Introduction
The Bepanthen® wound and healing ointment is produced and distributed by the pharmaceutical company Bayer. It contains the active ingredient dexpanthenol. The ointment helps to care for cracked, dry and stressed skin and supports the healing of minor injuries such as cuts and scratches.
Besides in the form of an ointment, Bepanthen® is also available as spray, eye drops, scar reducing gel, foam spray, solution and as antiseptic wound ointment. The ointment is available in different package sizes. In general it is very well tolerated and also suitable for babies and toddlers.
Indications for Bepanthen®
There are different indications for the Bepanthen® wound and healing ointment. Indication is a medical term and summarizes the reasons for using a drug or therapy. Indications for Bepanthen® are always related to the skin as well as the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes, because Bepanthen® should never be taken orally.
Bepanthen® can therefore be used for minor abrasions and dry, cracked skin. It also helps to protect and care for the skin if it has become sensitive due to persistent irritation. This can be the case, for example, with a cold, as people often blow their nose, whereupon it becomes irritated and painful.
It can also be used with caution for minor cuts and scratches. Even baby skin stressed by diapers can be cared for and soothed with Bepanthen®. Bepanthen® eye and nose ointment can also be applied to the eyes. It contains the same active ingredient as Bepanthen® Wound and Healing Ointment in a handier tube. Thus, mucous membranes of the eyes dried out by heating air or allergies can be moistened and healed.
Active substance
Bepanthen® Wound and Healing Ointment contains the active ingredient dexpanthenol. It belongs to the chemical group of amides and polyols. It is also known as provitamin B5 or panthenol.
Dexpanthenol is miscible with water, which is why it is often produced and used as an ointment. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is said to relieve itching. It also supports skin cells in regeneration and thus accelerates the healing of small cuts and abrasions of the superficial skin layers.
Side effects
Side effects that occur due to the use of Bepanthen® Wound and Healing Ointment are very rare, but the exact frequency cannot be definitively determined due to missing data. Possible side effects include allergic reactions of the skin and the whole body. Thus, redness, swelling, skin irritation, a rash and a so-called contact dermatitis may occur.
Contact dermatitis is a skin disease caused by an allergic reaction. The symptoms of contact dermatitis are severe itching and the formation of blisters. It can spread, which is why the symptoms can appear all over the body, even if the ointment has only been applied to a small area.
Contact dermatitis can occur either once or repeatedly, depending on how strongly the body is allergic to the ointment. It is not contagious. If a side effect occurs, the Bepanthen® Wound and Healing Ointment should be removed as far as possible and not reapplied. Depending on the severity of the side effect a doctor should be consulted.