ITCH GUARD – IS IT SAFE? USES, SIDE-EFFECTS, DOSAGE

WHAT IS ITCH GUARD?

Itch Guard is a broad spectrum topical antifungal cream mainly used for the treatment of skin diseases like Atopic Eczema, Ring Worm, Jock Itch, Athlete’s foot, and some other itchy skin infections caused by candida and fungi. It treats the itching and inflamed skin areas by giving them a soothing effect after the application.

It comes in the packages of 5 gm, 12 gm, 15 gm, and 25 gm tubes and available as a nonprescription drug. The manufacturer of this medicine is Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare India Limited.

ITCH GUARD – IS IT SAFE? USES, SIDE-EFFECTS, DOSAGE

What is the Generic name(s)?
What is its composition?
How does it work?
What are its uses?
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE?
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THIS?
IS IT ADDICTIVE?
WHAT IS THE DOSAGE?
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF OVERDOSAGE?
WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION?
WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?
DOES THIS MEDICINE HAS ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS?
PRECAUTIONS
IS IT SAFE TO USE IF I AM PREGNANT?
IS IT SAFE TO USE IF I AM BREASTFEEDING?
CAN THIS MEDICINE BE USED FOR CHILDREN AND INFANTS?
IS THIS MEDICINE AVAILABLE AS OVER THE COUNTER(OTC) PRODUCT?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Reference

WHAT IS THE GENERIC NAME(S) of Itch Guard?

The generic name of Itch Guard is:

• Clotrimazole[1]

WHAT IS ITS COMPOSITION?

Each 25gm of Itch Guard topical cream is a composition of below-mentioned active an inactive ingredients :

Clotrimazole I.P –  1.00%W/W

Boric Acid I.P – 1.00%W/W

Zinc Oxide I.P – 1.00%W/W

Menthol I.P. – 1.00%W/W

Inactive ingredient:

Cream Base Q/S

The quantity of the ingredients increases an decreases with the strength of the medicine.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Itch Guard contains both the fungicidal and fungistatic actions which help to bind the phospholipids[2] in the fungal cell membrane by altering its permeability.

The presence of Clotrimazole as an active ingredient acts by limiting the production of an important component of fungal cell membrane known as ergosterol[3]. Due to the disruption in the production of ergosterol, there are holes created in the cell membrane. As a result, these holes cause the leakage of ergosterol and the death of the bacteria[4].

The work of Menthol[5] is to soothe and give a cooling effect to the itchy skin[6] in minutes.

The presence of other inactive ingredients in this medicine creates a barrier between the skin and the fungi[7].

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THIS MEDICINE?

This medicine is used for all the below-mentioned skin diseases caused due to fungal infections.

• Atopic Dermatitis[8] or Atopic Eczema[9]
• Tinea cruris[10] or Jock Itch (fungal infection on inner thighs, buttocks, and genitals)
• Tinea Versicolor[11] or black and brown patches on the skin
• Diaper Rash
• Tinea Corporis[12] or Ringworm
• Tinea Pedis[13] or Athlete’s foot
• Cutaneous Candidiasis[14] or fungal infection of the skin and nails
• Fungal Infection of groin
• Fungal infection of the genitals
• Candida glabrata[15] Vaginitis in women
• Inflammation
• Ophthalmic irrigation to soothe the irritated eyes
• Eczema
• Itching at the waist area, underarms, buttocks, knee folders, and under the breasts.
• Trichomoniasis
• Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infection
• Oral Thrush
• Vaginal Candida or yeast infection in the vagina
• Vulvitis (fungal infection of the vulva)
• Penile yeast infection
• Belly-button infection
• Infection in the ear canals
• Rosacea

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE?

This medicine is a topical cream and intended for external use only. Do not swallow or inhale the medicine. Follow the usage directions mentioned below.

• Before using this medicine wash your hands properly with soap or handwash.
• Wash the affected area thoroughly using lukewarm water. You can use herbal soap for more cleansing.
• Pat dry the area with a sterilized napkin or towel.
• Take enough medication and apply a thin layer over the affected area and some of the surrounding skins before wearing clothes.
• Rub the cream gently using a soft hand.
• Let the cream absorbed by the skin properly.
• Avoid wearing tight and synthetic clothes that, the skin will not come in contact with the wearables.
• Do not expose to sunlight after the application of this cream. It may cause sweating and more irritation to the skin.
• Do not cover, wrap or bandage the affected area unless suggested to do so by the doctor.
• Wash your hands after application of this medicine.
• Do not let the eyes, mouth, nose, or internal vagina come in touch with this medicine.

The usage direction of this medicine is given after thorough research from different sources. But it is recommended to use this as per the direction of your doctor regarding the severity of the skin condition of the patient.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THIS?

It works effectively to treat the skin-related diseases if used properly as per the directions mentioned above or as per the direction of your doctor.

It is one of the most effective remedies to treat all the skin irritations and skin diseases caused by fungal infections.

This topical cream gives relief from all the burning an itching sensations caused due to sweat, friction, and humidity.

It gives an instant cooling effect to the severely itching skin areas in minutes. It treats the diaper rash in infants effectively.

Continue the uses of this medicine until the prescribed amount is finished even for some extra days after the symptoms disappeared. It may lose its effectiveness if stopped too early and it may allow the fungus to grow again.

IS IT ADDICTIVE?

This medicine contains no active or inactive ingredients which can be addictive or habit-forming for you.

WHAT IS THE DOSAGE?

The dosage of Itch Guard is completely based on the initial response to the treatment and the severity of the condition or as directed by your doctor.

As per the dermatologists, the ideal dosage of this topical cream is to apply this over the affected area 2-3 times a day in a particular time gap.

The amount of the cream depends upon the size of the itching area to cover the whole infected skin with a thin layer of the application.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

The missing of a single dose of this medicine can increase the severity of the skin condition and hamper the treatment schedule. Rather, you have to use this medicine every day at the same time.

If in case, you have missed a dose of application, apply it as soon as you remember about the missed one. If the time is nearer to the next dose, it is advised to fix the schedule of the next dose.

It is recommended to set the alarm for the dosages if you are missing them regularly. In extreme cases, consult your doctor for the further schedule of this medication.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF OVERDOSAGE?

An overdose of this medicine is the wastage of the product and wastage of your time including some increased possible adverse effects like the peeling of the skin.

Sometimes, an excess amount of cream needs wiping because of the nonabsorptive capacity of the skin. It may worsen the condition of the affected skin.

Do not wash the area immediately after overdosage of this medicine. Rub it gently on the skin with patience until its absorption.

Consult your doctor if any adverse condition of the skin occurs such as redness of the skin with a severe burning sensation.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION?

You may experience allergic reactions like:

• Irritation and burning sensation on the affected area
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Excess sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the affected area

It is advised to contact your doctor if the allergic reactions persist for more than 1 hour. If the vomiting persists for more than 3-4 times, it is recommended to rush for emergency hospitalization.

The above-mentioned allergic reactions may or may not occur. These are some possible reactions occurs very rarely after using this application. Therefore, it is advised not to be panic about them.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?

Itch Guard can cause some side-effects like:

• Pruritus
• Irritation
• Edema
• Burning sensation in the skin
• Skin rash
• Peeling of the skin
• Discomfort after the application
• Redness of the skin
• Tenderness
• Vaginal discharge
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions
• Severe burning sensation in the vagina
• Mild abdominal pain(very rare)
• Erythema
• Urticaria
• Swelling at the surrounding areas of the affected area after application.

Though the side-effects of this medicine mentioned above are given after thorough research from different sources, it is advised not to be panic about them before usage.

These side-effects may or may not occur in all cases. It completely depends upon the age, health condition, medical history, and the severity of the skin condition of the patient.

DOES THIS MEDICINE HAS ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS?

Itch Guard may interact with some of the other medicines mentioned below.

• Flucytosine
• Nystatin
• Lomitapide
• Bosutinib
• Axitinib
• Eliglustat
• Cetirizine
• Tramadol
• Warfarin
• Ambisome
• Amy  V
• Lambin
• Amphoject
• Amphitrite
• Envocin
• Ampholip
• Fungizone
• Lambin Lyophilised
• Phosome
• Amphocan
• Sporotar
• Hospicin B
• Amphocrit
• Mycol
• Amtericin
• Amphonex
• Amphogard

PRECAUTIONS

Though it is a nonprescription drug, it is very important to follow some precautions before using this medicine. The list of the precautions has been collected from the different sources after thorough research.

Do not use Itch Guard if you are suffering from any of the diseases mentioned below.

• Aids Dysmorphic Syndrome
• Mild to severe Abdominal pain
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Vulva itching without a vaginal yeast infection
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Vaginal discharge with a foul smell
• Fever higher than 100degrees F
• History of Hypersensitivity
• There is no improvement of the fungal infections after using for two weeks.
• If you are allergic to any of the components of this medicine
• Any skin cancer
• Psoriasis

Before using this medicine check the expiry information printed on the package.

Women are advised to consult a gynaecologist if they have to use this medicine during the menstrual period. Avoid using tampons and other vaginal products during the medication of this medicine.

Do not use this medicine to open wounds, bruising, and chapped lips.

IS IT SAFE TO USE IF I AM PREGNANT?

Itch Guard is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. It is advised to consult your Gynaecologist for case-specific recommendations if the usage of this medicine is necessary for you before using.

IS IT SAFE TO USE IF I AM BREASTFEEDING?

There is no evidence of the passing of any of the ingredients through the breastmilk into the baby during breastfeeding.

But never let the baby touch the affected parts of your body or a little amount of this medicine. Always wash your hands properly before breastfeeding.

It is recommended to consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

CAN THIS MEDICINE BE USED FOR CHILDREN AND INFANTS?

Yes, this medicine can be used for children and infants.

It cures the diaper rash or nappy rash effectively in infants between 9-12 months.

It is advised to consult your doctor if the baby feels any irritation or discomfort after using this medicine.

IS THIS MEDICINE AVAILABLE AS OVER THE COUNTER(OTC) PRODUCT?

As we have mentioned above this medicine does not need a doctor’s prescription. Hence, it is available as an over the counter product at the drug stores.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is the onset of action of this medicine?

Ans – You can observe the effects of this medicine within 1-2 hours after application. It soothes the itching skin within minutes.

• What is the effective-duration of this medicine?

Ans – Generally, the effects of this me medicine remains on the affected area for 12-15 hours. But it completely depends upon the severity of the skin condition.

• Can I use this medicine for scabies?

Ans – As we have mentioned in this article, this medicine cures the skin diseases caused by fungal infections. Scabies caused due to the mites. You can apply this medicine to get a soothing effect for a minimal time. But it will not cure scabies.

• Is Itch Guard an antibacterial medicine?

Ans – No, it is an antifungal medicine used for the treatment of fungal infections.

• Does this medicine cause hair loss after using for the fungal infections on scalp?

Ans – No, it does not cause hair loss. But consult a dermatologist before using this on scalps whether it is a fungal infection or something else.

• When can I stop the using of this medicine?

Ans- To stop the using of this medicine completely depends upon the severity of the skin disease and its development. It is advised to use the medicine for some more days even after the symptoms have been cured. It will not let the fungi to regenerate again.

• How long does it take to show the improvements?

Ans – Generally, it shows its positive effects just after the 1st application over the skin. But in some cases, it takes more than 3-4 days. Therefore, it is advised to wait for a week to see the complete development of the disease. If there is no improvement after eight days of using this medicine, it is recommended to stop the medicine and consult a dermatologist.

Reference

Wikipedia page on Human skin

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