Dermatological diseases are the most complex group of diseases that doctors have to work with. The thing is that the skin itself does not usually get sick. There are several factors contributing to the development of various inflammatory processes. The first is mechanical damage, here the cause and effect is clear and understandable, and a solution can be found. The second is disturbances in the work of internal organs, most often systemic. In this case, the reason is difficult to find, but it is necessary in order to cure the disease. Modern pharmacology has long been trying to find a medicine that quickly removes unpleasant symptoms (itching, redness) and completely cures the disease. Unfortunately, there is no universal and safe remedy for the treatment of all skin diseases.
To alleviate the condition of a patient with atopic dermatitis , Protopic ointment is often prescribed. Analogs of this tool are also sold in the pharmacy network. And, it should be noted, there are a lot of them. Today our task is to review the most effective drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. All material is provided for informational purposes only. For recommendations, you should contact your doctor.
Ointment "Protopic"
This is an anti-inflammatory external drug that is widely used by dermatologists today. Ointment perfectly removes inflammation of the skin and does not cause their atrophy. Indication for use is atopic dermatitis of moderate and severe form. Today we want to tell the reader what an alternative is to using the Protopic drug. Analogs in most cases are more gentle, and this drug is prescribed if all other options have not given a positive effect.
Dermatologists recommend applying the ointment directly to the affected areas of the skin. The active substance is tacrolimus. The duration of therapy is a maximum of three weeks. At this time, the ointment is applied twice a day. After this, supportive therapy is possible, in which the ointment is applied 1 time in several days.
Contraindications
We will touch on this topic a bit so that the reader can understand why doctors have to look for an alternative, although it would seem that there is already a suitable remedy for treatment. If Protopic cannot be used, analogues are the solution to the problem, the only task is to make the right choice.
- Contraindication to use is the age of 16 years, therefore, any teenage problems are solved with the help of other medicines.
- You can not use the ointment during pregnancy and lactation, since the drug has the ability to overcome the placental barrier and pass into breast milk.
- If the patient has a skin disease of a genetic nature.
- If there is a local reaction (redness, peeling and itching).
- If there is an individual intolerance.
Elidel
How can I replace Protopic? Analogs should have similar properties, although the same composition is not a prerequisite. And the most famous of them is the ointment "Elidel", which we will now talk about. It is used for atopic dermatitis, that is, for eczema. The drug is indicated for the treatment of children and adults. He has few contraindications, first of all, it is a child's age up to three months. The active substance is pimecrolimus.
If skin diseases have developed in a child, then the doctor will probably not prescribe Protopic ointment. Analogs can provide the same effect, but with less risk. And first of all, it is worth paying attention to the Elidel. This is a dermatological preparation for topical use, and in comparison with other corticosteroids it has a lower penetrating power, which makes it safer.
Mode of application
We already mentioned that up to 16 years old it is undesirable to use Protopic ointment. At the same time, analogs are used with great success in pediatrics. In particular, Elidel ointment is used even for the treatment of infants. Approximately 6 weeks will be required to relieve itching, infiltration and erythematous inflammation. And using the ointment for a year, you can achieve lasting improvement and even the complete disappearance of symptoms and periods of exacerbation of allergic, contact dermatitis.
Fladex ointment
And we continue the conversation about how to replace Protopic. Analogs (generics) have their own characteristics, but all these drugs help us cope with the most serious skin diseases. Fladex ointment has proven itself very well, which is perfect for treating a huge range of problems.
It is noteworthy that it is used to treat adults and children. The composition includes fludexan. It is highly effective in the fight against viral diseases. Applied directly to the affected area, the ointment quickly relieves inflammation and pain, and also relieves itching. Like the Protopic drug, analogues and substitutes exhibit anti-allergic properties.
The drug helps to quickly cope with diseases such as shingles, or blistering. What is noteworthy: after application to the skin, the drug is not detected in blood serum.
With dermatitis of various origins, the ointment is applied to the affected area several times a day. It is advisable to start therapy from the moment the first signs of the disease appear. The duration of treatment should not exceed two weeks. With psoriasis, the course is extended to 30 days. In case of relapse, the course of treatment can be repeated 2 or more times.
The most popular hormone counterparts
Below we will talk about non-hormonal drugs that can successfully replace Protopic ointment. Domestic analogs in Russia are much cheaper, and at the same time they are no less, and often even more effective, than expensive foreign original means. Below we will look at some more great medicines.
The next on our list is the hormonal drug Flucinar (Poland). Composition - fluocinolone acetonide. This drug is indicated for acute and severe inflammatory skin diseases. This can be dermatitis of various origins, dry or weeping eczema, psoriasis.
Apply this drug externally. The multiplicity of application should not exceed two times a day. The course of treatment is most often prescribed for up to 14 days. The drug is contraindicated in bacterial, viral and fungal skin diseases, wound injuries and tumors. Use in pediatrics must be approved by your healthcare professional.
Akriderm (Russia)
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have been prescribed Protopic. There are cheap analogues in pharmacies in a large assortment, you just need to know about them. For example, the drug Akriderm (the active substance is betamethasone dipropionate) is a glucocorticosteroid for topical use. It inhibits the accumulation of white blood cells and contributes to the development of anti-inflammatory mediators. As a result, the focus of inflammation begins to decrease, and the discomfort gradually disappears.
When applied to the skin, the drug acts much faster than Protopic. Domestic analogs today deserve more and more consumer confidence, and Akriderm ointment was no exception. The drug reduces the severity of edema and subjective sensations (itching, irritation and pain). In this case, the absorption of the active substance in the blood is minimal.
Lorinden (Poland)
Some doctors believe that flumethasone and salicylic acid are the most effective combination for treating dermatitis. Moreover, some dermatologists are sure that the result from the use of such a duet will be much more noticeable than from the classic drug "Protopic". The instruction (an analogue of Polish production is well known to dermatologists and pediatricians) emphasizes that Lorinden ointment is a reliable, gentle remedy for combating atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, lupus erythematosus and lichen planus.
The combined drug quickly has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, anti-allergic effect. At the same time, salicylic acid, which is part of the composition, supplements it with antibacterial and fungicidal properties. The drug is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas 2-3 times a day. After the complete disappearance of painful symptoms, you need to continue treatment for another 3-4 days. However, even with chronic diseases, the course should not exceed three weeks.
Ointment "Triacort"
Another Russian analogue of Protopic. The active substance is triamcinolone. It is used with great success in the treatment of inflammatory and allergic skin diseases. It can be eczema and psoriasis, neurodermatitis, dermatitis. Very economical and affordable, it can do a good job.
The drug is contraindicated in bacterial, viral and fungal infections of the skin, you can not apply ointment to the area with wounds and ulcers. During pregnancy, the use is excluded. The list of side effects includes secondary infections and atrophic changes in the skin, as well as allergic reactions. This analogue of Protopic 0.03 ointment is applied to the affected areas 1-3 times a day for 5-10 days.
Cream "Prednisolone"
This is a hormonal drug that has a therapeutic effect due to the content of the active substance - prednisone. It has a positive effect on damaged skin. The active substance is absorbed into the bloodstream, and then binds to blood proteins and excreted in feces and urine.
How does prednisone work? It overwhelmingly affects the functions of leukocytes and tissue macrophages, which are designed to destroy microorganisms and stabilize lysosomal membranes. This improves the condition of damaged cells and decreases the permeability of capillaries. Ointment is widely used in the practice of dermatologists. The maximum allowable course is 2-3 weeks. If no visible results have been achieved during this time, you need to change the drug.
Non-hormonal analogues for children
It must be remembered that, despite its high effectiveness, hormonal drugs should be used only when all other methods have been powerless. That is, you should start with conventional medicines. Preparations of this group contain extracts of medicinal herbs, as well as natural anti-inflammatory components that eliminate pain and irritation, and also contribute to the speedy restoration of skin condition.
If we talk about young children, then they should be prescribed hormonal drugs only in the most extreme case. Their use must be approved by specialists. The most suitable for the delicate skin of children is the Skin-Cap cream. It quickly removes inflammation and can be used for a long time. In the medicine cabinet it is recommended to have "Panthenol" and "Bepanten." The healing class includes drugs such as Curiosin and Actovegin.
Cream "Timogen" - the best choice for adults
Do not rush and start using such powerful tools as Protopic. Non-hormonal analogs also provide many opportunities for effective treatment. We want to tell you about the drug "Timogen", which is very well established in the treatment of skin diseases associated with impaired immune system. This cream is intended to treat atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema and pyoderma. The only side effect is individual intolerance to the components. The drug can be applied to any areas and even large areas of the skin.
Cream "Radevit"
This ointment has been successfully used in medicine to combat various skin problems. These are dermatoses and dermatitis, burns and cracks. Moreover, the composition of the drug is quite harmless: vitamins A, D, E - and no chemistry! In fact, the task of this cream is to restore normal skin. Therefore, it is not worth waiting for help from him in the acute phase of the course of the disease. But when the main symptoms go away, and you need to deal with the consequences - it is just very useful to you. The cream has no contraindications, is quickly absorbed and does not leave a smell.
To summarize, I want to say that all this abundance of drugs is only the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of various creams and ointments on the market for the treatment of dermatitis and psoriasis. The effectiveness of each of them is different, so do not self-medicate. Only a competent specialist can make the correct diagnosis and make an adequate appointment. Considering the fact that most of these drugs are hormonal, you need to undergo a thorough examination before starting treatment. Otherwise, you can not only not get rid of the problem, but also earn a new one.