Page 181 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 179

Antinail-biting lotions Benzoyl peroxide
Common brands Common brands
● Orly No Bite ● Super Nail Bite No More ● Clearasil ● Oxy ● Stridex
Help stop nail biting. Contain bitter-tasting, but Preparations for mild or moderate acne reduce
harmless, chemicals. inflammation and bacteria and make skin less oily.
Method of use Apply directly to nail Method of use Available as gels, lotions,
surfaces. Use every day. or creams. Wash skin first. Start with low strength;
move on to a higher strength only if needed.
Side effects Usually none.
Precautions Don’t use on broken or sensitive Side effects Skin may redden, peel, and
skin, and avoid eyes and lips. Check instructions become dry and irritated, but this normally resolves
before use on children. in a few days if treatment is stopped temporarily;
if not, use less frequently; if severe, stop using.
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Precautions Don’t apply to damaged skin.
Common brands: Avoid eyes, lips, mouth, and lining of nose. Benzoyl
● Bayer ● Bufferin ● Anacin peroxide can bleach hair and clothes.
Relieves mild to moderate pain in conditions such Calamine lotion
as migraines, sore throat, toothache, and joint pain
Common brands
and inflammation. Reduces fever. Included in
● Calamine Lotion
medicines for colds, flu, menstrual cramps, and joint
and muscle aches. Has a cooling effect and is used to soothe minor
Method of use Coated or regular pills, or skin irritation and rashes.
chewable pills. Take with or after food. Method of use Available as lotion or
Side effects Indigestion due to irritation of cream. Apply as often as needed. Dab lotion on
the stomach lining. to skin with cotton balls and let dry.
Precautions Consult a doctor first if you have Side effects Usually none.
or have had asthma or a stomach disorder. Don’t use Precautions Usually none.
if you are allergic to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory
drugs. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. Calendula cream
WARNING Creams prepared from extracts of pot marigold,
Before children and teenagers use this medication or calendula (Calendula officinalis), traditionally
for chicken pox or flu syndromes, a doctor should be used to soothe cuts, scrapes, and mild skin
consulted about Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious inflammation.
illness reported to be associated with aspirin. Method of use Available in creams
or lotions. Apply as directed on packet.
Baking soda
Side effects See GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It is commonly
Precautions Usually none.
used in cooking. Can soothe itching and soreness.
Method of use Add 4 tablespoons (or a
teacup) to a bath two-thirds full of lukewarm water
and soak for about 20 minutes. For soreness inside
the mouth, add half a teaspoon of sodium
bicarbonate to 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water to
make a mouthwash.
Side effects Usually none.
Precautions None.