Germolene Antiseptic Cream

How does Germolene Antiseptic Cream work?

Germolene is a two-in-one cream that efficiently relieves pain and prevents skin infections. The cream's active ingredients give antibacterial benefits to prevent infection while also numbing the skin to ease pain from chapping, burns, scalds and blisters.

What kinds of skin problems can Germolene help with?

This non-greasy cream can be used to treat various skin problems in children and adults. Germolene cream may be effective for the following symptoms and minor skin injuries:

• Chapped or rough skin.
• Stings and insect bites.
• Minor cuts and grazes.
• Spots.
• Minor burns.

The antiseptic action helps prevent infection while the soothing local anaesthetic numbs the pain and relieves the itching and irritation of minor burns or skin injuries.

How quickly will Germolene relieve symptoms?

This depends on the severity of the symptoms, but in the average case Germolene should produce significant symptom relief within a few days. If you don’t notice any improvement at all in that time, you should consider consulting a medical professional.

Alternatives to Germolene

Before you look for any treatment for burns, scalds or blisters, you should cool the skin by running cold or lukewarm water on the affected area for around 20 minutes. And if blisters form, you should avoid popping them, as this will interfere with the healing process.

If you need a treatment but don’t want to (or can’t) use Germolene, you could try petroleum jelly. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly two or three times each day can help the treated area of skin retain moisture and health more quickly. You can also keep the skin covered with a non-stick bandage and treat the pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you’re dealing with other symptoms after suffering a sting or an insect bite, you can try using an antihistamine to reduce swelling, itching and skin irritation — though be sure to wash the affected area beforehand.

How do I apply Germolene Antiseptic Cream?

The cream is designed for external use only, and must be kept away from the eyes and mouth. For effective treatment of minor skin injuries, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands before use.
2. Thoroughly clean the affected area using warm water (but don’t use soap).
3. If you’re treating minor cuts and grazes, use your finger to gently apply the cream directly on the skin or on a dressing.
4. If you’re treating minor burns, scalds or blisters, apply the cream generously to the area and massage it gently.

After application, the cream will get to work soothing and repairing the skin. Reapply throughout the day if necessary.

What are the possible side effects of Germolene?

Like all medication, Germolene can cause side effects. Look out for the following:

• Sudden shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Swelling of eyelids, face or lips.
• Rashes, itching or irritation around the applied area of skin.

If you experience any of the above symptoms after using the treatment, you must stop using the product and seek medical help from a doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Ingredients

Germolene Antiseptic Cream contains two active ingredients: chlorhexidine digluconate (which prevents infections) and phenol (which relieves pain as the soothing local anaesthetic numbs the treated area).

Who can use Germolene Antiseptic Cream?

This treatment can be used by adults and children. Due to the formula containing antiseptics and alcohol, it may be too harsh for baby skin, so check with a pharmacist before using it on a very young child.

You should seek an alternative treatment if you’re sensitive to either of the two main ingredients (chlorhexidine digluconate and phenol).

Although it’s highly rare, chlorhexidine can induce hypersensitivity, generalised allergic reactions, and even anaphylactic shock. If you’re prone to allergic reactions or have previously suffered such a reaction to chlorhexidine, do not use this cream.

You should also be wary of using Germolene if you already suffer from skin conditions

such as dermatitis, pruritus, erythema, eczema, rash or urticaria: this is because your symptoms may worsen when the cream is applied to irritated areas.

Can I use Germolene while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no indication that using Germolene while pregnant or breastfeeding is unsafe, but it’s best to be cautious and speak to a pharmacist, doctor or nurse before proceeding.

Can I use the product alongside other medicines?

While this non-greasy cream is very effective, it might not be suitable alongside other medications. Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic agents, so cross-reference with all other medical products you’re using (seek medical advice if you’re unsure).

Sources

• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1298/smpc#gref
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1298.pdf