Unfortunately, skin diseases, in particular dermatoses, are extremely common in modern dermatological practice. And in some cases, the use of hormonal drugs is simply necessary, despite possible side effects. So which remedy is the safest?
Today, doctors often recommend Pimafucort (cream) to patients. Instructions for use of the drug are quite simple, and you can buy it at any pharmacy. In addition, a medicine rarely causes dangerous side effects. So what is included in the cream? What properties does it possess? Can I use it during pregnancy? The answers to these questions are sought by many readers.
Composition and form of release of the drug
This drug is available in two forms - a cream or ointment of white color, sometimes with a yellowish tinge. The drug is sold in aluminum tubes of 15 g each, which are placed in cardboard boxes.
What substances does Pimafucort (cream) contain? Instructions for use states that this medicine has three active components at once. One gram of cream or ointment contains 10 mg of natamycin, the same amount of hydrocortisone, as well as 3500 units of neomycin in sulfated form. In addition, its composition also contains some auxiliary substances. In particular, sodium citrate, sorbitan stearate, cetiol, cetyl ether wax, as well as macrogol stearate, purified water, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and methyl parahydroxybenzoate are present here.
Ointment "Pimafukort" contains liquid paraffin (base for ointment, 95%), as well as polyethylene.
The main pharmacological properties of the drug
The drug "Pimafukort" is a combination product that has several important properties at once. Neomycin sulfate is an antibacterial agent with a wide spectrum of effects, which is active against staphylococci, enterococci, as well as some other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
But a substance called natamycin belongs to the group of so-called macrolides and has a pronounced antifungal effect. It is especially effective against dermatophytes, as well as yeast and yeast-like fungi, including pathogens of thrush. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic hormonal substance of the corticosteroid group. This component has a mild anti-inflammatory agent, quickly relieves itching, burning and redness of the skin.
It is worth noting that natamycin and neomycin practically do not penetrate into the systemic circulation. The level of penetration of hydrocortisone is also quite low and is only 1-3%. But in the presence of wounds, ulcers and other lesions on the skin, the level of absorption is almost doubled.
Indications for use
In what cases is the use of Pimafucort cream or ointment indicated? The use of this drug in modern dermatology has a very wide range. Most often, it is prescribed to patients suffering from various forms of dermatitis, in which only the surface layers of the skin are affected.
The drug is especially effective if dermatitis is complicated by a bacterial or fungal infection. For example, it is advisable to use Pimafucort ointment for thrush, when skin and mucous tissues are affected by Candida species.
The drug "Pimafukort" (cream): instructions for use
To begin with, it is worth saying that only a doctor can recommend this medicine and only after a thorough examination and obtaining test results. In no case should you use Pimafucort (ointment) on your own! Instructions for use contain only some general recommendations.
The cream must be applied to the affected areas of the skin after their preliminary cleansing, with gentle light movements. The procedure is repeated two to four times a day. The maximum duration of therapy is two weeks. If necessary, the doctor may extend the course of treatment or recommend taking it again after a short break. It is worthwhile to understand that, like any other hormonal remedy, given also with prolonged use it is addictive and can even inhibit the activity of the human hormonal system.
The drug is also often used if dermatitis / dermatosis is associated with increased dry skin and lichenification. To achieve maximum effect, an occlusive dressing can be applied over the ointment , but, again, only on the advice of a doctor.
Are there any contraindications?
Of course, like any other drug, this also has a number of contraindications. Be sure to familiarize yourself with their list before starting use. To begin with, it is worth saying that the drug is ineffective for viral skin lesions, moreover, it can even worsen the situation. In addition, a cream or ointment should not be used if you are allergic to any of its components (including auxiliary).
The drug should not be applied in the presence of open wounds and ulcerative skin lesions. Also contraindications include acne (at the stage of exacerbation), skin tuberculosis , ichthyosis. The medicine is not prescribed in the presence of skin tumors, both malignant and benign. Skin reactions to vaccine administration are also considered contraindications. The cream can not be applied to the skin of the external genital organs, perineum. With prolonged eyelid treatment, the risk of developing cataracts and other eye lesions increases.
Features of use during pregnancy and pediatrics
In fact, pregnancy and lactation are not absolute contraindications to the use of this cream. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe the use of the drug. But it is worth remembering that when processing large areas of the skin, the percentage of absorption of hormones in the blood increases, which can adversely affect the development of the fetus. By the way, it is forbidden to apply occlusive dressings during pregnancy.
The drug "Pimafukort" is also allowed for children - it is prescribed for babies older than one year. In some cases, the pediatrician may recommend a medicine to younger children, and in the most difficult situations to newborns. But when treating a child, it is extremely important to monitor the condition and work of his body.
Feasible side effects
What are the complications associated with the use of the drug "Pimafukort"? Cream (instructions for use also indicate this) can cause some side effects, as well as ointment. Most often, they are local in nature and are associated either with an overdose or with too long use.
For example, in some people, during the first few days, an exacerbation of the disease is observed during therapy, although this quickly passes. Skin side effects include thinning of skin tissue, purpura, increased hair growth on the treated area, as well as contact dermatitis and some allergic reactions (urticaria, redness, swelling). Long-term use of the drug is fraught with gradual addiction, as well as the appearance of depigmentation, stretch marks and spider veins. With a sharp interruption of therapy, withdrawal syndrome is possible , which is accompanied by an exacerbation of the initial symptoms.
Since the cream contains a hormonal component, its systemic effect on the body is also possible. By the way, systemic adverse reactions are extremely rare, mainly in pediatric patients, especially if you need to treat large areas of the skin.
During therapy, the activity of the adrenal cortex may decrease, as a result of which the body stops or decreases the production of its own corticosteroids.
Cream "Pimafukort": analogues
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, not such a drug is suitable for every patient. So what can replace the cream or ointment "Pimafukort"? Analogues of the drug, of course, exist. For example, the medicine “Cortomycetin” is considered quite good, which, incidentally, is relatively cheap.
In addition, the pharmacy may recommend Oxycort or Hyoxyson as an analogue. Approximately the same properties are possessed by such drugs as Lamicon, Nystatin, Ketodine, Lamifen and many others. Naturally, only the attending physician can choose a substitute. By the way, since this ointment is a combined remedy, then two or even three other drugs may be needed to replace it.
How much is the drug?
For many patients, the question of how much the Pimafucort medicine costs is no less important. The price, of course, depends on many factors. In particular, it is worth taking into account the manufacturer, the price policy of the pharmacy, the services of which you use, as well as the city of residence, etc.
So how much will the Pimafucort cream or ointment cost? The price of the ointment ranges from 500 to 650 rubles. At the same time, a tube of cream will cost about 550 - 750 rubles. Of course, not everyone will like the cost of the drug. However, in comparison with some other medicines, the ointment has an affordable price.
Reviews of patients and doctors
Of course, reviews are a valuable source of information for buyers. So what do they say about this tool? The reviews of specialists are mostly positive, since the drug often allows you to cope even with severe forms of dermatitis. Naturally, the plus is the fact that the hormonal component is quite weak here, so it rarely causes systemic effects .
Pimafucort cream and ointment is also well suited for patients. A visible effect appears after 2-3 days of use. In addition, the drug allows you to fight against fungal and bacterial infections, which is also important. The cream, as well as the ointment, is quickly absorbed and does not leave oily spots. There is no unpleasant odor. The only disadvantages are the price, especially if you need to process large areas of the skin (15 g is not enough for a long time). On the other hand, health and well-being are worth all the money.