There are many reasons why parents of infants and young children are right to worry when they notice any illness in their child. These conditions include the minor fungal infections which can be managed at home, others which require the services of a physician. And majorly pediatrician offers an anti-fungal drug in the trade name of Lotrimin to children for a range of fungal disorders. Now the questions arise here are whether lotrimin is safe for babies as babies have sensitive skin and what must be the correct dosage to use it for better results? Let us find out all about lotrimin in this blog with us.
WHAT IS LOTRIMIN?
Lotrimin is the trade name of the medicine of clotrimazole. This is an antifungal drug that is sold as OTC drugs which are available in the pharmacies without needing a prescription for purchase, and it is a prescription drug as well, used for treating certain fungal infections. Lotrimin acts on fungus, which can be the root cause for diaper rash. Lotrimin is used topically for this purpose.
WHAT IS THIS DRUG USED FOR?
It is used for all skin products to prevent such fungal diseases as,
- Fungal nappy rashes in small babies
- Fungal sweat rashes.
- Athlete’s foot in adults
- Ringworm
WHY SHOULD BABIES TAKE LOTRIMIN?
Your child has a fungal infection problem. Thus, clotrimazole eliminates the fungus, and in the process treats or prevents the formation of the disease. Especially in case of a diaper rash that lasts for several days it may be a result of a yeast known as Candida albican.
The rash may look red, with red dots, and slightly raised. These may include post inflammatory hypopigmentation commonly seen in baby with initially dark complexion. As with other yeast infections, a diaper rash caused by yeast tends to develop in the folds of the skin and can extend to the surrounding locations.
DOES LOTRIMIN WORKS?
A clinical trial found that two antifungals, nystatin, and Lotrimin, are safe and well-tolerated for treating diaper rash, a common irritative skin problem among infants. Nystatin is in the third place of the most prescribed antifungal drugs at 27 % while clotrimazole comes among the least prescribed drugs at 16 %. Diaper rashes are also prevalent in children aged between 4 and 15 months though anyone having incontinence underpants can to develop such a rash. All the patients were cured under the microscope level despite the treatment that was employed to treat fungal infection.
CAUSES OF DIAPER RASH: –
Diaper rashes is a contact dermatitis causing skin irritation and inflammation from urine and feces. It may cause Candida yeast infection if remain untreated, these are deep red patches outside the diaper area, and skinfold issues. Some babies may also develop oral thrush a skin infection around the mouth.
Diaper rash can also be caused by
- Bacteria like staphylococcal or streptococcal.
- Seborrhea a chronic skin condition affecting the diaper area and body parts.
- Allergies due to sensitivity to dyes or detergents used in disposables or cloth diapers.
WHAT IS LOTRIMIN AVAILABLE AS?
It is available in the different forms as,
Ear
- Solution (liquid drops): 1%
Skin
- Cream: 1%, this contains lesser amounts of alcohol
- Spray: 1%; for large or hairy areas
Vagina
- Cream: 1%, 2%, this contains lesser amounts of alcohol
- Intravaginal cream: 10%, this contains tiny amounts of alcohol.
- Pessaries: 100 mg, 200 mg, 500 mg with applicator (pessaries are not usually prescribed for children).
IN BABIES: HERE IS HOW TO USE LOTRIMIN: STEP BY STEP GUIDE:
A cream like Lotrimin should only be used if advised to do so by a doctor or a pharmacist for a yeast infection. Here are some tips for using Lotrimin:
- Administer Lotrimin two or three times daily or as prescribed by the doctor. Take this medication as described on the label or prescribed by your doctor. It is important not to use it in larger amounts or in amounts than has been advised by the doctor. Lotrimin is for topical use. Do not get it into your eyes or mouth.
- Ask your healthcare provider if you should apply a barrier skin ointment or paste, such as zinc oxide, over the Lotrimin.
TO WHAT EXTENT IS LOTRIMIN SAFE FOR BABIES?
Your doctor will determine the right quantity of Clotrimazole (the dosage) for your child. The dose will be written at the back of the medicine or the bottle’s label.
In the case of infants with an extremely delicate skin, the recommended dosage of Lotrimin (clotrimazole) is a very thin layer on the itching area, once, or twice a day depending on the pediatric recommendations. Such dosage is safe for fungal infections such as diaper rash when they are administered by a doctor.
There should be careful use of the medication, and a small amount should be applied across the skin area in question to avoid skin reactions. If you have purchased your medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the body of the package. If you are uncertain as to how much to give consult your pharmacist/physician.
WHEN CAN WE ANTICIPATE THE MEDICINE START WORKING?
The medicine should set in within the first week and should be continued for a minimum of two weeks following the end of the infection; vaginal cream is to be applied for 1-3 days.
WHAT IF YOU MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose, it is advisable to go on to the next normal dose without having to delay the schedule. Do not give the missed dose. If you experience giving an extra dose concerning your health care provider as soon as one can, be useful.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE OF LOTRIMIN: –
- Apply on the affected area: This medication should not be used at that area other than the affected area. Contact with the eyes, mouth and lips should be avoided.
- Complete the course: Do not use it more than 14 days or less than this course range. And consult healthcare professional when needed.
- Monitor Side effects: Among them, topical reactions include mild burning, redness and itching at the local site of exposure to some of the medications. In the event of bad reactions, such as side effects which are severe, the drug should not be taken anymore and a doctor or a pharmacist should be consulted.