Sometimes your skin gets red, itchy, and itchy in places, right? It could be due to a condition like eczema. So, in times like these, your doctor may have prescribed you a cream. Today, we are talking about a commonly used cream, lotion, or ointment that contains a combination of two medications. Those are the two medications called Hydrocortisone and Pramoxine.
What really happens with this medicine?
Okay, let's keep this simple. There are two main things about this medicine.
1. Hydrocortisone: This is a type of steroid (topical steroid) . But don't worry, this is not like steroids that you inject into your body and have serious side effects. This is a very low-dose topical steroid that you apply to your skin. It works by reducing the swelling, redness, and inflammation that your skin has. That is, it controls the condition of your skin.
2. Pramoxine: This is a local anesthetic. It's like the numbing medicine you get before a tooth extraction. When you apply it to your skin, it causes a brief tingling sensation. The unbearable itching and pain you're feeling will quickly go away.
So when these two are combined, on the one hand, the skin condition is cured, and on the other hand, the annoying itching and pain caused by it quickly disappear.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this
Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions below.
| Health status | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Kidney or liver disease | The way some medications affect people with these diseases may be different. |
| Large areas of burned or injured skin | Wounded skin can absorb more medicine into the body. |
| Skin infections | This medicine may make some bacterial or fungal infections worse. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Find out if you are allergic to anything in this cream. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You need to be extra careful when using any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The doctor will decide whether the medicine will pass to the baby through breast milk or not. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
This is just a topical medication. Do not take it by mouth for any reason. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Apply a thin layer: Don't apply too much medicine. Apply a thin film only to the affected area of skin.
3. Do not apply to healthy skin: Do not apply this medicine to unproblematic, healthy skin. Also, do not apply it to a large area of the body at once.
4. Do not cover: After applying the medicine, do not cover it with a bandage or plaster unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
5. Do not let it get into your eyes: If this medicine gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
6. Do not use for more than 14 days: Generally, it is not recommended to use this medicine for more than 14 consecutive days without the advice of a doctor.
Important: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor, or more often than the recommended dosage. Doing so will not make you feel better any faster, and may only increase the side effects.
When used for small children
If you are using this medicine on young children, you should be especially careful. If you are applying this cream to your child's diaper area, do not put diapers or plastic pants over it. Doing so may increase the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
When used for the elderly
The skin of older people is naturally thinner and more easily damaged. Therefore, this medicine is more likely to cause side effects. Therefore, older people should use it for a short time and not regularly, only if necessary.
Side effects and things to watch out for
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone does.
| Side effect | What should I do? |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash , itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. | Stop using the medicine and see a doctor immediately. |
| Inflammation, severe itching, crusting, or peeling of the skin where the medicine was applied. | Call the doctor immediately. |
| Symptoms of low adrenal gland function: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, dizziness. | These are rare but serious. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Skin discoloration. | These are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor. |
| Thinning skin or easy bruising. | |
| Minor skin irritation, redness, or dryness. | |
| Small, red, pus-filled blisters appear around hair follicles. | |
| Unexpected hair growth where the medicine was applied. | |
Other things to know
- If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor.
- If you come into contact with someone who has measles or chickenpox while using this medicine, tell your doctor.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you accidentally swallow more than you think, or if someone drinks this, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- If you are getting rid of unused or expired medicine, do not throw it directly into the trash. Take the medicine out of the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, wrap it tightly in a polythene bag, and throw it in the trash. This will help prevent the medicine from falling into the wrong hands.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Take-Home Message
- Hydrocortisone and Pramoxine are medications that control itching, redness, and swelling of the skin.
- This should only be used on the affected skin, as directed by the doctor.
- Never use for more than 14 consecutive days without medical advice.
- If you experience allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face and lips, see a doctor immediately.
- Always keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
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