Chicken pox ointment

Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute viral disease that causes a sharp rise in temperature and papular rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. With chickenpox, the main treatment measures are aimed at eliminating the rash that has appeared: in order to speed up the drying of the crusts on the papules, in most cases various alcohol-based or water-based drugs are used. However, constant itching and discomfort from the rash forces us to look for newer methods of combating the disease. Chickenpox ointment - what is it? Does this ointment help better than the notorious "brilliant green"? Let's try to understand this issue.

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Indications for the use of ointments for chickenpox

Chickenpox ointments are used when the rash first appears: most often, the rash starts from the face, then spreads over the entire surface of the head and body. The rash looks like bubbles with cloudy contents inside. The sooner you start using the ointment, the sooner the bubbles open and a crust forms: this means that the course of the disease is nearing completion.

Rashes, especially at the stage of crust formation, are usually accompanied by severe itching. Such discomfort can also be eliminated with the help of ointments. In addition, ointments promote rapid tissue restoration and their painless healing, and also serve as a preventive measure against bacterial infection of wounds, which can lead to the development of purulent inflammation of the skin.

Pharmacodynamics of chickenpox ointments

Antiviral ointments for chickenpox in most cases suppress the reproductive function of the virus, especially at the initial stages of its development. As a rule, this occurs inside the deoxyribonucleic acid synthesized by the virus. The specificity of the drugs is mainly explained by the accumulation of active components of the ointments in cells affected by the viral infection.

The pharmacodynamics of antihistamine ointments is due to the blocking of histamine-H¹ receptors. This helps reduce excessive capillary permeability, eliminate tissue swelling and redness, and relieve itching. The effect of antihistamine ointments usually manifests itself quickly: the patient's condition improves almost immediately.

Many ointments for chickenpox have a cooling effect, which makes the effect of the drugs even more noticeable.

Pharmacokinetics of chickenpox ointments

The active ingredients of almost all chickenpox ointments do not enter the systemic circulation, or enter in extremely small quantities. Such concentrations of drugs do not have therapeutic value.

Names of ointments for chickenpox

To ensure a speedy recovery, you can use all kinds of ointments for chickenpox. Such ointments can have different effects: this depends on the composition of a particular drug. For example, there are ointments that relieve the sensation of itching, or dry out the crusts faster and speed up healing.

Therefore, when choosing the necessary ointment, you should determine what exactly you expect from the medication.

Names of ointments for chickenpox:

• zinc cream - its action is aimed at drying out blisters, eliminating itching and accelerating the moment of wound cleansing;
• zinc ointment - similar in principle to zinc cream. There is also a more extensive composition of the drug - this is zinc-salicylic ointment;
• ointments with antiviral activity - reduce the manifestations of the disease (rash). Such ointments include antiviral agents such as Zovirax, Acyclovir, etc.;
• antihistamine ointments – aimed at eliminating itching. Among such drugs, the most popular are Gistan and Fenistil gel;
• Homeopathic ointments – relieve inflammation and alleviate itching (Iricar).

Fucorcin ointment for chickenpox

What effect does Fukortsin ointment have on chickenpox? This is a drug that has the same effect as Fukortsin, a long-known drug that is used for chickenpox along with brilliant green. Fukortsin perfectly eliminates the inflammatory process, and also serves as a preventive measure against the possible addition of a secondary infection. In addition, the drug dries up the opened blisters, and this happens much faster than when using other external medications. This is due to the excellent astringent properties of the drug.

The ointment is applied to the area of the rash about 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is until the rash disappears completely. The drug can be successfully combined with any other antimicrobial ointments and drugs.

Fukortsin should not be prescribed to children under 3 years of age and to women during pregnancy, since the degree of toxicity of the drug has not yet been reliably established.

Acyclovir ointment for chickenpox

Acyclovir is an antiviral ointment whose active ingredient is similar to the natural DNA component thymidine.

Acyclovir ointment for chickenpox prevents the virus from multiplying in the human body, which promotes a speedy recovery, as well as a reduction in the total number of rashes. Stimulates local immunity in the area of application.

External use of the drug involves applying it up to 6 times a day, at approximately equal time intervals. At the same time, the earlier treatment with Acyclovir is started, the sooner the rash will heal.

The use of the ointment can be continued until the period of crust formation, or until the wounds are completely healed, but not less than 5 and not more than 10 days in a row.

Acyclovir is approved for use with virtually no restrictions, except for allergic hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

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Zinc ointment for chickenpox

Zinc oxide ointment is a common remedy used for chickenpox. Zinc ointment eliminates inflammation, dries wounds, and inhibits bacterial growth. Applying the ointment to the affected area eliminates local irritation and itching.

To treat chickenpox, zinc ointment is applied to a dry and clean surface, directly to the rash, in a thin layer up to 6 times a day. Treatment with ointment can continue for up to 4 weeks, until the rash is completely healed.

The ointment is not used in case of allergy and intolerance to zinc preparations.

The drug is non-toxic and has no side effects.

Calamine Ointment for Chicken Pox

Calamine is zinc carbonate, which can be added to ointments or lotions. Calamine preparations help to effectively relieve itching. This ointment perfectly dries, soothes and cools the skin, has a bactericidal effect, eliminates signs of inflammation, swelling. Thanks to Calamine, the skin recovers quite quickly.

Calamine chickenpox ointment is used several times a day, as needed. When applying the product, avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying.

The average duration of drug use is from 7 to 10 days.

Ointment for chickenpox Calamine has virtually no contraindications, it can be used even in children under 3 years of age. However, if an allergy to the drug occurs, its use should be discontinued.

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Ointment for itching from chickenpox

An excellent ointment for itching during chickenpox is Psilo-balm - an antiallergic drug for external use. Due to the antihistamine action of the drug, its significant antipruritic effect has been discovered. In addition, Psilo-balm is a local anesthetic with a pleasant cooling effect.

The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas: light rubbing of the preparation into the skin is allowed. As a rule, 2-3 g of ointment is used up to 4 times a day.

The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the doctor. But, as a rule, Psilo-balm is used for about 10 days.

The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ointment for chickenpox scars

When the blistering rash on the skin dries up and forms a dense crust, which then falls off, it is time to apply an ointment for chickenpox scars. Contractubex gel is excellent for home use, which is applied three times a day for 3 months, as well as Mederma external ointment, also for 3 months. The listed products are well suited for the absorption of scar tissue.

For slightly visible scars, superficial peeling procedures are used using scrubs or body masks. Peeling promotes exfoliation of the upper epidermal layer.

If the scars are pronounced, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe physical procedures. This may be electro- and phonophoresis.

Vitamins help to quickly dissolve scar tissue, so you should take multivitamin complexes that contain, among other things, a sufficient amount of zinc.

Chickenpox ointment instead of brilliant green

Instead of the usual brilliant green for chickenpox, you can use a really large number of drugs. These include antihistamines and antiviral agents for external use. One of these safe agents is considered to be Epigen - an antiviral drug based on glycyrrhizic acid. Epigen is easy to apply, as it is available both as a gel and as a spray, which is sprayed over the entire affected surface.

The product copes well with the inflammatory reaction, destroys viruses and bacteria in wounds, and alleviates the patient’s condition.

Epigen is applied to the skin surface 6 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is from 5 to 10 days. The drug can be used, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If signs of irritation or allergic reaction are detected during treatment, the use of the drug should be discontinued.

Colorless ointment for chickenpox

As a replacement for the dyes brilliant green and fucorcin, many colorless ointments for chickenpox are currently used. What are the most common and effective remedies:

• Fenistil gel – helps with itching, reduces swelling, relieves pain and cools rashes. It works immediately after application and over a long period. It is enough to use the product 2 times a day;
• Viferon is an antiviral gel with interferon. It accelerates the healing and falling off of scabs from wounds;
• Zovirax 5% is an antiviral agent that destroys the viruses that cause chickenpox. The cream should be used up to 6 times a day for about a week;
• Tsindol is an analogue of zinc ointment, with zinc oxide. Apply 2 times a day. The ointment successfully relieves irritation, softens the skin, and promotes faster crust formation.

In fact, if you ask about colorless remedies for chickenpox at the pharmacy, the pharmacist will most likely dictate a whole list of similar drugs to you. At the same time, their essence is almost the same - this is the antiviral and antihistamine action of the ointments. Which of the drugs to choose is up to you.

Ointment for chickenpox in adults

External remedies for chickenpox in adults can be used in the form of ointment, gel, paste, alcohol and water solutions. In adults, there are practically no contraindications to the use of this or that external drug for the treatment of chickenpox (in some cases, with the exception of pregnancy and allergies to the drug).

Ointments for chickenpox will ease the general condition, stimulate the drying of crusts, and serve as a good prevention of complications that most often arise in adulthood.

Antiviral external agents (Acyclovir, Virolex, Panciclovir) block the development of viruses, reduce the number of rashes. Such drugs are able to stimulate local defenses, which accelerates recovery and restoration of the skin.

Sometimes, when a purulent infection occurs and complications develop, it is necessary to resort to antibacterial therapy, which includes, among other things, the use of antimicrobial ointments.

Chickenpox Ointment for Children

Chickenpox in children is usually milder than in adults. However, treatment is necessary, as it is necessary to alleviate the child's condition at all costs.

In most cases, ointments of plant origin are used for children:

• Alpizarin 200 mg is an antiviral ointment based on mango tree fruits. The drug is considered very effective, but only in the early stages of the disease;
• Helepin (lespedeza extract) – destroys viruses and inhibits their reproduction, stimulates cellular immunity;
• Gossypol is an ointment based on an extract of cotton seeds and cotton plant.

Antihistamine ointments can be used to ease the baby's condition and reduce itching.

Antibacterial ointments are used to prevent complications (suppuration).

Treatment is usually carried out at home. General (specific) treatment of the disease is rarely prescribed.

Ointment after chickenpox

Ointment after chickenpox is usually used to prevent scars. This treatment is carried out immediately after the crusts fall off the wounds.

If you use the ointment after chickenpox some time after recovery, then such treatment may be ineffective: only fresh scars respond to therapy.

For example, if Contractubex ointment is used correctly and in a timely manner, it will certainly help prevent scar formation. In addition, other ointments can be used to dissolve scar tissue:

• Dermatix is a silicon-based silicone gel that is prescribed to prevent the appearance of keloid and hypertrophic scars, as well as to eliminate pigmentation after wound healing;
• Aldara is a cream with a local immunomodulatory effect. The active component is imiquimod, an interferon inducer. The drug promotes active skin regeneration;
• Medgel – gel plates that are used to prevent the appearance of scars immediately after the end of the epithelialization process;
• Kelofibrase is a popular drug based on urea, heparin and camphor. The drug softens and smoothes scar tissue, improves blood circulation in the skin, eliminates tightness and evens out the skin, and removes residual signs of inflammation.

Ointment after chickenpox is recommended to be used regardless of whether scars form after the disease or not. The drugs are used both for treatment and for prevention.

Method of administration and dosage

Chickenpox ointments are usually applied 5-6 times a day (for example, every 4 hours), in a thin layer on the affected area and on areas located in close proximity to the rash. The duration of treatment is at least 5 days, more often up to 10 days, or until the crusts have completely fallen off the wounds.

Ointments should be applied with clean hands or using a gauze pad to prevent the spread of infection beyond the affected areas.

After applying ointments, you should wash your hands thoroughly.

Avoid contact of external preparations with eyes, nose or mouth.

The earlier antiviral treatment for chickenpox is started, the better. In this case, there may be much less rash, and the course of the disease will be milder.

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Using Chickenpox Ointments During Pregnancy

Chickenpox has a very negative effect on pregnancy, especially if the disease occurs in the early stages. The disease can provoke a spontaneous abortion, death of the unborn child or the occurrence of fetal developmental defects. In the third trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of premature birth.

Given the danger of the disease, chickenpox during pregnancy must be treated. All antiviral drugs are used both locally and internally, but with great caution, assessing all possible risks and consequences.

The use of chickenpox ointments during breastfeeding is not recommended, so you should temporarily stop lactating during therapy.

Contraindications to the use of ointments for chickenpox

General contraindications to the use of ointments for chickenpox include an individual tendency to allergies to the components of medications, which, by the way, is rare.

Pregnant women are prescribed ointments only under the supervision of a physician, and nursing mothers should refrain from breastfeeding during therapy.

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Side effects of chickenpox ointments

External preparations - ointments for chickenpox - in some cases can provoke allergic reactions in the form of reddening of the skin at the site of application, a burning sensation, angioedema. If an allergy occurs, the preparation is discontinued.

Overdose

There are no cases of overdose of chickenpox ointments. The active components of the ointments practically do not enter the systemic circulation, so the probability of overdose is practically reduced to zero.

Interactions of chickenpox ointments with other drugs

As a rule, combined use with immunostimulants enhances the effect of antiviral ointments.

No other interactions between chickenpox ointments and other medications have been identified.

Storage conditions for chickenpox ointments

Ointments for chickenpox are stored at temperatures ranging from +15 to +25°C, out of reach of children, in the original packaging.

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Best before date

The shelf life of ointments is most often limited to three years.

If you do not want to limit yourself to brilliant green to treat chickenpox, you can easily choose another equally effective antiseptic. Nowadays, you can buy many drugs that successfully fight the disease and do not leave marks on the skin and clothes. A doctor will help you choose an ointment for chickenpox, especially if the disease develops in childhood.