Ointment and cream are two forms of release with many similarities, but even more differences. The difference is especially evident when it comes to medications. To understand what is better – D-panthenol ointment or cream, we compared the two options, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
D-panthenol – general description
D-panthenol ointment and cream are available in a dosage of 5% and in amounts of 25 and 50 g. The main active component of the drug is dexpanthenol. The excipients in the two forms of release are different. The ointment contains paraffin and wax, while the cream has a large amount of water. Such features of the composition determine the differences of the two forms of release.
The drug is used to accelerate skin recovery from various injuries. It helps with mucosal and skin injuries, as well as minor burns.
The remedy is effective in the treatment of inflammation, ulcers, bedsores. It can be used for irritation resulting from radiotherapy, phototherapy, ultraviolet irradiation. Young mothers use D-panthenol to treat and prevent cracked nipples.
Other indications for use:
Prevention of diaper dermatitis;
Dehydration of the skin;
Anal fissures;
Additional care in the treatment with corticosteroids;
For the healing of skin grafts.
Dexpanthenol turns into pantothenic acid. The latter is essential for the complete nourishment of epidermal tissues. The drug D-panthenol compensates for the lack of this acid in the skin. Thus, there is stimulation of steroid, sterol, acetylcholine synthesis. Also increases the strength of collagen. It speeds up and improves the regeneration process and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
D-panthenol is a dermatoprotector. It has soothing, moisturizing and nourishing effects.
Contraindications and side effects
The medicine is not used in case of hypersensitivity to the active component. It is safe to use in pregnancy, but with a doctor’s permission. When the drug is used for cracked nipples, they should be rinsed with warm water before feeding.
Overdose is impossible, even if applied to the skin frequently and in large quantities. The substance in the composition is non-toxic. But side reactions are possible.
Rare unwanted symptoms that can occur when using D-panthenol:
Hypersensitivity reaction;
Allergic dermatitis, erythema, exanthema;
Redness and itching of the skin
Skin irritation, hives.
If adverse reactions occur, stop using the drug for a while and consult with your doctor. If symptoms recur, the product must be replaced.
Dosage and method of application
D-panthenol should be applied to the damaged skin up to 4 times a day. More is possible, but by doctor’s prescription. Acceptable as a compress. This method of application is especially useful for cracked nipples. The skin is flushed with water beforehand.
The drug should be applied to the nipple skin after each feeding. For the prevention of diaper dermatitis the product is used after changing diapers and bathing.
For anal fissures and cervical diseases, apply twice a day. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. The product can be used until it is completely cured or in remission without harming your health.
Key differences and similarities
To understand the differences between D-panthenol ointment and cream, you need to know the basic differences between the two dosage forms. The main difference lies in the basis.
Ointment | The cream |
Contains no water | Contains water |
Creates a greenhouse effect after application | Pleasantly cooling |
Has systemic action, penetrating into the bloodstream | Remains on the upper layers of the skin, has a local effect |
Leaves a greasy residue, must be removed from skin | It is absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue |
Represents only medical products | Can be both a medical product and a cosmetic product |
The ointment base always includes fats, no water in it. This gives a greenhouse effect to the damaged area, resulting in active and deep absorption of the therapeutic ingredients. Therefore, the ointment has a systemic effect and usually has more contraindications in case it contains toxic components.
The base of the cream is not greasy. It contains water. The light emulsion hardly penetrates into the bloodstream and its effect is local and superficial. Besides, due to the baking soda it creates a pleasant cooling effect.
The base also affects the ease of application. The cream can be applied at any time, is not noticeable on the skin and does not require washing off. The ointment has a greasy base, it is not completely absorbed and remains on the skin. Rinse off after a short time after application.
An important difference will also be the fact that the ointment is exclusively a medicinal form of release. When buying it, you can be sure of the content of the active ingredients. At the same time, you need to look carefully at the contraindications and possible adverse reactions.
What is better to choose
Cream and ointment contain a similar therapeutic component, applied according to the same scheme and dosage. Their cost is also not much different. If the skin damage is not too deep, it is better to use the cream. It can be applied at any time of the day. When there are serious injuries, you should use the ointment, which will affect the deep layers.
The ointment is better for chilblains, frostbite, and cracked nipples. For minor burns, scratches, you can use a handy cream.
Cost and analogues of D-panthenol
Price of D-panthenol cream 5% 50 g – from 450 rubles, 25 g – from 300 rubles. The cost of D-panthenol ointment 5% 50 g – from 445 rubles, 25 g – from 300 rubles.
Analogues of the drug D-panthenol, their price and indications according to the instructions:
Bepanten – from 670 rubles per 100 grams – treatment and prevention of dry skin in violation of skin integrity, nipple care during breast-feeding, diaper rash and diaper dermatitis, mild burns, bedsores, ulcers, after skin grafting;
Dexpanthenol – from 105 rubles for 25 g – burns of different origin, postoperative aseptic wounds, abrasions, scratches;
Panthenol-Teva – from 305 rubles for 35 g – dry skin, dermatitis, trophic ulcers, pressure sores, furunculosis, cracked mammary glands, diaper rash.
Analogues have the same active ingredient – dexpanthenol. You can opt for a cheaper remedy, but first you should consult your doctor.
Opinion of specialists
e.s. Keshinyan and.s. Sakharov, representatives of the Research Institute of Pediatrics im. ju.E Veltischeva, in their article “Experience of using Dexpanthenol” have made conclusions about the use of D-panthenol in different situations according to their observations.
Opinion of experts on the indications and contraindications for the use of D-panthenol:
product has no antimicrobial action, so it is ineffective to use it for inflammatory skin lesions, especially the cream;
With severe skin integrity disorders, it makes sense to initially carry out pathogenetic treatment, after which you can already use D-panthenol;
The cream is more effective at the first signs of irritation and dryness, while the ointment is better for already existing lesions;
The cream can be used as a soothing and nourishing agent for sunburn, frostbite, dryness.
The cream is best as a prophylactic agent. It can be used for children after every bathing and diaper change. Prophylactic use of the ointment, according to the authors, is not advisable. At the same time, it can be used with the appearance of the first signs of disorder and until the complete disappearance of symptoms.
At the Center for Early Childhood Development Correction, they found that D-panthenol is more effective for the first signs of frostbite and chapped nipples. ju.v. Veltischeva studied the effectiveness of D-panthenol on 300 children aged from one month to 2 years. More than half of the patients in this group were premature, and 22% of them suffered from atopic dermatitis of varying severity. It was found that the correct use of the ointment achieved almost 100% effective. The children observed the disappearance of dryness, itching, redness.
Editorial conclusion
D-panthenol does a good job in the treatment of children and adults. The drug in the form of an ointment can be called more powerful, which means that it is rational to use it for serious skin injuries, burns, abrasions. The cream is an excellent preventive agent when there is a risk of chilblains, frostbite, sunburns.
The range of uses for D-panthenol is quite broad. It is used in pediatric practice and to treat adults. You can take the cream with you in windy and hot weather, and keep the ointment in the first aid kit for first aid and treatment of significant skin injuries.
We have concluded that D-panthenol cream is an excellent preventive agent, and the ointment is effective for treatment. Do not forget that self-medication can be dangerous and you should always consult your doctor before starting to use the medication.
