Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
This is indeed unfortunate.
However now that it has occurred, the first thing is to clean the area properly with water to remove any residue of the cream.
You will need a cream that contains topical steroids like
betamethasone 0.05% along with an antiseptic like
neosporin or
mupirocin [ if possible get neosporin powder]. You may need to buy them separately. The steroid is to be applied in the morning [ or at any time you begin application] and after 6 hrs the antiseptic may be applied. The application may be repeated every 6 hours alternating between the steroid and antiseptic. If you get a cream that contains both a steroid and antiseptic use it every 8 hours on the first day and then every 12 hours the next day.
Please do an allergy check for both of them on you leg before application as you may be allergic to ingredients other than drugs in the
ointments.
A
cetirizine tablet once a day will help control the burn and irritant sensation. However it causes
dizziness and also sleepiness so it is not advised to drive after taking the drug.
Please apply the creams after passing urine as otherwise the urine will wash them.
Use the drugs for not more than 3-4 days and decrease the application to once daily as soon as the symptoms decrease.
If the irritation does not decrease after 12 hours of beginning therapy then see your doctor as more drugs may be needed. If the drugs are not available over the counter then also you may need to see your doctor. Please use the drugs in moderation only a small amount just enough to form a thin layer on the affected area. Leave the wound open at night to allow it to dry. Healing will take a bit of time, but it will heal.
Amongst these drugs, betamethasone is a category C [ meaning that animal studies show toxic effects,] but as you are using it locally and at the last weeks of
pregnancy it will not cause any issues for you.
I completely understand the agony. Cold compresses are also effective in relieving the pain but do not wet the area repeatedly.
Hope this has helped you in your query.
Please feel free to ask any more and I am here to help you.
Thanks for using HCM and take care.
Dr Madhuri Bagde
consultant Ob Gyn