Treat rash with ointments and creams
introduction
Different types of creams and ointments are used for skin rashes anywhere on the body. Treatment with these drugs is also known as topical treatment because the active ingredients treat where they are needed locally.
Difference Between Ointments and Creams
The difference between ointment and cream is the water content that is in the individual preparations. Creams have a much higher water content, while ointments have the water removed. Ointments are fatty substances that are very difficult to wash off with water. Creams are easier to wash off with water. Both preparations are intended exclusively for use on the outer skin.
Both ointments and creams are available in fixed combinations in stores, but can also be mixed together on prescription from pharmacies. Ointments are more often prescribed by dermatologists to mix in the pharmacy than creams. In addition to the water and fat content, which serve as a carrier substance, an essential component of ointments and creams is the actual active ingredient, without which the ointment or cream would not work at all.
Creams and ointments are usually mixed with a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent, an antiallergic or a nourishing and moisturizing agent, depending on the area of application. Ointments and creams are applied to the affected areas of the skin. Depending on the water and fat content, the substances are absorbed more quickly or less quickly into the skin, where they unfold their full effect. For this reason, it is important to note that all active ingredients can also get into the body and bloodstream through the skin. Depending on the concentration of an active ingredient in the ointment or cream, the active ingredient concentration in the blood increases rapidly and strongly and remains in the blood for a longer or shorter period and can be detected there.
You can find an overview of the various ointments and creams as well as the difference to lotions and gels on our website: Ointments and creams
Over-the-counter ointments
There are numerous over-the-counter ointments available from pharmacies. Most of them do not carry any medication but only a caring or regenerative active ingredient.
One of the most famous ointments is Bepanthen®. Antiallergic gels and ointments with the active ingredient Fenistil, e.g. Fenistil® Gel, are also available from pharmacies without a prescription. They are always used when there is an allergic skin reaction. Ointments with low cortisone content are also available in pharmacies without a prescription. The effect is rather small due to the low concentration of cortisone. More concentrated cortisone creams require a prescription.
Because there are many different types of rash and each one needs different treatment, it is important to first determine what type of rash it is.
Read more about this at: What to do if you have a rash
Ointments and creams with cortisone
Cortisone creams are the most commonly used medicines in dermatology. Their effect depends on the concentration of the cortisone dissolved in the cream.
Cortisone has anti-inflammatory effects on the one hand and throttles the immune system on the other. This is especially important in the so-called autoimmune reactions. In this clinical picture, the immune system reacts to the body's own cells and classifies them as foreign, which leads to an excessive reaction of the immune system.
Sometimes cortisone preparations in the form of tablets must be given in the event of strong immune reactions. In some cases, the use of an ointment that contains cortisone as a substance helps.
Cortisone inhibits a receptor on cells in the body that is visited by stress and inflammation hormones. With this blockage, the inflammatory and immune reaction can no longer proceed as usual and does not occur. For the patient who e.g. has an autoimmune skin disease, this means that the resulting skin symptoms are less severe and e.g. No swelling, itching or reddening.
In addition to autoimmune skin reactions, cortisone is also used to treat inflammatory changes in the skin. It also modulates the inflammatory cells in the body, thus reducing the inflammatory response in the body. Cortisone is often used as an ointment for the so-called and very common atopic dermatitis. The effect occurs quickly.
Depending on the concentration of the cortisone in the ointment, a longer or shorter application is necessary. Long-term use of cortisone creams should be avoided, as this can lead to the unpleasant side effects of cortisone. In creams and ointments, these are primarily a thinning of the skin. One also speaks of the so-called parchment skin. It is cracked, very sensitive and is very difficult to heal from injuries. In some cases, however, long-term use of the cortisone is necessary.
Read more on the topic
- cortisone
- When does a rash need cortisone?
Ointments and creams for treating itchy rashes
Attempts to treat an itchy rash can include Fenistil gel taken when there is a suspicion that it is a allergic reaction e.g. an insect bite or food. itching of unclear origin with a rash should then continue with a cortisone cream be treated. The cortisone is strong anti-inflammatory and antiallergic and can be used for the most itchy skin conditions.
A herbal alternative is the use of chamomile tea or a paste made from nettles, which is called Home remedies for a rash help.
A exception provides the Fungal infection the skin, where the application of a cortisone cream often leads to an intensification of the symptoms. Here are antibiotic resp. antifungal ointments and creams indexed.
Ointments and creams for allergy treatments
Antihistamines in cream or gel form as well as cortisone are used for allergic reactions, which are clearly indicated by reddish, itchy skin changes.
Fenistil is often applied to the skin in the event of inflammatory and allergic skin reactions. The symptoms usually improve after just a few minutes.
Cortisone preparations can be used for long-lasting complaints or for more serious complaints. This should initially be used in low doses and then slowly increased if necessary.
Read more on the topic: Allergic reaction on the skin.
Ointments and creams for facial treatments
There are numerous creams and ointments made for use on the face. Depending on the area of application, nourishing substances or anti-inflammatory substances as well as antiallergic creams, gels and ointments are used.
Creams are used much more frequently on the face than ointments. The reason is above all better drawing in. While ointments would leave a shiny face and would therefore not be tolerated so well by patients for cosmetic reasons, a more pleasant application is reserved for creams.
The most common use of creams is the nourishing component. There are countless nourishing creams that are offered for sale by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Skin-protecting and nourishing creams are used, especially in the cold and rainy season. They are quickly absorbed and usually form a protective film over the skin.
Many creams contain urea as the main substance. Urea has a protective and regenerative effect and ensures that open areas of the skin and minor injuries close faster. Depending on the concentration of the urea contained, it can also happen that a burning sensation on the skin is noticed by the users.
Read more about this under: Urea
Another very common ingredient in creams is chamomile. Chamomile also has a skin-protecting effect.
Skin ointments are usually applied when a very strong skin-protecting effect is to occur. If, in very cold weather, e.g. If skin protection is to be carried out, a cream is often not sufficient due to the high water content. The ointments, which consist almost exclusively of fat, ensure that a thick protective film is deposited on the skin and that the cold cannot penetrate it so quickly. In addition to the protective skin ointments, anti-inflammatory ointments are also used for the face.One example is the propolis ointment, which is said to have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
For the classic skin rash on the face, ointments are less used than creams with the active ingredient cortisone or antiallergic substances such as Fenistil®.
However, there are also diseases in which extensive care in the form of ointments and creams is counterproductive, namely with a rash around the mouth, the so-called perioral dermatitis.
Ointments and creams for treatments during pregnancy
In pregnancy, the same creams and ointments can be used just like before pregnancy. However, it should be noted which active ingredients are included.
So should do not use highly concentrated cortisone ointments or creams become. The dosage should be in all creams or ointments rather smaller chosen and if the symptoms do not improve, the Dose increased slowly become.
It should not be forgotten that a certain proportion of the active ingredient in the ointment or cream also passes into the blood and acts like a tablet with this active ingredient that would have been taken.
At itching or skin rash, of the allergy-related has come about, gels or creams with Fenistil, an anti-allergic agent, are often used during pregnancy. Also can low-dose cortisone supplements be used if it is e.g. around a eczema acts or if the pregnant woman is affected by a Neurodermatitis is affected.
Ointments and creams for baby treatments
In babies and young children should be on cortisone ointments and creams either be completely omitted or this only in exceptional cases can be used. Fenistil gel can in allergic reactions can be used and is usually very effective. At inflammatory changes the skin in babies, such as the diaper rash, should use skin ointments and pastes zinc are used. They make the Skin kept dry becomes and heals very quickly.
At Skin irritation With babies, a treatment attempt can always be made first Bepanthen® be made. This wound and healing ointment is very gentle for both children and adults, protects the top layer of skin and helps the skin to regenerate. A Overdose is not possible, the use is completely harmless.
Please also read our topic: Rash on baby
Treating rash with similasan
Similasan is one homeopathic product range, which is mainly used for allergic reactions of the eyes and / or skin. As with all homeopathic medicines, this is Effect not clarified, the Concentration of the active ingredient so low, the existence Proof is no longer possible is. Side effects have not yet been described. Similasan ointments and creams are used to treat itchy and allergic skin conditions.
