Many women experience skin problems during pregnancy. Hormonal changes in the body affect the state of the epidermis. In addition, during the period of gestation, chronic pathologies such as psoriasis, seborrhea and dermatitis may worsen in patients. Skin-cap preparation helps to improve skin condition. It effectively eliminates rashes, inflammation and itching. However, often women are afraid to use this tool. Is it acceptable to use Skin-cap during pregnancy? Would it hurt the unborn baby? Let's try to figure it out.
Does the drug contain hormones
Is it possible to use Skin-cap during pregnancy? To answer this question, you need to understand the composition of this tool.
There is a misconception that the drug contains corticosteroids. Repeated independent studies of the chemical composition of the drug did not confirm the presence of hormones. Specialists of the Moscow Research Institute of Pediatrics in 2006 conducted a detailed analysis of the properties of Skin-cap. No traces of corticosteroids were found in this agent. It can even be used to treat children from 1 year old.
The drug contains only one active component - zinc pyrithione. This medicinal substance has the following effect on the skin:
- anti-inflammatory;
- bactericidal;
- antifungal;
- wound healing;
- antipruritic.
The peculiarity of this drug is that it contains activated molecules of zinc pyrithione. This explains the high effectiveness of the drug. According to the healing properties, Skin-Cap does not at all lose to corticosteroid ointments. This gave rise to rumors about the presence of hormones in its composition.
Can zinc compounds be harmful to a pregnant woman? If you use the drug in the recommended doses, then it does not bring any harm. This is a local remedy that does not have a systemic effect on the body. Zinc compounds accumulate only on the surface and in shallow layers of the skin. The active component practically does not fall into the bloodstream. Studies have shown that after using Skin-Cap, only traces of a drug substance remain in the blood. Therefore, with topical application, an excess of zinc in the body does not form.
What to choose: aerosol or cream
The drug is made in the form of a cream and aerosol. Both release forms contain the same concentration of the active component - 0.2%.
What is better to use during pregnancy - Skin-cap aerosol or cream? These two forms of release have different effects on the skin. Therefore, the choice of the variety of the drug will depend on the indications and symptoms.
The use of Skin-cap ointment during pregnancy is indicated in cases where skin pathology is accompanied by increased dryness and peeling of the epidermis. The cream contains coconut oil as an additional ingredient. It softens and moisturizes the dermis.
The composition of the aerosol includes organic alcohols. They dry and disinfect the skin. The spray is recommended for wetting rashes that appear in the acute stage of skin pathologies. It is convenient to use for treating the scalp.
Skin-shampoo shampoo is also available for washing hair. It contains a higher concentration of the active component than aerosol and cream. The product is packaged in bags (sachets) of 5 g or poured into bottles of 150 ml.
Indications
Instructions for use of the cream "Skin-cap" and reviews report on the effectiveness of the drug in the following diseases:
- seborrheic and atopic dermatitis;
- psoriasis
- neurodermatitis;
- eczema
- excessive dryness and peeling of the skin.
Aerosol is used for the same pathologies as the cream. This form of release should be used for wetting rashes, accompanied by the release of exudate.
Often, women use Skin-cap cream during pregnancy to combat acne and acne. The instructions do not contain data on the effectiveness of this remedy for acne. However, the active components of the drug have anti-inflammatory properties, so the ointment can be useful for red acne. If the patient has blackheads (comedones), then zinc-based preparations usually do not help.
Doctors also prescribe this remedy for demodicosis - infection with a Demodex subcutaneous tick. In this case, a cream or aerosol is used as part of a complex treatment. However, during the period of gestation, the application of anti-mite drugs is strictly contraindicated. Therefore, "Skin-cap" during pregnancy can be used as monotherapy. This helps reduce the manifestations of demodicosis. Skin treatment with acaricides is carried out only after childbirth.
Skin-cap treatment shampoo is recommended for use with dandruff and seborrhea, as well as with irritation and itching of the scalp. If necessary, it can be replaced with an aerosol.
Contraindications
The drug "Skin-cap" has very few contraindications. It can not be used only for allergies to zinc compounds and to additional ingredients of the medication. The tool also can not be used to treat infants under the age of 1 year.
Before using an aerosol, shampoo or Skin-cap cream during pregnancy, a skin test should be performed. It is necessary to apply a small amount of the drug on the wrist. After 10 minutes, it is necessary to check the reaction of the epidermis. If there is no redness on the skin and itching is not felt, then this indicates the absence of an allergy to this remedy.
Unwanted effects
In the early days of therapy, patients may experience a slight burning sensation after applying the drug. The instructions for the use of "Skin-cap" and reviews of the drug reported that such manifestations do not require treatment or drug withdrawal. In most cases, the discomfort disappears on its own.
The only side effect of the drug may be allergic reactions. But they are extremely rare. This tool is considered quite safe.
An overdose of the drug has never been noted, since Skin-cap is used only locally and does not penetrate the blood.
Mode of application
Shake the tube with ointment or aerosol bottle before use. Ointment should be applied to the epidermis with a thin layer and grind. This procedure is repeated twice a day. The drug must be applied to washed and dried skin.
Aerosol is sprayed onto the affected areas of the dermis. Processing is carried out twice or thrice a day.
The duration of the course of therapy depends on the type of skin pathology and the prescription of the doctor. On average, treatment of different types of dermatitis takes about 3-4 weeks. With psoriasis, the drug can be used for up to 1.5 months.
Shampoo is used during shampooing. It must be applied to wet hair and left for 5 minutes. Then the product is washed off with warm water. You can use shampoo for 2-5 weeks.
Features of use during pregnancy
How safe is Skin-cap during pregnancy? Can or cannot it be used? The manufacturers of this tool claim that the active components do not penetrate the bloodstream and do not have a general effect on the body. However, doctors prescribe the drug to pregnant women with great care.
This is due to the fact that so far no in-depth studies have been conducted confirming the safety of the drug for the fetus. This medication is prescribed for pregnant women only in case of urgent need. Previously, the specialist assesses all possible risks for the unborn child and the benefits of treatment for the patient.
Therefore, the drug "Skin-Cap" during pregnancy can be used only after consulting a doctor. This product is not intended for independent use.
Compatibility
There are cases when patients combine the use of drugs based on zinc pyrithione with hormonal ointments to enhance the effect. This was reported in the reviews about the "Skin-cap". The instruction does not recommend such a combination of drugs. Zinc and corticosteroid ointments can be used only alternately, but not together.
As already mentioned, the effect of the use of "Skin-cap" can be compared with the action of hormonal ointments. Therefore, there is no need to supplement with corticosteroid therapy. This will not enhance the effect, but only increase the risk of unwanted symptoms.
If we are talking about the use of the drug during pregnancy, then applying additional corticosteroid creams is even more undesirable. Hormones can cross the placenta and have a harmful effect on the embryo.
With dermatitis, the use of "Skin-cap" is often combined with the application of antihistamine ointments for itching. This combination of drugs is acceptable. However, during pregnancy, local antihistamines are prescribed only if absolutely necessary. Their active components can be absorbed into the blood. The use of a safer “Skin-cap” can significantly reduce the dosage of antihistamines.
Storage
It is very important to observe the storage rules of the drug. Cream packaging is best placed in the refrigerator. The medicine can be stored at a temperature not exceeding +20 degrees. In warm conditions, the ointment quickly loses its healing properties. Aerosol and shampoo are stored at a temperature of no more than +30 degrees.
The cream is suitable for use for 3 years, and aerosol and shampoo - 5 years.
Price and analogues
What can replace Skin-cap during pregnancy? This question is often asked by patients, since the drug is quite expensive. The price of the cream varies from 700 to 900 rubles for 15 g. A tube with an ointment of 50 g costs from 1700 to 2000 rubles. The price of aerosol and shampoo can be from 1400 to 1600 rubles.
You can choose cheaper products that also contain zinc pyrithione. These include:
- "Tsinokap". This drug is available in the form of a cream and aerosol. The tool has a bactericidal and antifungal effect. The price of the cream is from 600 to 700 rubles (for 50 g), and the aerosol - from 700 to 900 rubles.
- Friderm Zinc. The product is made only in the form of shampoo. The drug is used for inflammation of the skin on the head, as well as for dandruff and seborrhea. Its active ingredients are able to fight staphylococci, streptococci and fungi. The price of the drug is from 650 to 800 rubles.
- Psoricap. The drug is available only in the form of an ointment. It has not only disinfectant, but also moisturizing properties. The tool is recommended for use in skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis), accompanied by dry epidermis. The price of ointment in pharmacy chains is from 200 to 370 rubles.
It is important to remember that during pregnancy all of the above analogues of the drug can be used only after consultation with a dermatologist and obstetrician-gynecologist. These funds should be used with caution.
Positive reviews
Most patients respond positively to Skin-cap. They note the quick effect of this remedy. Approximately one day after the first application, skin itching was significantly reduced, and after a few days the rashes disappeared. However, the use of the drug must be continued another 1 week after the improvement of the skin condition. Otherwise, all unpleasant symptoms may return.
The reviews and instructions for the Skin-Cap cream report on its high effectiveness in dermatitis, accompanied by increased dry skin. This tool softens and moisturizes the epidermis. It prevents peeling and cracking of the skin.
In many cases, patients previously underwent treatment with hormonal ointments. However, the body quickly got used to such means. After the abolition of corticosteroids, all unpleasant symptoms of skin pathologies returned. And only the use of "Skin-cap" helped relieve itching and irritation. This drug is often more effective than hormonal creams.
Doctors prescribed Skin-cap during pregnancy to many patients. The reviews did not report any negative consequences of using this tool. During treatment, women did not have any side effects. There are no references to the harmful effects of the drug on the fetus. Pregnant patients who used this drug subsequently gave birth to healthy children.
Unfortunately, often during pregnancy, women interrupt the course of treatment with Skin-cap because of an erroneous opinion about the hormonal composition of the medicine. In no case should this be done. Premature withdrawal of a medication can only lead to a relapse of the pathology. All rumors about the presence of corticosteroids in the preparation are absolutely groundless. This tool is comparable in effectiveness with hormonal ointments, due to the presence of activated zinc in its composition. If the Skin-cap was appointed by the attending physician, then there is no reason for concern.
Negative reviews
The disadvantages of the patient’s drug include its high cost. Cream and aerosol are consumed quite quickly, a small package lasts for a short time.
This product has a pleasant aroma. But at the same time it contains many fragrances and fragrances. In patients with hypersensitivity, the smell can provoke an exacerbation of allergies.
Also, patients report that in the first few days after treating the scalp with an aerosol, they felt a burning and tingling sensation. These side effects accompany the healing of the epidermis. However, soon all the unpleasant sensations disappeared on their own.
Sometimes there are reports of the return of symptoms of dermatitis or psoriasis after the end of the course of treatment. The drug helped only during use, and after its withdrawal itchy rashes again appeared. Negative reviews about Skin-cap cream are associated with this. The instructions say that the product does not contain hormones and antihistamines. Therefore, the drug can not be addictive. Withdrawal syndrome is usually characteristic of hormonal ointments. Zinc-based creams and sprays are not addictive.
It is important to remember that dermatological pathologies require an integrated approach to treatment. To get rid of rashes, it is not enough just to apply local products to the skin. Therapy includes mandatory diet and lifestyle changes. It is possible that patients did not carefully follow the doctor's recommendations. As a result, a relapse of the pathology occurred, which was mistaken for a drug withdrawal syndrome. If you carefully follow all the advice of a dermatologist, then the use of "Skin-cap" will achieve a stable remission.