Page 186 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

184 A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES

Hair-removal products Method of use Available as cream,
ointment, suppositories, or pads. Clean and dry anal
Common brands
area before use. Wash hands before and afterward.
● Nair ● Neet
Side effects May sting as they are applied.
Creams and mousses dissolve hair down to the
Precautions Don’t use for more than 5–6
roots. Wax and “sugaring” preparations pull out
days, as may irritate anal skin; if hemorrhoids
hairs, so effect lasts a couple of weeks.
persist, see a doctor. Some brands unsuitable
Method of use Creams applied with a
for children. Witch hazel pads are for external
spatula. Mousses sprayed on and then washed off.
use only.
Waxes and sugars applied to clean, dry skin with
hairs at least ⁄4 in (5 mm) long; fabric strips applied Herbal sleeping remedies
1
and pulled off against direction of hair growth.
Herbs such as valerian (Valeriana officinalis), hops
Side effects Creams and mousses may (Humulus lupulus), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata),
cause irritation; if so, wash off immediately. Waxes and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are said to aid
and sugars may produce raised, red spots briefly. relaxation and sleep.
Precautions Can cause allergic reactions;
Method of use Available as pills or liquid,
test on small area first. Don’t use on irritated or broken
taken at bedtime. Chamomile can be drunk as tea.
skin, on moles or warts, or within 2 hours of bathing or
Pillows stuffed with dried hops are also available.
sunbathing. Wait 24 hours before using deodorants or
Try pills and liquids for only a few days at a time.
perfumes. Avoid waxes or sugars if you have diabetes.
If sleeping problem persists, consult a doctor.
Head lice preparations Side effects Usually none.
Precautions None.
Common brands
● Acticin (permethrin) ● Nix (permethrin) ● Rid
Herbal teas
(piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrum extract)
Chamomile or fennel seed teas traditionally used
Antiparasitic treatments for head lice infestations.
to relieve indigestion, heartburn, or gas; ginger tea
Method of use Available as shampoos or (see p.183) used for nausea and motion sickness;
lotions. Lotions are more effective than shampoos. chamomile tea for insomnia (see HERBAL SLEEPING
Side effects Can irritate skin, causing AIDS, above).
redness and stinging. Method of use Add boiling water to a
Precautions Avoid broken or infected skin, teaspoon of herb, and brew for a few minutes.
and eyes. Check suitability before using on small Don’t add milk.
children or babies. Side effects Usually none.
Precautions None.
Hemorrhoid preparations
Common brands: Hydrocortisone cream
● Preparation H (glycerin, petrolatum,
Common brands
phenylephrine, shark liver oil) ● Tucks Hemorrhoid
● Cortaid ● Lanacort
Pads with Witch Hazel ● Anusol HC-1
(hydrocortisone acetate) Mild steroid cream reduces inflammation in non-
infectious conditions, such as eczema, insect stings,
Some preparations contain hydrocortisone to
and skin reactions to jewelry, plants, and toiletries.
relieve anal itching and inflammation, or
Also in some hemorrhoid preparations (see p.182).
phenylephrine to shrink swollen tissue. Witch
Method of use Apply thinly as directed
hazel wipes are cooling and soothing. Cream
on packet. Don’t put dressings over treated area.
preparations lubricate the area, making it easier
to pass stools. Side effects Usually none.