Proctofoam – An Overview

Proctofoam – An Overview

Proctofoam is a medication used to treat rashes and swelling caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. In this article, the medication will be discussed about the disease.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles can be termed as swollen veins found in the rectum or under the skin around the anus. These veins cause uncomfortable sensations, itching, and bleeding.

Signs & Symptoms

Following are the symptoms of hemorrhoids:

  • Itchy anus
  • Hard lumps near the anus that are tender
  • Pain and ache near the anus
  • Rectal bleeding

Types of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are either outside of the anus or inside of the anus. The type depends upon where the vein develops:

External Hemorrhoids – swollen veins outside the anus contribute towards the external hemorrhoids. They are itchy and uncomfortable. Sometimes, they bleed too.

Internal Hemorrhoids – swollen veins inside the rectum contribute to internal hemorrhoids. They bleed but are not painful.

Prolapsed – both types of hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning that they might bulge outside of the anus.

Treatment

Treating hemorrhoids is not required most of the time as it gets resolves on its own. You can use over-the-counter hydrocortisone or lidocaine. Increase fiber intake. Take a warm bath for 15-20 minutes. Increase water intake. Take laxatives to soften stool. Take NSAIDs for pain and inflammation relief. Use toilet paper that is soft and would not scrape against the affected area.

Proctofoam is not only used for itching relief of hemorrhoids but also anal fissures.

Proctofoam

It is used for the relief of symptoms of hemorrhoids. It has two main ingredients:

  1. Pramoxine
  2. Hydrocortisone

Pramoxine

Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic. It numbs the pain nerves so that the person stops sensing the pain. This is also used in people who are allergic to other anesthetics such as lidocaine or benzocaine. It is used for minor scrapes and burns. It relieves itchy and uncomfortable skin. That is why it is used to relieve the itching caused by hemorrhoids.

Side Effects
The following are the side effects of pramoxine:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Stinging
  • Dryness at the affected area
  • Hives
  • Skin rash
  • Severe itching

If any of these side effects manifest and do not go away, contact your physician or pharmacist!

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid. It can relieve itching, swelling, and pain. Hydrocortisone acts by decreasing the migration of leukocytes to the point of inflammation. By this procedure, they soothe the affected area.

Side Effects:
The following are the side effects of hydrocortisone:

  • Blistering
  • Burning
  • Crusting
  • Dryness
  • Thinning of skin
  • Severe redness
  • Swelling

The pramoxine in the proctofoam medication is used to numb the area around the anus. This will provide a sudden relief from pain, burning of the skin, and itching. Hydrocortisone is responsible for the reduction of swelling, itching, and redness.

Dosage Form

Proctofoam is available in two forms: rectal dosage form and topical dosage form. In this section, the discussion about the use of these different types of dosage forms will be discussed:

·         Rectal Foam

Clean around the affected area with good soap and dry. The medication is in a canister. Shake the canister. Fill the applicator and hold the barrel and insert the tip into the anus. Insert the tip 1 to half-inch inside the anus. Push the plunger to release medication and then gently withdraw the applicator.

Do not use tissue or any other material to apply medication inside the anus. Do not insert the canister, just the tip of the applicator, and that too is not more than one or half an inch. Avoid getting the product into your mouth, eyes, and nose. Immediately wash hands after application.

If you want to apply the foam outside, then take tissue paper. Using this procedure, apply the medication to the affected area. Use the product according to the doctor’s recommendation. Do not use more than what’s recommended as it may produce side effects.

·         Topical Form

Before using this medication, consult your doctor or the pharmacist. Do not apply this drug on open wounds or where the skin is broken. Use this up to three times a day or after every bowel movement. Use as directed by the physician. Apply gently. Covering the area will increase absorption by the skin, but it will also increase the side effects.

Immediately wash hands so that the medication does not go into the eyes or mouth.

Side Effects of Proctofoam:

The following are the side effects that can happen if you are using this medication. However, most people do not have any serious effects:

  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Allergic Reaction to the Ingredients
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Change in skin appearance
  • Rectal bleeding

In case of worsening of the side effect, immediately consult your physician or pharmacist and discontinue using the medication for the time being.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to pramoxine or hydrocortisone. Do not use this medication for a long period as it may cause side effects. Do not apply the medication to a larger area or wear tight diapers or tight-fitting pants during use. Use caution if using this medication on children.

Storage

Store the canister or tube in a cool, dry place at 20-25 degrees Celsius. Do not refrigerate as it may affect the efficacy of the medication. Do not store at a temperature that is above 120 degrees Celsius.  Store at out of reach of children as they might swallow the medication. Do not flush it down the toilet and waste it according to the instructions given on the label.

Summary

Proctofoam is a very good medication for providing relief from itching and burning f skin due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Although this product is available over-the-counter, it is still advised to consult the physician or the pharmacist as they might know more about the mediation than you do. Store the medication canister or tube away and out of reach of children and pets.

This is not a permanent treatment of hemorrhoids, but it provides temporary relief from the symptom. Your disease will not go away just by using this. If the symptoms worsen, consult a nearby physician.

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