Ointments and creams with cortisone
Cortisone creams are the most frequently used drugs in dermatology. Their effect depends on the concentration of cortisone dissolved in the cream. Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect on the one hand, and slows down the immune system on the other.
This is particularly important in the so-called autoimmune reactions. In this clinical picture, the immune system reacts to the body’s own cells and classifies them as foreign, which leads to an excessive reaction of the immune system. Sometimes cortisone preparations in the form of tablets have to be given in the case of strong immune reactions.
In some cases, the use of an ointment containing cortisone as a substance can help. Cortisone inhibits a receptor of the cells in the body, which is visited by stress and inflammation hormones. With this blockage, the inflammatory and immune reaction can no longer take place as usual and fails to occur.
For the patient who has, for example, an autoimmune skin disease, this means that the resulting skin symptoms are less severe and, for example, swelling, itching and also redness do not occur. In addition to the autoimmune skin reactions, cortisone is also used for inflammatory changes of the skin. It also modulates the inflammatory cells in the body and thus leads to a reduction of the inflammatory reaction in the body.
Cortisone is also very often used as an ointment for the so-called and very frequently occurring neurodermatitis. The effect occurs quickly. Depending on the concentration of cortisone in the ointment, a longer or shorter application is necessary.
Long-term applications of cortisone creams should be avoided as otherwise the unpleasant side effects of cortisone may occur. With creams and ointments these are mainly a thinning of the skin. One also speaks of the so-called parchment skin. It is cracked, very sensitive and can only heal with great difficulty in case of injuries. In some cases, however, long-term use of cortisone is still necessary.
Ointments and creams for treatment of itchy skin rash
Attempts to treat an itchy rash can be made with fenistilgel if there is a suspicion that it is an allergic reaction to, for example, an insect bite or food. Itching of unknown origin with a rash should then be treated with a cream containing cortisone. The cortisone has a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect and can be used for the mostly itchy skin symptoms.
A plant-based alternative is the use of chamomile tea or a paste made from nettles, which are household remedies for rashes. An exception is a fungal infection of the skin where the application of a cortisone cream often leads to an intensification of the symptoms. Here antibiotic or antifungal ointments and creams are indicated.
