Allergic reactions, accompanied by rashes on the child's body, are a common phenomenon. Parents affected by such a problem understand how difficult this process is and, of course, are interested in choosing the right drug for their crumbs with the maximum therapeutic effect. Unfortunately, not all antihistamines can cope with such manifestations. Therefore, sometimes experts prescribe hormonal medications, one of which is Akriderm. For children, it is allowed, but due to some nuances, it should be appointed only by the attending doctor. Instructions for its use will be discussed below.
Brief information about the drug
The medication, which will be discussed, belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids, intended exclusively for external use. The following therapeutic effects are noted in the pharmacological product: antipruritic, antiexudative, antihistamine. It quickly removes inflammation and allergic reactions on the skin.
Release Forms
In pharmacies, there are different forms of release of the drug with a slightly different composition called "Akriderm". For children, you can use any of them, but be sure to take into account the etiology of the disease. Means for external use are creamy and in the form of ointments. The latter is packaged in packages of 15 and 30 g. It has a thick white translucent texture. The drug in the form of a cream has a good texture, which is easily absorbed into the skin. There are packages containing a large amount of the product - 50 g. Akriderm with an additional inscription SK is only in the form of an ointment.
Structure
In its composition, the medication is divided into four types:
- "Akriderm" with one active substance. As part of the usual drug, betamethasone dipropionate (a hormone of the steroid group) is present as the main component and nothing more. It also includes excipients: emulsifying wax, oil, alcohol, paraffin, disodium salt, propylene glycol, sodium sulfate, water.
- The drug is marked "Ghent". Additionally contains gentamicin, an antibiotic-containing component (1 mg per 1 g of cream).
- Akriderm SK. In addition to the active substance, it includes salicylic acid, one gram of ointment accounts for 30 mg of this compound.
- Combined "Akriderm GK". It includes: gentamicin, betamethasone and the antifungal substance clotrimazole (one gram of an external agent contains 10 mg of this therapeutic component).
Pharmacokinetics
Being a hormonal agent for local use, the ointment penetrates deep into the tissues of the skin, has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves itching and eliminates a rash on the skin, easily copes with various signs of allergies, including swelling. Medicines practically do not enter the general bloodstream of a substance. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended for children. "Akriderm" shows positive results in the fight against the disease, does not cause systemic side effects, but its use requires constant medical supervision. The thing is that in babies the skin is much thinner and softer than in adults. Therefore, they still observe a certain degree of absorption of the ointment into the blood.
Pharmacodynamics
The active substance, which is part of the drug, can inhibit the processes of leukocyte accumulation, blocks the release of enzymes (lysosomal) and mediators in the focal area. Under its influence, suppression of phagocytosis occurs, vascular permeability decreases, as a result of which swelling and inflammation in the affected areas are eliminated.
Indications
According to the instructions for Akriderm, children are prescribed it for the following skin diseases:
- contact atopic dermatitis;
- food allergic reactions;
- inflammatory processes of the skin, accompanied by itching;
- solar and contact dermatitis;
In addition, the ointment helps with systemic skin problems, non-allergic fungal infections. These include:
- psoriasis;
- ichthyosis;
- neurodermatitis;
- lichen flat (red);
- dermatomycosis.
In the last type of lesion, Acriderm GC is usually prescribed. Especially in cases where painful lesions are found on the skin in the pubic area and long folds.
Limitations
It should be noted right away that Akriderm is not applicable for children under the age of 1 year. The main restrictions on the use of an external agent are conditions such as:
- negative consequences after vaccination;
- tuberculous lesions of the dermis;
- melanomas (malignant foci);
- viral infections (chickenpox, rosacea);
- perioral dermatitis.
It is strictly forbidden to apply ointment to places covered with tropical ulcers, unhealed wounds. It is very important to protect the eyes of the child and not to treat areas in the area of the organs of vision. Otherwise, it can lead to cataracts or glaucoma. In the best case, it can provoke the occurrence of herpes or fungus.
Negative consequences
Excessive use of cream or ointment on the skin of a small patient may result in complications. Side effects are manifested in the form of stretch marks and blackheads. Sometimes this leads to pathologies of the pituitary-adrenal system.
In medical practice, the following negative reactions to an overdose of the drug were noted: hypopigmentation, contact dermatitis, hypertrichosis, peeling on the skin, burning, redness and the appearance of striae.
It should be noted that when using the product by applying it to an occlusive dressing, its absorption increases. Some babies show sweating, also this method can lead to infection of the affected area.
With great care, it is necessary to apply the form of the drug with the content of gentamicin in the composition. If the recommendations from the instructions for children are not followed, Akriderm can be harmful in the form of renal dysfunction or hearing loss.
It is important to know that the abolition of the hormonal drug involves a gradual decrease in its dose. If you abandon it immediately, you may need symptomatic treatment. That is why doctors do not recommend abruptly stopping hormone therapy.
Medical workers and parents are already pleased that the negative consequences after the use of "Akriderma" children are reversible. Restoring children's health is carried out by adjusting the number of electrolytes. Sometimes symptomatic therapy is sufficient.
Instruction manual
When treating crumbs, one must not forget that the drug is hormonal, and some of its forms contain an antibiotic. In view of this, a layer of any of the above formulations should be applied very thinly to the baby's skin. It should be almost transparent. Since the dosage cannot be indicated for the creamy form of the drug, parents should be especially careful when applying it. An important factor is the duration of the therapeutic course. It is necessary to find out what is said about this in the instructions for use.
Ointment "Akriderm" for children can be chosen with excessive dry skin and cracks. The medicine in the form of a cream is suitable for wetting foci. Treatment in babies should not last more than 21 days. Signs of improvement usually come to light in two weeks. If the expected result during this time does not appear, you need to visit a doctor.
The therapeutic scheme regarding the number of procedures with the application of an external agent may be different. It all depends on the severity of the lesion and the individual characteristics of the body of a small patient. At the initial stage of the disease or when the first minor symptoms appear, one application per day will be enough. If no changes are found, then Akriderm can be applied to such children more often. The number of procedures is increased to two times, this is the standard daily rate. They should be carried out at the same time - in the morning, when the baby wakes up, and in the evening - before bedtime. It is recommended to observe the same intervals between skin treatments.
There were no restrictions on the interaction of local drugs with other medicines. The drug is dispensed without a prescription. It must be stored at a temperature of no more than + 25 ° C out of the reach of children.
Reviews
Responses about the hormonal drug are quite contradictory. Some indicate that Akriderm ointment helps children, but it has enough side effects. For this reason, some parents use it in extreme cases. With the correct application of the product, positive results were noted literally in 3-5 days. There are those babies whom the medicine did not help. All parents agree that the therapy is effective if you work with your doctor. Therefore, is it possible for Akriderm to children? This is a purely individual question.