Mederma Cream: Uses and Side Effects

What is Mederma Cream?

With a unique blend of ingredients that help fade and reduce the appearance of scarring, Mederma cream is a must-have for anyone wishing to fade their scars! Mederma is a cream designed to reduce the appearance of scars by softening and smoothing the skin. It is commonly used for various types of scars, including stretch marks, acne scars, surgical scars, and scars resulting from injury or burns. This cream is a combination of active ingredients such as 10% aqueous onion extract and 1% allantoin. It contains allium cepa (onion) bulb extract, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits along with allantoin which is a powerful ingredient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.^1,2,5

Keep reading to learn more about how Mederma Cream works and why it may be the right choice for your skincare needs.

How Does the Mederma Cream Work?

Mederma cream contains a proprietary blend of active ingredients, including onion extract and allantoin which work together to promote scar healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Mederma cream contains an extract which is derived from onions. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and redness associated with scar tissue. This extract also has fibroblast-inhibiting properties that are known to decrease both fibro-proliferative (scarring and overgrowth of connective tissue) activity and the production of extracellular matrix. Allantoin is another important ingredient in Mederma cream. It is a natural compound known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Allantoin helps to hydrate the skin. It also promotes cell regeneration, which can help to speed up the healing process and reduce the overall size of scars.^2-5

How to Apply Mederma Cream?

If you are using Mederma cream for the first time, it’s important to follow these instructions to ensure proper application:

Preparation

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the cream.
• Ensure that the affected area is clean and dry before applying the cream.

Application

• Apply a thin, even layer of Mederma cream to the affected area.
• Massage the cream gently into the skin until it is fully absorbed.
• Do not apply the cream to broken skin or open wounds.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. If contact occurs, rinse with water.
• If you are using Mederma cream on a new scar, wait until the wound has fully healed before applying the cream.
• Do not use other topical treatments or products on the same area without consulting with a healthcare provider.
• Do not apply this cream past the expiry date as it may not be effective or it may also cause some adverse reactions to your skin.⁶

Precautions

Here are some precautions to consider before using Mederma cream:

• Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to any of the ingredients in Mederma cream or past history of allergy.
• Before using Mederma cream, perform a small patch test. Apply a small amount of cream to a small area of your skin and observe for any adverse reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling.
• Do not apply Mederma cream to open wounds or broken skin.
• Mederma cream is intended for external use only and should not be ingested or used internally.
• If you are using Mederma cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult with a healthcare provider.
• If you experience any unusual side effects or skin irritation, discontinue and consult a doctor immediately.
• Do not use it after the expiration date has passed.⁷

Side Effects of Mederma Cream

Mederma cream is generally considered safe when used as directed, but like any medication, it can cause side effects in some people. Here are some side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:
•  If you experience a skin rash, itching, or hives while using Mederma cream, it may be a sign of an allergy. In this case, it’s important to stop using the cream and contact your doctor.
• Some people may experience redness, swelling, or irritation at the site of application. If these symptoms are severe or do not go away, contact your healthcare provider.
• A mild burning or stinging sensation may occur when using Mederma cream. If this sensation is severe or does not go away, contact your doctor.
It’s important to note that if you have any concerns or questions about using this medication, you should consult with your healthcare provider.^6-8

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Sidgwick GP, McGeorge D, Bayat A. A comprehensive evidence-based review on the role of topicals and dressings in the management of skin scarring. Archives of dermatological research. 2015 Aug;307:461-77. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4506744/ 
2. Marefati N, Ghorani V, Shakeri F, Boskabady M, Kianian F, Rezaee R, Boskabady MH. A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents. Pharmaceutical biology. 2021 Jan 1;59(1):285-300. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7919894/   
3. Draelos ZD. The ability of onion extract gel to improve the cosmetic appearance of postsurgical scars. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2008 Jun;7(2):101-4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18482012/ 
4. Rabello FB, Souza CD, Farina Júnior JA. Update on hypertrophic scar treatment. Clinics. 2014;69:565-73. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4129552/ 
5. Arora RI, Aggarwal GE, Dhingra GA, Nagpal MA. Herbal active ingredients used in skin cosmetics. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res. 2019;12(9):7-15. Available from: https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ajpcr/article/download/33620/20647 
6. Order new mederma advanced plus tube of 5GM scar gel online [Internet]. Available from: https://pharmeasy.in/health-care/products/new-mederma-advanced-plus-tube-of-5gm-scar-gel-224563  
7. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Allergens in cosmetics [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA; Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/allergens-cosmetics 
8. Mederma stretch marks therapy information, side effects, warnings and recalls [Internet]. Recall Guide. Available from: https://www.recallguide.org/drug/mederma-stretch-marks-therapy/ 
9. Mederma® Cream [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health; Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6aee317e-514e-4336-beb1-384bb5cde9f5&type=display  

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