Manufactured by Paras Pharma, Itch guard skin cream is an anti-fungal ointment used mainly for the treatment of itching and rashes related to candida and other fungal infections.
Uses and Benefits of Itch Guard:
While It is predominantly used to treat fungal infections, there are some other skin conditions listed below where it is useful as well:
- Atopic Eczema
- Diaper rash
- Tinea versicolor
- Fungal infections of penis or groin
- Eczema
- Inflammation
- Candida glabrata vaginitis in women
- Vaginal fungal infections
- Fungal infections of armpit and skin folds
- Jock itch
- Skin protectant
- Fungal infections of toes
- Fungal infections of vulva
- Ringworm
- Yeast infections
- Candidiasis
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Ear infections
- Athlete’s foot
- Oral thrush
- Superficial fungal infections
- Acne rosacea
- Relief from itching, cracking, burning and scaling of skin associated with various infections.
Side Effects of Itch Guard:
Apart from the intended benefits of this medicine, patients may experience some side effects associated with this drug.
Some of the possible side effects of Itch Guard are listed below:
| Skin irritation | Alopecia |
| Burning of skin | Edema |
| Peeling of skin due to excessive dryness | Eczema |
| Pruritus | General discomfort |
| Stinging sensation | Vaginal discharge |
| Blistering of skin | Tenderness |
| Urticaria | Menstrual disorders |
| Contact dermatitis | Nausea |
| Erythema | Fever |
| Headache |
While most of these reactions are temporary and usually subside with time or soon after stopping its application, it is strongly recommended that you report these side effects to a doctor as soon as you experience these side effects.
Common Dosage for Itch Guard:
The usage and frequency are determined by the dermatologist based on the medical condition of the patient. Apply it once or twice a day over the affected area after cleaning. Continue to use the medicine even if the symptoms disappear. In case the condition worsens then stop using the medicine and inform the doctor immediately.
Composition and Nature of Itch Guard:
Itch guard skin ointment constitutes of the below mentioned active ingredients (salts):
- Clotrimazole Topical
- Boric Acid Topical
- Ichtyolammonium Topical
Note – This medication may be available in different strengths for each of the active components listed above.
Itch Guard Applications:
- This Itch Guard is only meant for external application.
- It is important to use it in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your dermatologist. Do not exceed the dose or the duration of application to avoid side effects.
- Always check the label or instructions leaflet before using the ointment.
- Wash the affected area with water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry and apply the ointment gently onto the affected area.
- Unless your hands are the affected area to be treated, it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the cream, especially before eating food.
Precautions and Warnings – When to avoid Itch Guard Cream?
- Hypersensitivity – It is advised to strictly avoid using it if the patient is hypersensitive to any of the active components of this ointment.
- Medical history – Before starting treatment with this skin cream, it is vital for the patients to inform their doctor about allergies, pre-existing ailments, current or upcoming health conditions or procedures (pregnancy, breast feeding, surgery etc.) or any other prescribed or over the counter medications like vitamins, antibiotics or herbal supplements being taken. This is because some of the medications may make the user more susceptible to side effects.
- External application only – This medicine is meant to be applied externally and not to be consumed.
- It is advised to avoid using itch guard on chapped, excessively dry, sunburned, raw, irritated or wounded skin unless recommended otherwise by a dermatologist.
- Unless prescribed by a dermatologist, avoid the application of other skin care products on the areas being treated with itch guard ointment to avoid any drug interaction possibility.
- Avoid application of it on sensitive areas such as around the eyes, nose folds or mouth as it may cause skin irritation.
- Excessive application of this ointment may result in peeling of the skin.
- Do not expose the ointment to direct sunlight as this may hamper its efficiency. Also, keep it out of reach of pets and infants.
- Do not stop the medication mid-way without consulting a doctor. Doing so may cause the infection to relapse and could also make the fungi immune to this drug.
- Since there is limited data available to determine the safety of this drug for the fetus, it is recommended to only use this if absolutely necessary and that too under medical supervision.
- As per the limited human data available, this cream is relatively safe for nursing mothers. However, caution should be taken to ensure it does not come in direct contact with the baby’s skin.
- For patients with kidney or liver ailments, it is recommended that this drug should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Substitutes of Itch Guard:
The below listed ointments offer the same mode of action and can be used instead of itch guard:
- Terbest 1% cream
- Terbinext 1% w/w cream
- Tifin Cream
- Terbicrat 1% w/w cream
- Terbex 1% w/w cream
- Terbison 1% w/w cream
- Lamifin 1% cream
- Terfaze 1% w/w cream
- Ifin 1% w/w cream
- Tersig cream
- Keptafine cream.
Itch Guard Interactions with Other Drugs:
Using this cream along with other drugs may hamper the efficiency of this medication or trigger some side effects. Hence it is best to keep your doctor informed about all drugs you may be using to manage any possible drug interactions.
Listed below are some of the known products and medicines itch guard may interact with:
- Flucytosine
- Nystatin
- Amphotericin B
Variants of Itch Guard:
Following are the two variants of Itch Guard with same strength and composition:
- Itch Guard Plus
- Itch Guard Spray
Itch Guard Cream Price in India:
Quantity Price (INR)
15 gm Tube 40.00
How Itch Guard Works?
The active components in itch guard skin cream work by binding to phospholipids, thus preventing fungi and yeast from producing ergosterol, which is an important component in the formation of their fungal cell membrane. Hindering its production will cause holes to form on the membrane, thus leading to leakage of cell components which will result in the death of the microorganisms (bacteria).
Itch Guard relieves the patient’s skin condition by the following mode of action:
- Clotrimazole topical restricts the growth of fungus by destroying its protective wall.
- Performing anti-inflammatory action to treat related conditions like atopic eczema.
How to use Itchguard Cream?
It is an over-the-counter product and for external use only. Hence it is suggested to consult a doctor before using Itch Guard. Before applying it, wash the hands before and after, also clean and dry the affected area. Avoid applying it excessively and use a thin layer.
Medicines not to be taken with Itchguard:
Following are some of the medicines that should not be taken with this medicine to avoid the adverse effects:
- Nystatin
- Amphotericin B
- Flucytosine
How to check the expiry date?
It is an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Check the label of the product before using it. If the medicine is expired then avoid using it to avoid the adverse effects of the medicine.
Itch guard for Jock Itch:
It is a fungal infection of the skin belongs to a group of skin fungal infection called tinea. Jock Itch is caused by mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes. Basically, they are harmless but they grow quickly and cause infection when they come in contact with moist and warm areas. Jock Itch commonly affects the groin and inner thighs. The commonly reported symptoms of Jock Itch are
- Redness
- Burning sensation
- Persistent itching
- Changes in the skin color
- A rash that gets worse with activity
- Flaking, cracking skin, and peeling
- A rash that doesn’t improve and spreads with over-the-counter hydrocortisone.
All the above symptoms can be treated by using this cream. Clean and dry the affected area before applying it. Apply a thin layer of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1) What if a Itch Guard dose is missed?
Ans: You can apply the cream as soon as you remember or skip the dose if it is already time for the next scheduled dose.
2) Is this cream safe during pregnancy?
Ans: Yes, it is safe to apply this medicine during pregnancy but only under a doctor’s supervision.
3) When do the side effects subside?
Ans: Usually, they subside with time or once the course of this medicine is complete. However, if they the side effects do not subside, immediately report the same to your doctor.
4) Is this medicine excreted in breast milk?
Ans: From the evidence available so far, it is safe for breastfeeding women as long as the cream does not come in direct contact with the baby.
5) What are the side effects of Itch Guard?
Ans: Listed below are the possible side effects of Itch Guard which may occur because of the consisting ingredient of the cream.
- Edema
- Pruritus
- Eczema
- Skin Rash
- Burning of Skin
- Irritation
- Menstrual Disorder
- Burning Sensation
- Discomfort
- Peeling
6) What are the uses of this cream?
Ans: This is used in the treatment, prevention, control, and improvement of diseases listed below:
- Fungal infections of the penis
- Inflammation
- Atopic eczema
- Diaper rash
- Eczema
- Fungal infections of groin
- Candidiasis
- Ophthalmic irrigation to soothe irritated eyes
- Tinea versicolor
- Women with candida glabrata vaginitis
7) Is it safe to use Itch Guard when pregnant?
Ans: Please consult a doctor before using it..
8) How does this medicine work?
Ans: Itch Guard has both fungicidal and fungistatic actions. It secures phospholipids in the fungal cell membrane and modifies its permeability.
9) Is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
Ans: Please discuss the risk and benefits of Itch Guard with doctor before breastfeeding.
10) Can I use this to treat diaper rash and fungal infections of groin?
Ans: Yes, It can be used to treat diaper rash and fungal infections of the groin. It is advisable to use the cream post consulting a doctor. It is an antifungal cream used to treat various disease caused by a various fungal infection related to rashes and itching.
11) Is Itch Guard Addictive?
Ans: No , there is no addictive aptitude reported yet.
12) Can I drive after using this medicine?
Ans: No, It doesn’t affect the ability to drive. Hence it is safe to use it.
13) What are the storage requirements?
Ans:
- Keep it away from pets and children.
- Don’t refrigerate the medicine.
- Store at cool and dry place away from sunlight.
14) Is there any particular item that should be avoided with this cream?
Ans: No, there is no particular food item that should be avoided.
