Benadryl skin allergy relief cream

How does it work?

Benadryl skin allergy relief cream contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, which is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg venom from insect bites and stings), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.

All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. As a result of insect bites or stings, or contact with stinging nettles, histamine can cause inflammation of the skin, resulting in redness, swelling and an itchy rash.

Dihphenydramine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of bites and stings. This cream is most effective when applied as soon as possible to the affected area of skin.

This cream also contains zinc oxide which helps to soothe the skin, and camphor which gives slight pain relief.

What is it used for?

Relieving skin irritation and itching associated with:

Insect bites or stings.

Nettle rash.

Prickly heat.

Sunburn.

Shingles (herpes zoster).

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

Do not apply the cream to raw or broken areas of skin, or skin that is producing a discharge.

Avoid contact with the eyes and the skin lining the inside of the nose, mouth and vagina.

Stop using this cream and consult your doctor if you experience a burning sensation or rash while using it, or if your symptoms persist.

This medicine is not for long term use. Do not use on large areas of skin unless directed by your doctor.

Not to be used in

Raw or broken skin.

Areas of skin producing a discharge.

Eczema.

Chickenpox or measles, unless directed by a doctor.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine may be absorbed through the skin in small amounts. Its safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. If you are pregnant you should only use this medicine on the advice of a doctor.

This medicine may be absorbed through the skin in small amounts and may pass into breast milk. Its safety for use during breastfeeding has not been established. If you are breastfeeding you should only use this medicine on the advice of a doctor. If you do use it, you should not apply the cream to the breasts to prevent the nursing infant accidentally ingesting it.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin irritation.

Sensitisation or allergic reaction.

Increased sensitivity of the treated area to sunlight (photosensitivity).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. The manufacturer recommends that you don’t use any other medicines containing diphenhydramine while you are using this one.

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