Introduction
Ebenol® is an over-the-counter ointment for the treatment of skin conditions from the pharmacy. The drug contains hydrocortisone as the active ingredient in a concentration of either 0.5% or 0.25%. The drug is also available in the form of a spray.
Ebenol® can provide relief from insect bites or sunburn, for example. However, the cream must not be used for many skin diseases such as herpes or acne. Likewise, small children and pregnant women should not be treated with Ebenol® if possible. The drug should only be used for a short time and for no longer than two weeks. If the skin symptoms are unclear, the advice of a doctor should be sought first.
Fields of application
Ebenol® is a drug intended for external use in mild inflammatory skin diseases. It is intended on the one hand to promote the healing process and on the other hand to relieve symptoms such as itching and swelling. Typical areas of application for the lower-dose cream (0.25% hydrocortisone) are, for example, insect bites or sunburn.
Ebenol® can also relieve the symptoms of contact allergies. However, the most important thing here is to identify and avoid the trigger of the allergy (for example, nickel or latex). Furthermore, the drug can be used in the treatment of special skin diseases such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis after consultation with the treating dermatologist.
The higher dosage (0.5% hydrocortisone) is usually chosen. Ebenol® as a cream is also suitable for use on dry skin. The spray is preferred for skin that is very oily or hairy.
The spray is also recommended for touch-sensitive areas. Ebenol® is not suitable for treating pimples. The cream with the hydrocortisone it contains can even worsen the appearance of acne skin and lead to more pimples.
Various other treatment methods are available, including special creams to combat pimples. In the case of pronounced skin complaints and a high degree of suffering, a dermatologist can be consulted who can prescribe an appropriate medication if necessary. In cases of light to moderately severe sunburn, the skin can be creamed or sprayed with Ebenol®.
Among other things, it helps against the often agonizing itching. The cream should be applied thinly to the affected areas and should not be used for more than two weeks. However, the most important thing is to protect the skin from further exposure to the sun through clothing, headgear and staying in the shade.
In addition, cooling measures such as quark compresses can provide relief and support the healing process. However, a dermatologist should be consulted if the sunburn is very severe and affects large parts of the body or if blisters form on the skin. The same can even delay the healing process and should therefore not be used without consulting a physician.
Ebenol® must never be used for herpes. The active ingredient hydrocortisone contained in Ebenol® inhibits the inflammatory reaction and thus also the body’s own defense of the immune system. However, this is necessary to fight the viruses that cause herpes.
If areas of the skin affected by herpes are creamed with Ebenol®, the skin’s defensive capacity is reduced and the viruses can even multiply more easily. The clinical picture is therefore most likely to become even worse. There are special creams against herpes that contain a special active ingredient against viruses.
The dermatologist can prescribe such creams if necessary. What could also be of interest to you: Household remedies for HerpesEbenol® should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This applies especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
In exceptional cases, an application in the further course of pregnancy may be possible after consultation with the doctor. But even then, especially a long-term or extensive application should be avoided. If the use of Ebenol® is necessary during the breastfeeding period, breast-feeding should be stopped if necessary.
If possible, the baby should also not come into contact with the creamed skin areas. The use of Ebenol® in the genital area should be avoided and if so, only after consultation with a doctor. The skin is very sensitive there and the cream or spray can have a negative effect.
In particular, contact with the mucous membranes of the anus, urethral outlet and vagina should be avoided. The application can, among other things, favour a fungal infection. Skin diseases in the intimate area should therefore be examined promptly by the family doctor or, if necessary, by a dermatologist.Caution is also advised when using contraceptives containing latex such as condoms or diaphragms. The use of Ebenol® can reduce its functionality due to the additives contained in the cream. This may reduce the safety of contraception.
