Germolene provides a mild anesthetic that helps numb pain and relieves the irritability and itchiness of minor skin ailments. It effectively treats abrasions, blisters, scalds, stings, chapped skin, insect bites, and spots.
While Germolene is an excellent solution for chapped skin, it’s not such a good product to use on dry lips. Germolene contains Phenol, which you’ll want to avoid when attending to the extreme dryness of the lips. In addition, applying this product to your lips puts you at risk of swallowing it, which could lead to serious health implications.
Discover when you should and shouldn’t use Germolene, why this product works well for dry skin and itchiness, and a better way to look after your lips.
Is Germolene Good For Cold Sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and present as small blisters around the lips or mouth. These sores generally manifest when you feel an itching or tingling sensation around your lips. In a short time, this then develops into fluid-filled sores.
Cold sores should disappear by themselves within seven to ten days. Still, if you want to speed up the healing time, you can opt for an antiviral cream – such as aciclovir, famciclovir, or valaciclovir – which can reduce the amount of time your skin takes to clear.
Antiseptics can kill viruses, though their primary function in this instance is to slow the virus down and prevent the growth of organisms such as bacteria or fungi. Chlorhexidine Digluconate has a broad spectrum of antiseptic properties and is particularly effective at reducing bacteria.
Using Germolene on a cold sore is unlikely to kill the virus and may only have a small impact on the healing time. Still, it may relieve the itchy and irritable sensation that comes with this condition and help you better manage the symptoms.
When you use Germolene, ensure that you first clean the infected area of the skin thoroughly. If the site is exceptionally tender, try using a piece of gauze or something similar to apply the antiseptic.
When Should You Not Use Germolene?
As with any product, you should always read the label thoroughly and discontinue use if you have any reaction to it. Active ingredients in Germolene include Phenol and Chlorhexidine Digluconate, so you mustn’t use this product if you are allergic to either.
Phenol can cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation; in severe amounts, it can lead to weakness, weight loss, or muscle pain. Germolene only contains 1.2% Phenol, so you shouldn’t experience these side effects, but if you do, discontinue use immediately.
Although rare, severe reactions have occurred when using antiseptic products containing chlorhexidine, so if you experience any side effects such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, rash, or hives, stop using the product immediately.
In addition, there are several general safety tips that you should bear in mind when using Germolene:
- Store in a cool, dry place and do not allow the temperature to exceed 25 degrees Celsius.
- Only apply to external areas of the body.
- Ensure you replace the cap correctly after each use.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- If you experience symptoms that persist, consult with your doctor.
You can use Germolene during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but it’s best to check with your doctor before doing this.
Prolonged use of the product in one spot can also cause problems. Try to avoid repetitively applying Germolene to the same patch of skin and avoid spreading it over large expanses of skin. If you have a recurring rash or sore, consult with your doctor, who can prescribe a product that will treat the underlying virus or infection.
How Do You Treat Severely Chapped Lips?
Germolene is an excellent product for treating dry skin; the problem is that you shouldn’t use it around the eye or mouth area. Using Germolene to treat dry lips could cause a couple of issues.
First, it’s more likely to cause a reaction in this sensitive area of the body. Secondly, dermatology experts recommend you avoid products containing Phenol if you have severely chapped lips. (Other ingredients you should avoid include eucalyptus, flavorings, lanolin, and menthol.)
In addition, the cream is for external use only, and you could experience moderate to severe side effects if you inadvertently swallow some of it.
Suppose you accidentally swallow Germolene for any reason; you need to consult with your doctor immediately. If that’s not possible, contact your closest Accident and Emergency room for the best advice.
A better way to treat severely chapped lips is by applying a non-irritating lip moisturizer or balm multiple times daily. Thick ointments such as white petroleum jelly are more effective for extreme dryness as they trap water for longer than waxes or oils.
Can You Use Germolene On Dry Skin?
Germolene is an excellent product to treat chapped or dry skin. It can help to soothe the affected areas while preventing any potential infections. Both primary ingredients in Germolene carry antiseptic properties, so they basically “disinfect” the skin.
Before you apply Germolene, ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned the area, then gently rub a small amount of cream onto the dry patch.
It’s worth noting that Germolene works best on small areas of skin rather than large expanses. Using this product excessively can cause your skin to become irritated, so you should only use it for minor traumas on concentrated areas of the skin.
Is Germolene Good For Spots?
Germolene is a great product for treating minor skin problems such as spots or blackheads and helps to prevent infection from spreading across the infected areas.
When using Germolene to treat spots, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands before touching the infected area.
- Ensure that you thoroughly clean the infected area.
- Apply Germolene to the affected areas, avoiding contact with the mouth or eyes.
While Germolene is an effective treatment for the occasional spot or blackhead, it is not a good long-term solution for recurring infections or acne. If spots persist, consult your doctor, who can prescribe an effective treatment such as retinoids or antibiotics.
Conclusion
Germolene is an excellent product for treating dry skin patches but not ideal for applying to your lips. If you want to treat severely chapped lips, try a thick ointment like petroleum jelly and save the Germolene for treating spots, blemishes, and irritated skin patches.
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