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2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14
What price are you willing to pay for a recipe for eternal youth? Many women dream of always looking 26 years old. But the hands, neck and, of course, the face betrayed age. The beautiful half of humanity has been fighting wrinkles for a long time.
In this war, all means are good: botox, hyaluronic acid, moisturizing and toning masks, etc.
The beauty industry today offers the widest selection of anti-wrinkle products. But there are still women trying to reinvent the wheel, find an inexpensive and preferably effective way to combat skin aging. After reading online reviews on the use of a drug such as hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles, many decide to use it on their own face.
But first, let's figure out how such experiments with skin are justified and safe for health.
What is hydrocortisone ointment?
Hydrocortisone anti-wrinkle ointment is produced by several Russian pharmaceutical companies at once. The instruction says that the drug is applied externally and is produced in tubes of 10 g with an active substance concentration of 1%. It belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids, i.e. is hormonal.
Composition and indications for its use
The main substance of this ointment has a similar name - hydrocortisone acetate - an acetic acid salt. It suppresses the functions of immune cells, including in the skin, reduces the formation of protective antibodies, blocks the release of inflammatory mediators - special substances that the immune system releases in response to the introduction of foreign agents, such as bacteria or viruses.
All this leads to a slowdown and arrest of the inflammatory process.
Therefore, when used externally, this ointment for wrinkles (and there are also forms for injections and for use in ophthalmic diseases) has found application for the following diseases:
- psoriasis;
- lichen planus;
- allergic dermatoses;
- various stages of seborrhea;
- eczema;
- neurodermatitis.
As you can see, this list does not include the item “fight against wrinkles”. Next, we will continue to understand the features of its use, so as not to become a victim of rumors.
The action of hydrocortisone ointment
In addition to the already mentioned anti-inflammatory effect, hydrocortisone reduces the permeability of the capillary wall, has a vasoconstrictor effect, in other words, constricts the blood vessels. The drug also has an antiallergic effect.
At the same time, hydrocortisone reduces the activity of fibroblasts - cells responsible for the renewal of the skin. In addition, the formation of collagen fibers is inhibited. All this only leads to even greater manifestations of skin aging. Therefore, without the need (read: without a doctor's prescription), it is better not to "indulge" with hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles.
The instructions for the drug describe the catabolic effect in the skin and other tissues. This means that under its influence, the breakdown of body proteins will prevail over their synthesis, which makes the skin thin, uneven in color. Also, hydrocortisone changes the ratio of ions in the body: it removes calcium and potassium, retains sodium. It, in turn, promotes the accumulation of water molecules.
That is why women who thoughtlessly smear hydrocortisone ointment on their face for wrinkles describe the phenomenon of slight edema. He smoothes them, in fact, wrinkles do not disappear anywhere! Thus, once the swelling subsides, the symptoms of skin aging will reappear. And the violation of collagen synthesis worsens the condition of the skin even more.
Recommendations for use and side effects
For the treatment of diseases included in the list of indications for hydrocortisone ointment, dermatologists prescribe its external course application from one to three times a day. But for wrinkles, not a single competent doctor will advise this hormonal medicine, there are no such recommendations.
It is a common misconception that if hydrocortisone has antiallergic effect, then it is not allergic to it. This is not true, hypersensitivity, individual intolerance can occur absolutely to any drug that is new to the body. Therefore, before use, hydrocortisone ointment should first be tested on the inner surface of the wrist or elbow.
If burning, redness, itching does not appear in 24 hours, you can use the drug as directed. Otherwise, in order to avoid generalized allergic reactions, for example, anaphylactic shock, the drug cannot be used. Remember for yourself, tell your relatives and the attending physician that you are allergic to this drug. Ask to put this information on your medical record, in some cases it is vital.
Dermatological adverse reactions to this drug include thinning of the skin, slow healing of wound surfaces, if any, the appearance of hypo- or hyperpigmented spots, hormonal acne, stretch marks. Under the influence of a decrease in local immunity on the skin, pyoderma and candidiasis may occur. It is also characterized by a vivid withdrawal syndrome.
Contraindications to the use of hydrocortisone ointment
There are many conditions where any form of hydrocortisone is relatively or absolutely contraindicated. Specifically, the external ointment cannot be used for infectious pathologies of any etiology, cutaneous syphilis, neoplasms, if there are wounds, damage to the epithelial cover. For fourteen days before and within sixty days after vaccination, any hormonal drugs, including hydrocortisone ointment, are also prohibited.
What do we end up with? To use hydrocortisone ointment for wrinkles is to shoot sparrows with a cannon.
This use is not justified, moreover, it is dangerous in its consequences.
Therefore, although this drug is sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, and even at a low price, you should not risk your health for the sake of beauty. Moreover, this benefit is highly doubtful.