Page 189 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 187

Moisturizers Various treatments for mouth and throat problems,
such as bad breath, sore throat, or mouth ulcers.
UNBRANDED ITEMS: ● Water-based cream
Those containing an antiseptic help sore areas to heal
● Emulsifying ointment
and prevent further infections. Local anesthetics
COMMON BRANDS: ● Lubriderm ● Curel Lotion
such as benzocaine help relieve the pain associated
● Jergens Moisturizer
with sore throat or mouth ulcers. Fresheners give
Wide range of moisturizers (emollients) to soothe, breath a pleasant smell temporarily.
soften, and help the skin retain moisture. Preparations
Method of use Liquids used as a rinse or
reduce dryness, itching, and scaling, and prevent
gargle; sprays or gels applied directly to sore areas.
cracking and infection in problems such as psoriasis
Throat lozenges and breath fresheners are sucked or
and eczema.
dissolved on the tongue.
Method of use Apply as often as needed,
Side effects Occasionally, irritation and
particularly after washing. Use water-based cream
soreness. Stop using if persists.
or emulsifying ointment instead of soap for washing.
Precautions Some products are not advised
Side effects Rarely, sensitivity to an
for children. Check package. Do not use products
ingredient; stop using and contact a doctor.
containing local anesthetics for more than 7 days
Precautions None. unless directed to by your doctor or dentist. See
also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
Motion sickness pills
Common brands Oatmeal products
● Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) Common brand
● Bonine (meclizine) ● Aveeno cream/moisturizing lotion/body wash/
● Antivert (meclizine) foaming bath oil
Help prevent motion sickness if taken before Help to soothe itchy skin caused by irritating and
traveling. Products contain an antihistamine drug inflamed skin conditions.
such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine.
Method of use Available as bath oils
Method of use Allow enough time for or as creams or lotions applied directly to the skin.
pills to take effect before you travel. Lotions can be used instead of soap when washing.
Side effects Some types may cause Add bath oils to a lukewarm bath; pat skin dry.
drowsiness, a dry mouth, or blurred vision. Side effects Usually none.
Precautions Don’t take with alcohol. Precautions Oatmeal bath additives can
If drowsy, don’t drive or use hazardous machinery. make the bathtub slippery; be careful when getting
in and out of the water.
Mouth and throat treatments
Common brands Oil of cloves
ANTISEPTICS: ● Listerine (thymol, eucalyptol, Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata) are traditionally used
methylsalicylate, menthol) to relieve various problems, including toothache. Oil
LOCAL ANESTHETICS AND ANALGESICS: ● Dequacaine of cloves helps numb the tooth area.
(benzocaine, dequalinium) ● Chloraseptic Sore Method of use Apply a few drops to
Throat Lozenges (benzocaine, menthol) cotton balls and place directly on tooth. Keep the
● Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray (phenol) oil off the tongue since it may burn a little.
● Anbesol (benzocaine) ● Oragel Maximum Strength
Side effects Usually none.
(benzocaine)
Precautions None.
CLEANSING MOUTH WASHES: ● Lavoris ● Scope
BREATH FRESHENERS: ● Binaca Breath Spray ● Listerine
Cool Mint Oral Care Strips Pocket Packs