Should we be aware of the skin cleanser called Hexachlorophene?

Sometimes a doctor will tell you to use a special cleanser to clean your skin, right? Maybe it's for a skin infection, or maybe it's to cleanse your skin before surgery. Hexachlorophene is a special medicine that is used in such cases. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today.

What exactly is Hexachlorophene?

Simply put, Hexachlorophene is a skin cleanser and disinfectant. It can come under brand names like Phisohex. Doctors recommend it for a few main reasons.

• As a Skin Cleanser: It is used to control certain bacterial infections on the skin and keep the skin clean.
• Before surgery: Surgeons and staff use this to wash their hands before surgery (surgical hand scrub). It is also used to clean the skin where the patient will be operated on. This prevents germs from being transferred to the body during surgery.

In addition to these main uses, it can be used for other things as directed by your doctor.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

If your doctor prescribes this medication for you, you should definitely tell them some things about your health before you start using it, because those things will determine whether this medication is suitable for you or not.

• Skin wounds, burns: If you have any burns, large wounds, or cuts on your skin, be sure to tell them about them. This medicine can be easily absorbed into the body through broken skin.
• Skin conditions or sensitive skin: Tell us if you have other skin conditions like eczema or if your skin is very sensitive.
• Allergies: Be sure to tell us if you have had any previous allergies to Hexachlorophene, other similar medications, or other foods or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, it is very important to inform your doctor.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely mention that as well.

How exactly do you use this?

It is essential to follow the instructions exactly when using this medicine.

• This is for topical use only . It is not recommended for oral use under any circumstances.
• Be careful not to get this medicine in your eyes, ears, or mouth . If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse them immediately and thoroughly with clean water.
• Use only as directed by the doctor, in the amount prescribed, and for the number of times prescribed. Do not use more than that.
• Use in children: If using this medicine on young children, be sure to consult a pediatrician. This is especially not suitable for frequent washing of babies' skin.

What if you use too much by mistake?

If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, or if someone drinks it, it is an emergency. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Special things to be aware of when using this medicine

There are several things you should be aware of while using this medicine.

• Other skin products: Do not apply any other ointment, cream, or medication to the same area of ​​skin as this medicine without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause interactions between the two medications and damage the skin.
• Be careful with sunlight: Your skin may become slightly sensitive to sunlight while using this medicine. This is called photosensitivity. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat, and use a suitable sunscreen after consulting your doctor. Also, avoid using sun lamps and tanning beds.
• Use only for the right condition: This does not work for all skin conditions. Use it only for the condition your doctor has prescribed it for. Otherwise, it may sometimes worsen the condition.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medication, this one can cause side effects in some people. It's important to be aware of these.

If you experience anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it as well.

How do you store this medicine properly?

To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.

• Be sure to keep it out of the reach of small children .
• It is best to keep it at room temperature (below 25 degrees Celsius).
• Discard the medicine after the expiration date.

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