The healing properties of Clotrimazole for facial skin and its use

The need to use antibacterial agents

A pimple is an inflammatory process in the epidermal layer. The mixture of sebaceous gland secretions, dust and dirt on the skin is an excellent environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. As a result, pimples appear, usually with a red halo around them.

Another situation is also possible. An inflammatory focus occurs as a result of trauma to the formation, in other words, when an acne or pimple begins to “press” without subsequent disinfecting treatment, and infection occurs in the tissue. Even a harmless and unnoticeable rash after such manipulations turns into a painful scarlet spot on the skin.

With such a clinical picture, it is effective to use antibacterial and antiseptic ointments that act on propionibacteria, staphylococcus, fungal microorganisms and mites. All these are natural representatives of the healthy microflora of the skin; under normal circumstances they do not cause diseases. Clogged pores or excessive sebum production contribute to the development of pimples and acne. Special topical products help relieve inflammation.

Medicinal shampoos

Many people remember them now. Indeed, manufacturing companies take into account consumer requests and produce ready-made anti-dandruff shampoos. And the active ingredient is often clotrimazole. Otherwise, this is an ordinary shampoo, often not the best. But doctors recommend using the medication directly. An ointment that should be applied to problem areas of the epidermis several times a day is an excellent remedy for dandruff. Regular use will improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

General information about Clotrimazole

The drug is intended for external use and looks like a white cream. Release form: aluminum tube and additional cardboard packaging. Sold in pharmacies without a prescription. Widely used in dermatology.

The basic pharmacological property of Clotrimazole ointment is antifungal activity. The product affects staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms.

It is thanks to its ability to fight harmful bacteria that the drug is used to eliminate pimples, boils and blackheads. It also helps with dermatitis and fungal infections of the nails and skin.

Composition and mechanism of action

The active substance of the drug Clotrimazole is 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-imidazole (clotrimazole), which is a synthetic antimycotic agent from the group of imidazole derivatives.

Clotrimazole belongs to the pharmacological group of antifungal drugs intended for topical use.

The antimycotic effect of the drug on the body is due to inhibition of the formation of ergosterol, which entails structural and functional damage to the plasma membrane of pathogenic microflora cells. The mechanism of action of this medication is based on primary fungicidal or fungistatic activity and depends on the concentration of the active substance at the site of infection.

Clotrimazole is a drug with a wide spectrum of antimycotic activity and acts on dimorphic, yeast and mold fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the active substance for these types of fungi are approximately 0.062–8.0 μg of clotrimazole per 1 ml of substrate.

In addition to its antifungal activity, clotrimazole also affects:

• gram-positive microorganisms (streptococci, staphylococci, Gardnerella vaginalis);
• gram-negative microorganisms (Bacteroides).

The drug inhibits the proliferation of Corynebacterium and gram-positive cocci (with the exception of Enterococci) at a concentration of 0.5–10 μg of clotrimazole per 1 ml of substrate.

When applied topically, Clotrimazole is absorbed by the epidermis. A high concentration of the active substance appears in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and reticuloderm. Clotrimazole enters the systemic circulation in small quantities (the peak plasma concentration of the active substance is less than 10 ng/ml). Therefore, the occurrence of side or systemic effects is unlikely.

Basic rules of use

In order for Clotrimazole to have results, it must be used systematically and not once. Application algorithm:

1. Pre-clean your skin. Take a shower when applying to the body, or just wash your face if the effect will only be on acne on the face.
2. Use regularly. Apply a little ointment two or three times daily to dry skin, directly to the site of inflammation. Rub in lightly.
3. Use in combination. Apply to all pimples on the body at the same time.
4. Don't wash it off. After absorption, before going outside, blot with a napkin to remove excess cream.
5. Close the tube carefully. Place away from sunlight and out of reach of children.
6. Wash your hands. To avoid contact with mucous membranes, eyes and healthy areas of skin, rinse your hands under running water.
7. Complete the entire course of treatment. Clotrimazole for acne on the face and body is applied systematically for three to four weeks. After treatment, the drug is continued to be rubbed in for another 14 days to prevent relapses.

Although the ointment can be used without a doctor’s prescription, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to ensure the effectiveness of the medication for specific existing rashes and the sensitivity of bacteria to its components.

Clinical signs of thrush in men

Candidiasis, better known among the people as thrush, got its name due to the abundant discharge from the genitals, reminiscent of cottage cheese in consistency and sour odor. Heavy discharge is more typical for women, but in men the clinical picture of the disease can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• pain and stinging when urinating;
• redness of the foreskin and glans penis;
• itching and burning along the urethra;
• pain during erection and sexual intercourse;
• a grayish-white coating on the penis that has a sour odor.

Against the background of all these symptoms, men’s sleep deteriorates, nervous tension and self-doubt appear. Yeast fungus can spread to other organs of the genitourinary system, causing inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. To prevent the progression of the disease, men need to contact an experienced doctor who will prescribe Clotrimazole ointment or another antifungal drug, and also give detailed instructions for use for men.

Contraindications and features of use

Clotrimazole works only in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and does not penetrate the dermis; it enters the blood in very small concentrations. Therefore, the drug has virtually no side effects . People with sensitive skin may experience itching and a slight burning sensation after applying the ointment.

You cannot use the cream in the following cases:

• pregnancy in the first trimester;
• allergy to components;
• during lactation, do not apply to the mammary glands;
• do not use on mucous membranes and skin of the eyelids;
• prohibited for infants and premature infants as it contains benzene alcohol.

Expectant mothers in the second and third trimesters are advised to use the drug with caution and only as prescribed by a dermatologist.

Clortimazole ointment is applied externally. If a substance enters the esophagus - through negligence, due to the curiosity of a child - gastric lavage is performed.

If any negative skin reaction occurs, such as hives, swelling or severe redness, application should be discontinued.

If after four weeks of use the expected effect has not come and the inflammatory foci have not disappeared, you need to consult a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the causes of pimples and acne.

The use of medication against age spots on the face

Pigmented dark spots are an unpleasant phenomenon in the life of every woman, because they greatly change the appearance, so many are interested in how to remove them, since it is very difficult to do so. Pigmentation occurs on the face due to hormonal changes (pregnancy, starting from the first trimester), abuse of solariums (ultraviolet rays in frequent quantities provoke pigmentation), diseases of internal organs, lack of vitamins - nicotinamide, tocopherol and ascorbic acid, aggressive cosmetic procedures and interactions with toxins, poisons.

Clotrimazole is considered one of the most effective and inexpensive means for eliminating age spots on the face. It must be applied to the face for at least four weeks every day in a row for a pronounced effect to appear: the spots will become much lighter and almost invisible. In combination with the right cosmetics, they will become completely invisible to strangers. You can also use expensive cosmetics to whiten your face, but they are unlikely to have a better effect than a drug against fungus.

An integrated approach to the problem

Clotrimazole ointment for acne on the face and body is effective and helps solve the problem of acne. We must not forget that the drug only eliminates the symptoms of the disease, not the cause. If inflammation on the skin occurs due to non-compliance with hygiene rules, you should pay close attention to cleansing the skin:

• wash your face at least twice a day using special products;
• wipe the skin with ice cubes from a decoction of chamomile or calendula;
• do not use low-quality decorative cosmetics with comedonic effects;
• do not touch your face with your hands.

When it comes to allergic acne or rashes caused by an imbalance in the thyroid gland or gastrointestinal tract, you need to contact highly specialized doctors - a dermatologist, endocrinologist and gastroenterologist, respectively. Systemic treatment will prevent the inflammatory lesions from appearing again.

Instructions for use

Before using a medicinal composition for fungus on the feet, hands or nails, it is important to read the instructions for the drug. The instructions provide comprehensive information regarding the medication and its proper use.

The therapeutic regimen is common to all forms of pharmaceuticals, i.e. clotrimazole solution against nail fungus (hands, feet) is as effective as ointment or cream.

Instructions for use:

1. The affected areas of the skin are gently but thoroughly washed with antibacterial soap, then rinsed with clean water.
2. Steam your leg or arm in a convenient way (you can use hot water). Areas on the nail with a pronounced pathological process are removed using a nail file or scissors. If the skin is steamed well, no problems arise. The enlarged pores of the nail plate almost instantly absorb the medicine, and the components of the ointment begin to act immediately.
3. The drug (2-4 g) is applied in a thin layer to a clean area of ​​skin, after which it is rubbed into the surface of the epidermis with massage movements.
4. The frequency of repeating the procedure is 2-3 times a day. There is no need to apply any tampons, applications or bandages.
5. The duration of treatment is until complete relief from the disease (conclusions are drawn based on tests).

Before treatment with clotrimazole, it is necessary to get rid of the nail affected by the fungus.
Resistance to pathogenic microorganisms is developed in 3-8 weeks. The indicated duration of therapy is also relevant for other forms of the drug.

Indications and contraindications

Clotrimazole ointment (solution, gel, cream) is indicated for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• superficial candidiasis (yeast, mold);
• deep mycosis, lichen versicolor;
• mycosis of the epidermis with damage to the nail plates (nail fungus), feet;
• mycotic pathology complicated by pyoderma.

Despite the high tolerability of the drug in question, its use is contraindicated in some patients.

Contraindications:

• problems with liver function;
• breastfeeding period;
• 1st trimester of pregnancy;
• hypersensitivity of the skin or individual intolerance to the components of the ointment or solution.

If an allergic reaction occurs at the site of application of the medication, you must stop using it and wash it off the skin. A substitute can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Methods of using clotrimazole for fungus

The instructions above present the most effective way to combat mycosis. Regardless of the form of the composition, if there is a fungus, it is necessary to remove the affected nail (after steaming it), and then treat the skin with the drug.

Good results can be achieved when using an emulsion solution, which is due to the high penetrating ability of the liquid. It is applied to problem areas in the same way, using a dispenser. The more pronounced the pathology, the more often the problem areas are treated. Duration of treatment is from 1.5 to 2 months.

Uncontrolled use of even safe medications is fraught with aggravation of the disease and associated complications.

Side effects and special instructions

Adverse reactions of the body to the drug in question develop very rarely. We are talking mainly about allergic manifestations in the area where liniment or gel is applied. This may be a slight burning sensation, tingling, or slight swelling. Local side effects also occur:

• urticaria, itching;
• drying of the skin, peeling of the epithelium;
• watery blisters.

Before the procedures, it is recommended to be examined by a dermatologist, undergo the necessary tests, and undergo a sensitivity test to the prescribed pharmaceutical. If a patient is taking multiple medications at the same time, it is important to consider their interactions. Do not use clotrimazole to treat illnesses of unknown etiology.

The effectiveness of the drug and its analogues

Clotrimazole for facial acne has received positive reviews from those who have used it. The ointment is affordable, is freely available in every pharmacy, and has no contraindications. A negative assessment is often caused by the presence of an allergy to components when the patient did not know about it, or insensitivity to bacteria that cause acne and inflammatory elements.

In such situations, it is important to consult a specialist to find out the true causes of acne and prescribe a course of treatment.

If the ointment is not available at the pharmacy, the pharmacist can recommend similar antibacterial agents that will be effective in treating acne. Let's look at several medications that are similar in activity:

• Zinc ointment. Most popular among teenagers. The product dries out pimples and has an anti-inflammatory effect, quickly eliminating rashes.
• Erythromycin ointment. An inexpensive drug that has an antimicrobial effect, eliminating ulcers, foci of inflammation and acne. Apply locally for a month.
• Salicylic ointment. The rashes disappear after one to three weeks of use, depending on the complexity of the disease.

Acne occurs due to an inflammatory process in the epidermis, so the use of bactericidal drugs is practiced to solve skin problems. An affordable and effective remedy is Clotrimazole, which, when applied systematically, will quickly relieve the unaesthetic problem of rashes. Easy to use and has no side effects. Experts recommend putting the ointment in your first aid kit and forget about acne.

Maintenance therapy

By the way, Clotrimazole helps not only against dandruff. A fungus can also settle in the ears. It causes severe itching, which is very difficult to tolerate. To get rid of it, it is enough to instill the solution every day at night for a week. After this, the frequency can be reduced to 1 time every 3-4 days. And so on until the symptoms disappear completely.

When the disease subsides, the need to use medications decreases. Over time, patients can transition to daily personal care products. But if the fungus returns, it is recommended to repeat the use of the medicine. A different situation may arise here. Sometimes, with a secondary manifestation of the disease, the tested drugs do not produce a positive effect. If this is your case, then you need to choose other products that contain effective medicinal ingredients.

General recommendations for the treatment of candidiasis in men

To cure thrush quickly, you must follow some rules:

• carefully monitor intimate hygiene;
• avoid casual sexual contacts, especially unprotected ones;
• exclude sweets, spicy and fatty foods, and alcohol from the diet.

To avoid re-infection, when thrush is diagnosed in one partner, it is necessary for the second sexual partner to also take a preventive course. It is not recommended to be sexually active during treatment.

Advice! Doctors strongly recommend that men wear loose-fitting underwear made from natural fabrics during treatment.