Your skin may sometimes turn rough or dry, and may show irritation in the form of rashes or swelling. In some cases, it may turn scaly as well as itchy. Ointments based on chemicals like propylene glycol can help attract moisture into the outermost surface of your skin. Such action can make dead and dried up cells to get washed off; this action helps keep your skin amply moisturised. It can also keep skin soft and smooth. Aquaphor is an emollient which is applied onto the skin; it is also called as baby oil or baby lotion because of its ability to treat diaper rashes and other skin related conditions. But, can you use aquaphor along with cholestyramine? It is a wise thing to know details about such usage.
Skincare emollients help avoid dryness of skin. Emollients like aquaphor have a few other extended applications. Apart from managing dry skin, it is also used for the case management of irritation of skin due to the spread of acne, rashes and soreness of skin (because of cold / dry climate). However, it is not known for prevention of skin conditions or any topical infections. It is a safe practice to check with your treating doctor if you have deeper nicks / cuts, open wounds, skin infections, bleeding, pus formation on skin, etc.
What is aquaphor?
It is an over the counter (OTC) ointment used for topical / skin conditions. Key ingredients of this ointment include petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum), mineral oils as well as skin smoothening substances such as lanolin alcohol, moisturizers like glycerine and a few anti-inflammatory substances (extracted from rare herbs), pro-vitamins, etc. These ingredients help in the retention of moisture as well as soften your skin.
It is equally important to know that this emollient must not be applied inside your nose or mouth and into your eyes. Those with a sensitive skin may turn hypersensitive to sunlight; hence, you may need to wear protective garments, gloves and sunscreen prior to stepping out. Those who have known allergies to aquaphor need to tell about such conditions to their caregiving team. Not all people who used this substance reported adverse side effects and allergies. However, in some people – it has led to a burning feeling, increased levels of irritation as well as redness of skin.
What is cholestyramine and what are its uses?
This drug belongs to a family of medications known as bile acid sequestrants; of this genre, cholestyramine is a widely used drug. Its key ingredients work to decrease the quantum of gastric acids in your abdomen. Once gastric acids reduce, your liver starts converting lipids into gastric acids. The dosage plan of this drug depends on many factors; key among them are your gender, age, prior ailments as well as how well your body reacts / responds to the first few doses of cholestyramine. The initial doses are kept at 4 grams (g); however, regular doses can go upto 7 grams within a 24-hour time period. As difficulties to pass stools are a common side effect, you are advised to take lots of fluids (such as water or juices extracted from fruits).
Those with any known hypersensitivity or allergies to this drug (such as constipation, bloating of tummy, formation of gas and pain in lower abdomen or other abdominal problems like vomiting or nausea) must either lower the dosage level or stay away from it. Owing to these risks, it is essential to inform your doctor about the meds you are taking now. A few users (a small percentage) observed acute side effects like bloody stools, erratic bowel movements, etc.; in such instances, it is highly recommended to talk to your treating physician without any delay.
Use of cholestyramine along with aquaphor
As an extended use, cholestyramine is used for managing skin conditions such as pruritus (commonly known as itching). Itching is a natural outcome while your system finds it tough to eliminate bile acids. Topical cream – made by compounding cholestyramine and aquaphor – is used to decrease itchiness and burning sensation. Such creams / ointments are applied for diaper rashes, irritation due to swelling of skin (clinically known as dermatitis), etc. Of this compounded mixture, the role of bile acid sequestrant – cholestyramine is considered is significant. The key ingredients reduce irritation, skin rashes and inflammation of skin.
You are advised to use the ointment as per the instructions of your dermatologist or a qualified medical practitioner. For better results, it is highly recommended to use it during the timeslot every day. You must always remember to adhere to all the safety instructions issued by the caregiver. A few users have used it excessively without the consent of the medical team; in such cases, risks of an overdose can show up. Some of the risks of an overuse are swelling of skin, rashes, reddening or discoloration of skin – especially on the affected organ. In some rare cases, some people have developed respiratory problems – which may show up as wheezing or gasping for breath.
Though it is not a commonly witnessed risk, in remote instances – a small set of users witnessed a marked level of drowsiness as well as dizziness. These effects are likely to show up among elderly patients. If you are experiencing any of these acute side effects, call 911 – if you are living in the US. In Canada, you can call a poison control center or Health Canada on an emergency mode.
In sum, cholestyramine belongs to a family of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants and is commonly prescribed by medical practitioners. Its active ingredients help reduce bile acids in the gastric tract. On the other hand, aquaphor can help manage skin problems such as dryness, acne, rashes and soreness. Mixing these two drugs can help manage skin conditions like itchiness, inflammation of skin as well as rashes (especially, those caused by persistent use of diapers). It is recommended to apply the mixture (often sold as an ointment or a cream) under the guidance and supervision of qualified clinical practitioner or a dermatologist.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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