Are you experiencing discomfort due to minor redness, eczema, or perhaps a condition like hemorrhoids that causes pain, itching, or swelling? In such cases, your doctor may prescribe a cream. Today, we're talking about a commonly used cream made with two ingredients, Lidocaine and Hydrocortisone. Let's see what it does, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What actually happens with this cream?
To understand this, we need to look at the two main ingredients in it. Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medicine.
1. Lidocaine: This works by temporarily numbing the area where you apply the cream. It's like the numbing medicine you get before a tooth extraction. We call this an anesthetic. This numbing will quickly reduce the pain and discomfort you feel.
2. Hydrocortisone: This belongs to the class of drugs called corticosteroids . It works by reducing swelling, redness, and itching in the skin. When these two ingredients are combined, you get quick relief from your skin discomfort. There is less pain, less swelling, and less itching.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this cream, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or opportunity | Why should I notify? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Having a large area of burned or damaged skin | Damaged skin can absorb more medication into the body, causing side effects. |
| Liver disease | The liver removes the absorbed drug components from the body. If the liver is weak, the drug can accumulate in the body. |
| Skin infections (especially viral ones like chickenpox and herpes) | Steroids like hydrocortisone can make some viral and fungal infections worse. |
| Thinning or atrophy of the skin | Steroids can cause the skin to thin even more, so it's important to tell your doctor if you already have this condition. |
| Tuberculosis | Because this affects overall health, it is important to inform your doctor. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This information is essential for the doctor to determine whether the baby may be affected. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | This is important to confirm if you are allergic to anything contained in this cream. |
How exactly do you use this?
This is very simple, but it's important to do it right.
- This medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the cream.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area, in the amount prescribed by the doctor.
- Unless your doctor tells you to, do not cover the area where you applied the cream with a bandage or anything else.
- Use it as often as your doctor tells you to, at the right time. Don't use it more than you need.
- If using this medicine on young children , it is essential to consult a pediatrician. Special care may be required.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, or if someone has accidentally swallowed it, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Even if someone has the same symptoms as you, it may not be suitable for them.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
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 the next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose at once.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve after about a week or if they worsen , tell your doctor immediately.
- Do not let this medicine get into your eyes . If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- This medicine should only be used for the condition your doctor has prescribed . Some skin conditions may become worse because of this medicine. Therefore, do not use it without thinking.
- This is very important: The area where the cream is applied is numb, so you won't feel any pain. So be very careful not to cut, pinch, or bruise the area. You could even go unnoticed if you have an injury.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but most people don't.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately |
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Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome |
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How do you keep medicine safe?
- Do not leave it where children can get hold of it.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Protect from excessive heat or cold.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- This cream numbs and reduces pain, swelling, and itching.
- It is very important to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- The medicine should be applied as prescribed by the doctor, only in the prescribed amount.
- Since the area where the medicine was applied is numb, it is your responsibility to take care of the area so that it does not become injured.
- If you notice any unusual side effects, call your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else.
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