole medicine, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant , or are expecting a baby soon, tell us about it too.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother , inform the doctor about this as well.
How exactly do you use this ointment?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- This is only a topical ointment. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, wash your hands only before applying it, not after.
- Do not let it get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, do not panic and immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Use it daily, at the prescribed time, as directed by the doctor. Do not apply more than the recommended amount or more frequently.
- When applying the medicine, apply a thin film to the affected area of skin. There is no need to apply it too thickly.
- Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop. Sometimes you may feel like stopping the medication when your symptoms subside a bit, but don't do that.
Can small children use this?
Yes, sometimes doctors recommend this medicine for babies as young as 3 months . But there must be special reasons for that, and you must be very careful. Therefore, if you are using this for a child, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this can cause minor side effects in some people. It's important to be aware of that.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe changes where applied | Unbearable burning, itching, flaking, or discharge where the medicine was applied. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin problems | There may be some mild burning, redness, or dryness of the skin at the site of application for the first few days. These usually disappear within a few days. |
The most important thing is that if you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Other important things to know
What if I forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone (especially a small child) accidentally takes it in their mouth, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Does it interact with other medications?
This ointment usually does not interact with other medications. However, do not apply any other creams, ointments, or lotions to the area where the medication is applied without first consulting your doctor. Also, inform your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or Ayurvedic remedies you are taking.
How do you properly store and dispose of medicine?
- Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Disposal: Disposing of expired or no longer needed medications should also be done carefully.
- Some hospitals or pharmacies have programs that collect unwanted medications. You can ask your doctor about them.
- If that's not possible, consider putting it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
- If you are throwing it in the trash, take the medicine out of the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a sealable bag, and throw it in the trash. This is to prevent a small child or animal from putting it in their mouth.
Take-Home Message
- Crisaborole is a topical cream used to treat skin conditions like eczema. It works by controlling the overactivity of the immune system and reducing itching, redness, and swelling.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about your allergies, pregnancy, and whether you are a breastfeeding mother before using this medication.
- Apply a thin layer of the medicine only to the affected area. Avoid getting it in the eyes.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the lips or face, or if you develop severe inflammation where the medicine was applied, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication or apply other types of ointments without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
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