general description
The drug Bepanthem is produced by a Swiss company and is quite popular due to its pharmacological properties. A line of such products, produced in various forms, is prescribed for dermatological problems and skin care. Initially, it was used for children from birth to eliminate diaper dermatitis, redness, inflammation, and diaper rash.
The use of the medicine is also common for healing wounds and cracks on the nipples of young mothers. However, it turned out that the drug is also effective for hemorrhoids. It quickly relieves pain and heals existing wounds. At the same time, you should know how to use it correctly, and for whom the product is contraindicated.
Description of the drug and release form
A person suffering from hemorrhoids, first of all, is looking for those remedies that will help quickly save him from unbearable pain, itching, a feeling of heaviness, bleeding and anal fissures.
This drug copes well with all the symptoms of the disease, and in the first stages it also eliminates its cause - the dilation of the anal veins formed due to impaired blood flow.
To find out whether it is possible to smear Bepanten ointment on hemorrhoids, you just need to apply it very slightly to the affected area of the mucosa. And in a moment you will feel how the unpleasant sensations pass, and you feel much better.
Bepanten can and should be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, since the main active ingredient in its composition, dexpanthenol, has powerful:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- regenerating and restorative;
- wound healing abilities.
When interacting with skin proteins, it quickly forms pantothenic acid, which it needs for constant renewal. Metabolic processes are restored at the cellular level, which allows for faster healing. Damaged skin heals, new, elastic and elastic skin is formed.
The drug is instantly absorbed without leaving any traces. It is excreted naturally after a few hours through urine and feces, without causing any harm to the body.
Bepanten cream is available in the form of ointment and cream; it has a homogeneous, homogenized structure of white or yellowish color with a barely audible odor of lanolin.
It is a product of Bayer JSC.
Packaged in tubes of 30 and 100 g.
The pharmaceutical industry produces another type of drug called Bepanten Plus, which additionally contains chlorhexidine.
It has pronounced antibacterial properties, heals anal fissures even faster and relieves pain. According to user reviews, it works even more reliably, and is used only once a day.
Indications
Bepanten is used in the following cases:
- Treatment of hemorrhoids caused by anal fissures.
- Wounds at risk of infection.
- Chronic wounds such as bedsores or trophic ulcers of the lower leg.
- Infected skin lesions on the surface.
- Surgical wounds.
- Cracked nipples when feeding.
Anal fissures - features of pathology
An anal fissure is a narrow, up to 2 cm long, damage to the mucous membrane in the anal area with exposure of muscle tissue. They are localized on the front or back wall, less often on the side walls. The depth of the crack is usually several millimeters.
On a note! Damage to the anterior wall is most often observed in women, which is due to the structural features of the female body.
Anal fissure
The disease has two forms – chronic and acute. As a rule, an acute crack that has appeared significantly recently either heals itself in the presence of favorable conditions, or, if left untreated, develops into a chronic form. In this case, the crack has rough edges and bumps at the beginning and end of the damage. It no longer heals on its own, except in rare cases. Treatment for this course of the disease is surgical.
Acute and chronic anal fissure
The causes of cracks can be:
- constant constipation, which forces the patient to push hard;
- tissue damage from hard toilet paper or hard feces;
- anal sex;
- diarrhea;
- childbirth;
- instrumental methods of intestinal examinations.
Causes of anal fissures
Insufficient hygiene, inflammatory processes, and dysbacteriosis can also provoke the appearance of such defects. A sedentary lifestyle, lifting and carrying heavy objects can also cause cracks.
When anal fissures appear, the patient complains of the following symptoms:
- pain during bowel movements, and the deeper the crack, the stronger the pain. Subsequently, the pain may become chronic;
- burning, pinching;
- a feeling of pressure in the rectum in the presence of tissue swelling;
- itching, and the larger the crack, the stronger it is;
- scarlet bloody discharge;
- dark venous blood in the presence of vein damage;
- constipation due to fear of defecation.
Itching in the anus
Attention! The presence of fissures in the anus significantly affects a person’s daily life. It is difficult for the patient to sit for a long time.
The presence of anal fissures can lead to the following complications - inflammation of the wound due to contact with feces, purulent paraproctitis, the appearance of ulcers and fistulas, gangrene, sepsis. In men, anal fissures provoke prostatitis.
How does it work and does it help with hemorrhoids?
Due to the presence of dexpanthenol in the composition, the product has the following pharmacological effect:
- Healing . It consists in restoring the regeneration process, due to which cracks and wounds disappear. It is important that this effect, in addition to the skin, also affects the mucous membrane.
- Antiseptic . Hemorrhoids are accompanied by an infection, which must be eliminated immediately, due to which the wound will heal.
- Prevention of inflammatory processes . This effect is observed due to the antiseptic properties of the drug, which slow down the development of inflammation and eliminate it later.
- Cooling effect . This action helps get rid of itching and burning. In this case, you should keep the product in the refrigerator.
- Moisturizes and softens the skin.
Causes of microcracks in the mucosa
A defect in the mucous membrane is always an unpleasant itching, burning sensation and a cause of poor health. Any, even minor damage, can create conditions for the development of inflammatory diseases in the intimate area.
Near the vagina
Damage to the mucous membrane is a consequence of disruption of the normal microflora with discharge, itching and soreness.
Main reasons:
- Mucosal atrophy due to estrogen deficiency (menopause).
- Allergy to synthetic underwear, detergents, hygiene products, condoms, wet wipes.
- Excessively frequent washing or douching.
- Using sanitary tampons.
- Injury during sexual intercourse due to a small amount of vaginal discharge - lubrication.
Also, microcracks in the intimate area appear with all parasitic sexually transmitted diseases, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
According to statistics, 10% of patients suffer from mucosal disorders with pain for unknown reasons. It is assumed that this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone cortisol, which occurs with psycho-emotional disorders: prolonged depression, unresolved stressful situations, anxiety, panic attacks, anorexia.
Near the anus
Defects in the mucosa between the anus and vagina are single or multiple wounds (up to 10 mm) of linear or oval shape. As a rule, the onset of the disease occurs in the postpartum period, and also develops as a result of circulatory disorders in the pelvis and venous stagnation. This is due to a sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, and frequent constipation.
First signs of damage:
- Soreness.
- Minor bleeding.
- Sphincter tone (throbbing pain at rest).
- Over time, “stool phobia” develops—the fear of bowel movements.
This is how the disease closes the circle, sphincter spasms and constipation aggravate the situation, the crack grows and does not heal.
You can distinguish hemorrhoids from a fissure by two signs. If there is a defect in the mucous membrane, the pain is constant, and red blood may be discharged. With hemorrhoids, the blood is dark, with clots and painful bowel movements.
Instructions and how to use
For hemorrhoids, it is recommended to use Bepanten in the form of an ointment. Before applying the product, you must thoroughly wash the affected area in the anal area. After this, the area needs to be dried thoroughly. Apply the product carefully to cracks and hemorrhoids in a thin layer. The procedure is best carried out in a lying position and after application, do not get up until the ointment is absorbed.
The decision on the number of applications and course of treatment is made by the attending physician. According to the instructions, Bepantem is used 2-3 times during the day, as well as after bowel movements. The duration of the course depends on the degree of damage and the speed of healing.
In addition to external use, the product is used to treat internal hemorrhoids. To do this, you will need a special dispenser, with which the ointment is injected into the rectum in a small amount. If such a device is not available, you can perform the procedure with your finger.
Treatment of dryness in intimate areas
At the first symptoms, it is enough to change or adjust personal hygiene, change underwear, purchase the “correct” caring cosmetics and stop using latex-based products.
If your pubic skin is cracking
Peeling of the top layer of skin in the sensitive intimate area has several causes: contact dermatitis (genital allergy) or mechanical damage.
To relieve symptoms, antihistamines are used orally for 5 days: Erius, Cetrin, Telfast. These are new generation products. They are compatible with other drugs and do not affect psychomotor reactions.
To relieve itching, peeling and irritation, anti-allergenic ointments of three groups are used:
- Non-hormonal agents are indicated for moderate peeling and itching: Psilobalm, Bepanten, Panthenol. Ointments have no contraindications, do not give side effects and are not addictive.
- Hormonal agents are applied to the skin for severe forms of genital allergies: Hydrocortisone, Afloderm, Dermovate. Cracks and erosions are lubricated in the morning and evening with a course of 5–7 days.
- Antibacterial agents are indicated for cracks and associated infections. Levomekol, Erythromycin, Ficidin, Dalatsin, Streptomycin liniment.
Ointments have not only an antimicrobial effect. Thanks to the auxiliary components (zinc oxide, azelaic and salicylic acid), the products have a softening and caring effect.
On the labia
If microcracks appear, but the discharge is normal, then the reason is most often in aggressive cosmetics, pads, tampons, condoms or intimate gels. To relieve such an allergic reaction, it is enough to simply eliminate the influence of the irritant. Additionally, you may need a course of antihistamines orally for 5 days and a course of vitamins.
Microcracks are a consequence of dryness. To moisturize the mucous membrane, there are special intravaginal products: gels, creams, ointments.
All preparations are based on a hydrophilic base - they are easy to apply, they are quickly absorbed and have an acidity level close to the mucous membrane. They moisturize, eliminate microcracks and restore the mucous membrane. Vaginal suppositories are considered the most practical. They are easy to use and improvement occurs after the first use. They also have the advantage of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
The list of the most popular and effective includes:
- Lifemin Intim Comfort - candles based on hyaluronic acid, calendula extracts, aloe and tea tree oil. The suppository is placed overnight, for a course of 5 to 10 days. Analogue: Cicatridine.
- Vagikal - anti-inflammatory suppositories based on calendula extract. They have a good moisturizing, healing and antimicrobial effect. Suppositories are placed 3 times a day for 7 days.
- Vagilak - suppositories based on lactic acid. Effective for microcracks and dryness caused by dysbacteriosis. Completely harmless and suitable for pregnant and lactating women.
- Methyluracil - effective mucosal restoring suppositories based on methyluracil. Against cracks, apply in the morning and evening for a course of one to two weeks.
- Estrinorm is a hormone-containing suppository that is used for vaginal dryness in menopause and postmenopause. Prescribed on the recommendation of a specialist. The course of treatment is from two to six weeks.
If the cracks are accompanied by discharge of an unusual color or odor, this may indicate a serious fungal infection, erythrasma, psoriasis, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. In such cases, examination and treatment cannot be avoided without the supervision of a doctor.
Between the vagina and anus
To heal cracks in this area, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory ointments and suppositories with an analgesic effect are needed.
Treatments:
- Gel Ligenten is a drug based on lidocaine and gentamischina. Has antibactericidal and anesthetic effects. It is used both externally (to lubricate the mucous membrane) and intravaginally (introducing moistened tampons).
- Hexicon suppositories based on chlorhexidine. They have good medicinal properties and are used to prevent complications and sexually transmitted diseases. Course: 1 suppository in the morning and evening for 10 days. If prescribed by a doctor, it is possible to extend treatment up to three weeks.
- Bepanten ointment or cream. Preparations based on dexpanthenol, a wound-healing component that promotes tissue regeneration. Has no contraindications. Course of treatment: as needed.
Treatment of itching in the perineal area
In uncomplicated cases, sitz baths and douching with medicinal herbs can help relieve itching.
Collection No. 1:
- Pour 1 liter of boiling water over nettle, oregano, calendula, chamomile (1 tablespoon each), and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Use the cooled and strained broth for evening baths for 2 weeks.
Collection No. 2:
- Pour boiling water over sage, calendula, chamomile (1 tablespoon each), leave for 30 minutes.
- Add 1 tsp to the cooled and strained solution. calendula oils.
- The solution can be used for douching and baths.
Collection No. 3
- Pour a glass of boiling water over nettle (1 tbsp) and leave in a water bath for 10 minutes.
- Use the strained solution for syringing or baths.
A bath with motherwort relieves itching and discomfort. For the procedure, bring 500 ml of water to a boil, add 60 g of raw materials, keep on fire for 1 minute, remove and let it brew. Add the strained solution to a warm bath.
When itching in the intimate area, it is important to limit salt and sugar and maintain a drinking regime: daily water consumption should be at least 2 liters.
Contraindications and side effects
Bepanten is a safe drug and can be used from birth. There are no contraindications, including for pregnant or nursing mothers. The only case when you have to refuse the drug is individual intolerance to dexpanthenol, but this is observed very rarely.
Side effects are mild. Such a negative phenomenon can only be an allergic reaction resulting from individual intolerance or improper use. In this situation, urticaria, itching, and irritation are observed. If such symptoms are detected, you should stop using the drug and consult a doctor.
Use during pregnancy
Due to fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy and increased pressure on the pelvic area, hemorrhoids often appear, which cause a lot of inconvenience. A woman moves less, therefore she is more susceptible to congestion and constipation.
Treating varicose veins of the anus at this time is not easy, since it is difficult to choose a safe medicine without a possible effect on the fetus. However, the lack of therapy threatens complications: thrombosis of hemorrhoidal veins, bleeding, incontinence of gases and feces.
Bepanten is one of the very few drugs approved for use at this time. The ointment helps to quickly reduce pain, eliminate discomfort, stop the inflammatory process and heal damaged skin areas.