Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin lesion that occurs due to disruption of the sebaceous glands. Pathological processes are accompanied by the formation of red plaques and rashes, unbearable itching and pain in inflamed areas. And when the skin in visible areas of the body becomes inflamed, psychological discomfort is added to the physical one. The treatment of the disease is based on the use of special local remedies - lotions, ointments or creams. Ointment for seborrheic dermatitis helps relieve inflammation and get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the pathology.
Indications for use
The use of ointments for the treatment of dermatitis of an allergic nature is justified at the acute stage, when the main symptoms of the disease are observed:
- the surface of the skin becomes dry, rough,
- unbearable itching appears,
- tissue swelling develops,
- red spots with clearly defined edges form,
- Plaques appear on the surface of the epidermis, which, after damage, lead to the development of painful erosions.
The appearance of the above symptoms is a reason to consult a doctor, since many of them are present during the development of other diseases.
Release form
Creams and ointments are considered one of the best pharmacological forms of topical medications for the treatment of dermatological problems. These products have significant differences that you need to know before using.
Ointment
Contains a large amount of fat. After application, deep penetration of the active ingredients into the skin is ensured, which allows you to achieve good results. This form is especially effective in helping with dry skin rashes.
A significant drawback of ointments is that they can contaminate clothes, which is why they are not always convenient to use . It is also not recommended to use ointments to treat weeping wounds.
Cream
The beneficial oils and water contained in its composition are quickly absorbed into the skin, moisturizing it, so there is no greasy shine, and you don’t have to worry about dirty clothes.
The disadvantage of this form of drug release is the smaller depth of penetration of the active substance . Therefore, it is not recommended for use during exacerbation of dermatitis. Creams can be used for moderately weeping wounds.
general description
The medication belongs to a group of drugs created to improve trophism and accelerate natural regeneration. The product is often used for any damage to the skin, inflammatory processes, burns, open wounds.
Compound
The main active ingredient is Dexpanthenol. This product is a derivative of pantothenic acid. When applied to the skin, the product is converted into pantothenic acid, which takes part in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, stimulates regeneration processes, and has a weak anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition, the composition includes vitamin E, which has a beneficial effect on the skin. The remaining substances are auxiliary. The drug is available in different forms, but ointment or cream is used to treat dermatitis.
Action
Panthenol has the following effects:
- stimulates regeneration;
- tones;
- relieves pain;
- helps stop the inflammatory process;
- eliminates itching;
- softens and moisturizes.
The active component of the drug penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating cellular metabolism at a deep level. The active substance does not enter the systemic circulation, so there is no risk of developing systemic adverse reactions.
Hormonal ointments
You can be treated with any hormonal ointments only after the recommendation of a doctor. They are used in extreme cases when other means have not brought the desired result.
Incorrect or prolonged use of hormonal drugs leads to hyperpigmentation, atrophy of the epidermis, and causes disruption of the adrenal glands.
Doctors recommend treatment with such drugs for a short time, and after the condition improves, gradually switch to safer drugs.
Briefly about the problem
The development of seborrhea is a consequence of disruption of the sebaceous glands and the simultaneous active proliferation of fungal microorganisms. Most often, inflammation affects the scalp, but can spread to the face and torso.
Due to dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, the production of skin secretion increases, which accumulates in the ducts and becomes a favorable environment for the proliferation of fungi. Opportunistic fungal flora is present on the skin of every person, but is activated only under favorable factors: weakened immunity, constant stress, diseases of the digestive tract. Pathogenic microorganisms, in turn, cause inflammation of the skin.
Based on clinical manifestations and the nature of the course, 3 forms of seborrheic dermatitis are distinguished.
- Dry. It is characterized by insufficient production of sebaceous secretions and the appearance of dry grayish-white scales on the skin (dandruff on the head). As the pathology worsens, the skin becomes covered with red, inflamed, severely itchy spots.
- Fat. Accompanied by increased production of sebaceous secretion, the formation of large yellow scales on the skin, which, merging, form plaques. Sebaceous secretions are a favorable environment for the development of infection, so scratching itchy lesions often leads to their infection and bacterial complications.
- Mixed. On the scalp there is a dry type of lesion, and on the face and body there is an oily form.
Non-hormonal agents
The use of non-hormonal ointments is justified by their safety, despite their lower effectiveness compared to products containing hormones.
They can be used to treat children, pregnant and lactating women over a long period of time.
Zinc ointment
An inexpensive but effective remedy, it relieves inflammation and irritation well, and produces a healing effect. Using Zinc Ointment on skin that is too dry or flaky will increase these unpleasant effects.
Before applying the product, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and dry the affected surface. It can be smeared every 2 hours or less, depending on the severity of the inflammatory process.
Ichthyol ointment
A popular non-hormonal ointment containing ichthyol. This substance produces a pronounced antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic effect. It is important to apply the ointment correctly: rub in until a slight feeling of warmth appears. The advantage of the product is the almost complete absence of side effects .
Sulfuric ointment
The name of this drug is explained by its composition, which includes sulfur, petroleum jelly and specially purified water. The main active substance, after contact with the skin, begins to interact with the organic structures located on it. As a result, compounds are formed that have a pronounced antimicrobial effect.
It is recommended to apply the ointment before bedtime and not wash it off the skin until the next use. Before each manipulation you should take a warm bath.
Heparin ointment
It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect that lasts long after application to the skin. An additional effect of use is the elimination of blood clots and the prevention of their occurrence. This is relevant if you have problems with blood vessels. With the help of the drug you can significantly reduce itching and pain, since it contains an anesthetic.
The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor . On average it lasts about one week. It is recommended to apply the product no more than three times throughout the day.
Calendula ointment
Made from natural ingredients. Thanks to the presence of calendula extract, a regenerating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect is achieved. When using the drug, your own local defense mechanisms are increased, which allows you to overcome the disease faster.
Despite its natural composition, calendula ointment should be prescribed by a doctor. This especially applies to children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Fenistil gel
The drug is used as an antiallergic agent with pronounced antipruritic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its structure, the gel begins to work within a few minutes after application. The main advantage of Fenistil gel is the possibility of use for the treatment of infants from one month of age .
Gistan
The medicine has a plant base. It contains natural extracts from birch buds, milkweed, violets, string and other herbs. Therefore, Gistan will help with the appearance of allergic rashes on the body, with the development of severe itching, irritation and inflammation of the skin. You can use this remedy to prevent secondary infection of damaged epidermis, as it is a good antiseptic.
Skin Cap
The product contains zinc, therefore it has a pronounced antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. With regular use of Skin-Cap, you can get rid of excess peeling of the skin, which is often observed with atopic dermatitis. The drug is used to treat adults and children over 3 years of age.
Elidel cream
Suitable for combating dermatitis in children from the age of three. Its positive effect is explained by the presence of pimecrolimus in the composition. For atopic dermatitis, this cream blocks the development of an allergic reaction, which stops the inflammatory process.
According to patients, some of them experienced an increase in dermatitis symptoms after using the cream. This indicates the presence of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
The use of Epidel cream should be agreed with a doctor, and after the first application it is necessary to carefully monitor the body's reaction.
Desitin
The main active ingredient of the drug is zinc oxide. It is he who helps get rid of inflammation, skin irritation, itching and other unpleasant manifestations of atopic dermatitis.
Precautionary measures
The only contraindication to the use of Panthenol cream is intolerance to the components of the product. Negative reactions to the use of the cream are extremely rare, but their development cannot be ruled out. To ensure that the cream is safe to use, you must first conduct a trial test. For this:
- Apply a small amount of product to thin skin on the hand;
Advice! The thinnest and most sensitive skin is on the inside of the wrist and elbow.
- Observe the body’s reaction throughout the day;
- if negative symptoms do not appear, then the product can be used without fear.
Negative reactions include the following manifestations:
- redness;
- the appearance of a feeling of itching;
- urticaria (the appearance of a small red rash).
If a negative reaction to the use of Panthenol cream occurs, you should immediately stop using the cream. Then you will need to contact a dermatologist so that the specialist can prescribe another treatment for dermatitis.
Means to accelerate healing
With the development of atopic dermatitis, the patient's skin experiences a moisture deficiency. Therefore, symptoms such as peeling, dryness, and a feeling of tightness come to the fore. Special creams and ointments will help eliminate them and speed up healing.
Bepanten
This is a children's cream for atopic dermatitis that can also be used to treat adults. It is able to heal small wounds, relieve irritation and soften the skin. The positive effect of Bepanten is possible due to the presence of panthenol in its composition.
D-Panthenol
Contains dexpanthenol, which has a pronounced wound-healing effect. After applying the ointment to the skin, it softens, moisturizes, and eliminates irritation. The product is safe, so it is allowed to use it to prevent allergic rashes.
Panthenol
Another drug containing dexpanthenol. It is relatively inexpensive and can be used to treat children of all ages.
Panthenol rarely causes side effects, only in case of individual intolerance.
Bepanten plus
In addition to dexpanthenol, it contains chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. Therefore, it not only has a wound-healing effect, but also produces an antiseptic effect. Using it, you can prevent secondary infection of skin affected by dermatitis.
La Cree
This cream has a softening, moisturizing, regenerating and antimicrobial effect. It is mainly used as part of complex therapy for atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. La-Cri is also recommended for the treatment of insect bites, burns and other injuries to the skin.
Does panthenol help with dermatitis?
For various skin problems, you can use Panthenol cream. This remedy also helps with dermatitis, and it can be used for various types of this disease, for example, with atopic or contact form. The main component of the ointment is descpanthenol, which promotes rapid skin restoration.
People of all ages experience symptoms of dermatitis. Children often suffer from this disease, but in adults, inflammation of the skin of various types is common.
It is necessary to treat dermatitis under the guidance of a dermatologist, since it is very important to identify and eliminate the cause of the disease. One of the frequently prescribed remedies for various forms of the disease is Panthenol cream.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing creams that nourish the epidermis and eliminate irritation will help prevent relapse of atopic dermatitis and speed up recovery.
Locobase
Makes dry skin soft and elastic. This cosmetic product helps restore the natural protective barrier of the epidermis, which prevents recurrent outbreaks of the disease. Due to its safe composition and the absence of harmful dyes and flavors, the cream can be used for children .
Ruzam+
Recommended for moisturizing sensitive skin. Additionally, it produces an antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effect. With regular use, it helps prevent the development of allergies.
Antipruritic drugs
Since rashes with atopic dermatitis are often accompanied by unbearable itching, it is advisable to use special antipruritic agents. They not only relieve discomfort, but also prevent secondary infection of the skin.
In addition to the antihistamines described above, Diakhil ointment is used. It helps get rid of itching and has an antiseptic effect. Use as needed, but not more than three times a day.
How children are treated
Quite often, atopic dermatitis occurs in children under 2 years of age. This is due to their imperfect immune system, which reacts sharply to external stimuli. It is in children that the disease becomes chronic, which requires long-term treatment.
In acute cases of the disease, the doctor prescribes hormonal ointments - Hydrocortisone, Flucinar. If the main symptoms of the disease have been relieved, emollients and wound healing agents are used - Bepanten, Zinc ointment, Protopic. In case of secondary infection of the skin, drugs with an antibacterial effect will be required - Lincomycin ointment, Dioxidin.
Side effect
Panthenol cream does not have any side effects even with long-term use. However, this does not mean that the remedy can be used for self-medication. Cases of intolerance to the drug, although very rare, do occur, so the development of local allergic reactions is possible. As a rule, the side effects of the drug are temporary and do not affect overall well-being.
When the cream or ointment is used correctly, an overdose is completely eliminated. These forms are not intended for internal use; if the drug is accidentally ingested, signs of poisoning may develop, which require symptomatic treatment - gastric lavage, taking sorbents, etc.
Interactions with other drugs when used together externally have not been studied; the drug is often prescribed in combination with other drugs. The product is sold without a prescription and can be stored under normal room conditions. Shelf life depends on the form; cream and ointment retain their properties for 5 years.
Analogs
In some cases, instead of Panthenol, its analogs can be used, these are:
- Dexpanthenol. The drug has a similar effect and is produced in forms for external use.
- D-Panthenol. Another substitute for the original, having a similar composition.
- Pantoderm. An effective analogue used for the treatment of dermatitis.
So, doctors often recommend the use of Panthenol cream for dermatitis. The drug is most often used in combination with other drugs; it ensures faster healing of inflamed skin, and also moisturizes and softens it. Not recommended for application on wet surfaces. There are no contraindications for use, except in cases of intolerance to the components of the drug.
Atopic dermatitis refers to diseases with a genetic predisposition to development. To combat pathology, it is necessary to take a set of measures, including the use of systemic and external agents. Creams and ointments for the treatment of atopic dermatitis relieve external symptoms, relieve discomfort and improve the quality of life of patients.
Contraindications
All ointments and creams used for atopic dermatitis have certain contraindications. Most often, their use is prohibited in the presence of individual intolerance.
Corticosteroids are contraindicated for pregnant women and young children.
Given the wide variety of skin treatment products, you should read the instructions before using them. Any drug is allowed to be used only after visiting a doctor and conducting appropriate diagnostics .
