Treatment of mastitis with ointments is considered one of the effective and affordable treatment methods. However, it is important to know all the key therapeutic options of the most popular and effective creams and ointments that can be used for the development of inflammation in the glandular tissues.
Let's consider what external use products modern pharmacy offers to relieve the manifestations of the disease.
Let's look at the “root”: briefly about the composition and its effect
To be precise, Vishnevsky’s ointment is a balsamic liniment, because it has a thinner consistency than conventional pharmaceutical ointments. The medication contains the following ingredients: birch tar, castor oil (castor oil) and xeroform powder. Birch tar is an absolutely natural substance given to us by nature itself. The product is able to activate blood circulation directly in the affected tissues and eliminate stagnation in the capillary bed. This shows its irritating effect. Fresh blood received after the action of birch tar will bring life-giving oxygen and nutrients, accelerate metabolic and regenerative processes, activate cell division, which will promote wound healing.
Castor oil has been used as a folk remedy for more than a century, and several centuries ago, in the troubled times of alchemists, it served as a panacea for almost all diseases. It ideally softens the skin, opening the pores of the epidermis for the passage of medications deep into the underlying tissues. Xeroform powder, having migrated from the ointment to the inflamed cells, has a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
General effect of Vishnevsky ointment
This is how the destruction of a pathological focus is carried out in three directions at once, which explains the almost immediate positive dynamics in the introduction of a purulent process. Taken together, the triad of ingredients in Vishnevsky’s ointment promotes suppuration. That is, it seems to “collect” pus in a single cavity, which forms an abscess, helping to quickly get rid of the inflammatory process as a whole.
Important! In some cases, if you use the medication correctly, the body will quickly overcome the disease. But, if you make a mistake at the initial stage of treatment, you can get the exact opposite result and delay therapy. This should be kept in mind and professional medical advice should not be ignored.
The best ointments, creams and gels
Ointments for mastopathy can be hormonal, non-hormonal, or based on herbal ingredients. Depending on the severity of the pathology, the woman’s age, and the presence of chronic diseases, an individual selection of an effective medication is carried out.
Progestogel
The dosage form of Progestogel is a gel. This progesterone-based product blocks the production of estrogen. At the same time, Progestogel increases the level of progesterone locally, at the site of exposure, without affecting the general hormonal background of the woman. The drug relieves swelling and relieves pain. Progestogel contains the enzyme estradiol. It prevents the appearance of stagnation in the gland during the oxidation process and has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels.
The drug is intended for daily use. To maintain the required dosage, the product comes with an applicator. For a single use, 2.5 g of gel is required. It is rubbed into the skin after hygiene procedures.
Recommended for daily use or from the 15th day of the cycle for 3 cycles. Gel for mastopathy is contraindicated after the 12th week of pregnancy, with nodular mastopathy, or the presence of an oncological process.
Recommended for diffuse forms of mastopathy with a predominance of fibroids. The product is available in the form of a cream.
The main component is red palm oil. It stimulates lymph flow, improves blood circulation and activates metabolism. The medicine is a plant-based drug and contains extracts from plants:
- arnica;
- freshwater;
- mustard seeds;
- red pepper;
- aloe extract, etc.
Contains beeswax and D-panthenol, which promote active tissue healing. The cream relieves pain and stops secretion from the glands, eliminates swelling.
It should be used 2-3 times a day, the optimal time is after waking up and before bed. It is better to start treatment from the 15th day of the cycle, when painful symptoms intensify. The course of treatment is at least 2 weeks. It is not recommended to use the product for the mammary glands if the skin is damaged.
Apilak is a non-hormonal drug. Available in ointment form. It has an analgesic effect, improves cellular metabolism and activates the tissue healing process. The main active ingredient is royal jelly of bees. The ointment must be applied at least 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician. It is not recommended to use the drug if you are allergic to bee products.
MastofitEvalar
Herbal preparation. The cream is not a drug and is prescribed to enhance the effect of medications used for mastopathy in women. Mastofit has the following properties:
- reduces swelling of the mammary glands;
- resolves seals;
- slows down the aging process of cells;
- has anti-cancer properties;
- activates metabolism.
The main components of the cream for breast mastopathy are:
- Indole-3-carbinol prevents cancer (naturally occurring in broccoli).
- Phytoestrogens (natural plant compounds) eliminate hormonal imbalances and improve the antioxidant properties of cells.
- Fucus extract (a plant that is a source of organic iodine).
Excipients promote deep and rapid penetration of the active components into the gland tissue, improve the appearance and condition of the skin. It is not recommended to use the cream during pregnancy, lactation, or with high estrogen levels. The product must be used twice a day. The duration of therapy is 60 days.
Celandine ointment
The composition of celandine includes alkaloid substances (large amounts of chelidonine, homochelidonine, sanguianarine, chelerythrine), flavonoids, vitamins A and C, tannins, etc. Sanguianarine and chelidonine have an analgesic effect and have antiseptic properties. In addition, chelerythrine has an antitumor effect. Flavonoids strengthen the walls of blood vessels, which promotes microcirculation in the chest. Sanguinarine relieves inflammation. Tannins rid the gland tissue of toxins.
To prepare an ointment from the plant, you will need fresh leaves of celandine during the flowering period. It is crushed in a convenient way until a homogeneous consistency is formed. Squeeze out the juice. Ghee or fat is added to the celandine in a ratio of 1 to 1. Mix everything.
The resulting ointment is used to lubricate the breasts, with the exception of the nipple area, once a day. The course of treatment is at least 1 month. The drug is used only after consulting a doctor. When preparing, you must strictly follow the recipe, because the plant contains toxic substances.
Vishnevsky ointment
The direct purpose of the medication is to remove pus through the skin. Therefore, the use of the drug in its pure form for mastopathy can lead to the transition of the diffuse form of the disease to a nodular one. Many doctors do not recommend the use of ointment even as a component of traditional medicine.
Along with this, many women note the effectiveness of the recipe with Vishnevsky ointment and fir oil. To prepare it, the oil is mixed with ointment in a ratio of 7 to 3. Baby cream is added to the mixture in the ratio of 1 part of the mixture to 3 parts of the cream. The resulting product is applied to a piece of fabric and applied to the affected areas of the chest. The top is covered with polyethylene. The compress is changed three times a day. The use of this product during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
The product is available in the form of a gel and ointment. Traumeel is a homeopathic remedy. Most of the ingredients included in its base are of plant nature:
Many of these components relieve inflammation and promote tissue healing. Witch hazel effectively eliminates menstrual irregularities. The mineral components of the drug have immunomodulatory properties.
Traumeel is used both in the early stages of the disease and in the later stages, up to the precancerous state. The drug effectively relieves chest pain, swelling and reduces inflammation. In the fibrocystic form, the use of ointment (gel) promotes the resorption of small cysts.
Traumeel is used daily, 2 times - in the morning and at night. For severe pain, the frequency of daily applications is increased to 4–5. Therapy lasts from 14 to 21 days.
Troxevasin ointment
The ointment eliminates foci of inflammation. It is used for the breast due to its anti-edematous properties, it stimulates blood circulation, strengthens capillaries and blood vessels. It also copes with painful sensations and eliminates inflammation.
Apply the ointment twice a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Cream wax Zdorov
The drug is of plant nature. Recommended for mastopathy due to the healing properties of the components:
- Beeswax stimulates tissue repair.
- Cedar resin promotes blood circulation in damaged areas, eliminates swelling and resolves formations.
- Bee venom improves blood circulation and has antitumor properties.
- Propolis extract has antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
- Horse chestnut extract is effective against edema.
What is lymphostasis and why is it dangerous?
To understand why Vishenvsky ointment is needed during lactation, you need to understand the mechanisms of the onset and development of the disease. Lymphostasis is stagnation of milk. It is formed when there is an imbalance in the production and timely evacuation of milk from the mammary glands. And for this there are a number of predisposing factors that every nursing woman should know about. Let's list them:
- The anatomical structure of the nipple or the specific taste of milk (sunken, too tight nipple, etc.).
- Congenital narrowness and/or tortuousness of a woman’s milk ducts. Usually this factor is pronounced in primiparous patients. It is in this case that it is especially important to ask the doctor for advice on whether Vishnevsky ointment can be used while breastfeeding.
- Spontaneous or unprepared refusal of the mother to breastfeed.
- Negative external effects on the chest: blunt trauma, wearing underwear that obviously does not correspond to the required size, hypothermia, putting hands in cold water, etc.
- The psychogenic nature of lactostasis: systematic or significant stress, chronic fatigue of the mother, the development of psychosis or postpartum depression.
- Illness or refusal of the baby to breastfeed. The disease develops against the background of insufficient milk expression.
This is not a complete list of the reasons for the development of stagnation in the milk ducts, leading to the emergence of ideal conditions for the development of an inflammatory focus. Breast milk is an ideal environment for the growth of pathogenic flora. Microbes can enter the mammary gland through the nipple or its cracks, from the bloodstream, or through the skin due to insufficient hygiene.
Levomekol
Levomekol has antibacterial properties and is used only externally. The composition includes antibiotic components. Allowed for use during lactation. The disadvantage of this drug is that it can only be used to treat external nodes .
There are also a number of ointments for hemorrhoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when choosing which it is very important to carefully read the instructions for use and follow all the recommendations of your doctor to eliminate possible complications.
If you cannot perform a bowel movement on your own, you need to give a cleansing enema.
Source of the article: https://pupsek.com/zdorov-e-rebenka/lekarstva-i-preparaty/mazi-ot-gemorroya-pri-grudnom-vskarmlivanii.html
How does the disease manifest itself?
The first signs of a developing disease do not attract much attention: pain and a feeling of fullness in the chest appear. In the absence of adequate therapeutic measures, a nodule appears - a limited hard area localized in the mammary gland at varying depths. The entire listed symptom complex indicates the onset of primary lactostasis.
Next, the node increases in size, causing a rise in temperature. This is how chills, local hyperemia, limited swelling of the gland, burning sensation and sharp tugging pain at the site of compaction appear.
As a purulent cavity forms, symptoms of intoxication appear: the woman feels worse and worse, her performance sharply decreases, and her irritability increases. In this case, a competent doctor will suspect secondary lactostasis and/or the development of mastitis.
Vishnevsky ointment during lactation: a double-edged sword
Indeed, the use of Vishnevsky ointment for lactostasis can bring exactly the opposite result. It is used only in cases where an abscess is diagnosed directly under the skin of the mammary gland. Then, after the formation of a purulent cavity, it can open on its own and suppuration will occur, which will help cleanse the tissue of pathogenic (disease-causing) flora.
But if the compaction lies deep in the gland, then it is better to refuse to use balsamic liniment. After all, the risk of the inflammatory process growing increases, which will only delay the woman’s recovery. Moreover, purulent pockets can form, and even worse - sepsis (the entry of microorganisms into the blood).
The most frequently asked questions to the doctor
Pediatricians are not only doctors who deal with the baby’s problems, but also those to whom women go with questions about breastfeeding. Experienced doctors have already identified a number of questions that they most often hear at consultations.
Let's answer the most pressing interest for nursing mothers regarding the use of the medication we are interested in.
Question No. 1
Does Vishnevsky ointment harm the baby during breastfeeding and can diathesis develop?
Answer: definitely, it doesn’t harm. The ingredients from the composition do not have the ability to migrate into breast milk, therefore there is no point in interrupting natural feeding. Breastfeeding is the best thing a mother can provide for her baby, especially in the first months of his life!
Question No. 2
Is it possible to introduce complementary foods and supplements if a woman is using this medication at this time?
Answer: if your child is absolutely healthy, has not suffered from eating disorders the day before or has no obvious allergic reactions, then carefully introduce complementary feeding or complementary feeding. But before introducing a new product, you should definitely consult with your local pediatrician.
Question #3
Is a medical consultation required before starting treatment with Vishnevsky ointment?
Answer: yes, you should definitely get a consultation. If the first signs of lactospasm or mastitis appear, you should consult a surgeon or, if this is not possible, then call a pediatrician at home. Especially if your baby is only a few months from birth.
Question #4
Can a mother experience an allergic reaction after using balsamic liniment?
Answer: yes, it can. It is impossible to predict the body's response to any drug, even the most harmless one. But decades of active use of the drug have proven its hypoallergenic property.
To prevent allergies, doctors advise applying Vishnevsky ointment to a limited area of the skin of the wrist and wait a few hours. If there is no swelling, redness or rash, then feel free to treat with this medication.
Question #5
How to properly use the medication at home?
Answer: Vishnevsky ointment is applied in a thick layer, evenly distributed over the clean skin of the affected area of the mammary gland. Next, apply a thin napkin made of natural fabric, covering it with compress paper on top.
The resulting “pie” is fixed with adhesive tape. It is better to keep the bandage on all night, and in the morning wash off the remaining ointment with warm water and soap. Wipe the skin dry with a soft terry towel and apply any soothing cream.
From all the above facts, you need to draw the right conclusions and not use the drug blindly and as an ideal remedy in the fight against lactostasis and/or mastitis. Only a doctor can accurately assess the degree of risks and the expected positive effect from using liniment, therefore Vishnevsky ointment is used with caution during breastfeeding. Do not self-medicate, especially during such a crucial period of life when you are breastfeeding your baby!
Recipes for folk ointments
Alternative medicine has an extensive list of healing ointments and creams for treating mastitis that are easy to prepare at home.
Before using any prescriptions, you should consult your doctor regarding their use.
Homemade ointment based on cumin and mint
To prepare herbal medicine, you need to take the same quantity:
- Dry mint leaves.
- Cumin grains.
Combine the ingredients and grind into powder. Add a little water and rye flour to the prepared mixture so that you get a thick consistency.
Apply the prepared ointment to the painful area of the breast and leave until completely dry, and then rinse with warm water. Before the subsequent procedure, the medicine must be slightly heated in a water bath. Frequency of use: 2-3 times a day.
Rice starch medicine
You will need rice starch, which should be sifted through a sieve. If there is no rice component, you can use potato starch, but the therapeutic effect will be slightly lower.
