If the itching sensation due to very dry skin is constantly annoying you, your doctor may suggest you to use ammonium lactate 12 cream, as it can provide relief from both the embarrassing appearance and symptoms. Read this BeautiSecrets article to know the uses and side effects of the cream. Do not forget to take a look at the precautions before using the cream.
Did You Know?
Dehydration, vitamin A deficiency, and some alpha acetoxy acids (AAAs) produced in the body are the main contributing factors for corneocyte cohesion.
Extreme dryness of skin may often force you to scratch the skin, but it won’t help get rid of the itching sensation. Scratching often leads to worsening of symptoms. Lack of water in the upper layer of the skin results in dry skin. Ammonium lactate 12 cream can keep your skin hydrated and provide temporary relief from itching, if it is caused by dry, chapped skin. The cream helps retain moisture in the outer layer of the skin, which eventually helps reduce dryness and itching sensation.
Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is found in tissues and blood. Various compounds like alpha hydroxy acid are used in skin-care products for their exfoliating properties. They help keep the skin moist, when applied topically. They effectively bring about hydration of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin). Moreover, lactic acid, when applied to the skin, helps decrease corneocyte cohesion (dead skin cells stuck to the surface of the skin). It has been found that hyperkeratinization (more and more dead skin cells adhere to hair follicles), a primary cause of majority of today’s skin disorders, is usually the result of decreased desquamation (detachment of dead cells) due to increased corneocyte cohesion. Normally, dead cells are thrown out of the follicle as the hair grows. However, in hyperkeratinization, a number of dead skin cells do not leave the follicle because of the excess keratin, a natural protein found in the skin. Although release of excess keratin is influenced by genetics, the symptoms can be reduced with the help of proper medication. Here is some basic information about the ammonium lactate cream, its uses and side effects.
Ammonium Lactate Cream
➺ Common brand names: Lac-Hydrin, AmLactin, Geri-Hydrolac, LAClotion, LAC Cream, Al-12
➺ Generic name: ammonium lactate
➺ Drug class and mechanism: It is an anti-itch prescription medicine. This topical medication is made from 12% lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide.
➺ It is available in the form of cream as well as lotion. Lotions are thinner and lighter in consistency and can be used all over the body (for example, in case of eczema).
➺ Ammonium lactate cream is available in 280 grams (two 140 grams tubes) and also in 385 gram bottle. Lotion is available in 225 gram and 400 gram bottles.
➺ The pH can be 4.4 – 5.4
Ingredients
➺ 12% lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide (to moisturize and exfoliate the skin)
➺ Cetyl alcohol (moisturizer, skin softener). Like urea and lactic acid, cetyl alcohol softens the horn-like keratin. This promotes the removal of dead skin cells. It helps the skin retain more water.
➺ Glycerin (a humectant that helps seal in moisture)
➺ Glyceryl stearate (GMS), an emulsifier
➺ Laureth-4 (emulsifier, without this ingredient, the cream would be hard to rinse from the skin. It helps the product mix and dissolve in water )
➺ Light mineral oil (moisturizer)
➺ Magnesium aluminum silicate (Due to its ability to retain a large amount of water, the cream becomes thicker.)
➺ Methylcellulose (emulsifier/thickening agent)
➺ Methylparaben (preservative)
➺ PEG-100 stearate (as emollients and emulsifier)
➺ Polyoxyl 40 stearate (surfactant and emulsifier)
➺ Propylene glycol (stabilizer, emulsifier, moisturizer)
➺ Propylparaben (antimicrobial agent, preservative)
➺ Purified water.
Ammonium Lactate Cream Uses
➺ The medication can be used to treat dry, scaly skin conditions (e.g., xerosis or abnormally dry skin).
➺ It helps relieve itching sensation in skin caused by xerosis or similar conditions.
➺ It helps increase/retain the moisture in the skin.
➺ It can be used to treat ichthyosis vulgaris (a common hereditary skin disorder that leads to dry, scaly, itchy skin).
➺ Ammonium lactate 12% lotion, applied once daily after bathing, is effective for Keratosis pilaris (KP). It may be combined with urea.
➺ It works great for acne comedones too. AHAs are effective for skin conditions related to excessive dead skin layers on skin surface.
Side Effects
➺ Stinging or burning sensation in skin.
➺ The skin may turn red.
➺ Darkening/lightening of the skin.
➺ Rash or development of small red dots on the skin.
➺ The cream does not contain common allergens and is less likely to cause a very serious allergic reaction. However, if symptoms of a serious allergic reaction; for example, hives, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), lightheadedness, confusion, difficulty breathing, etc., are noticed, one should immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital.
➺ This medicine can be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, one should contact an emergency room immediately.
➺ One may notice mild skin peeling or dryness of the skin.
➺ Severe peeling, bruising, and discoloration needs immediate medical attention.
➺ A person who is hypersensitive to any of the ingredients should avoid using this cream. Otherwise, he may have to suffer from an adverse reaction.
If any of the side effects mentioned above persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How to Use
The medication is prescribed to adults as well as children, 2 years of age and older. If you want to use it for children under 2 years of age, you should consult your doctor first. You may apply the cream to the affected area twice daily. You are supposed to rub in thoroughly.
Pregnant and lactating women should consult the doctor, and use this medication if it is really needed. Researchers are unsure whether this medication is passed into breast milk or not.
Precautions
➺ Ammonium lactate cream should be used externally. Contact with eyes, lips, or mucous membranes should be avoided. It should not applied inside the mouth, nose, or vagina.
➺ If you are allergic to any substance, inform your doctor about it before using the cream. Some inactive ingredients from the cream can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tell him your medical history as well. The doctor would monitor you for possible drug interactions if any. Tell him about other skin products that you regularly use.
➺ The cream should not be applied on broken skin (bruises, wounds, fissures, erosions, or abrasions), chapped skin, and on a recently shaved area of the skin. It may give rise to stinging or burning sensation.
➺ The cream can make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. The area where you have applied the cream should be protected from the sun. A long-term photocarcinogenicity study was conducted on hairless albino mice. Researchers noticed that topical application of 12% Ammonium Lactate Cream increased the rate of ultraviolet light-induced skin tumor formation.
➺ Do not share ammonium lactate cream or lotion with others.
➺ Store the cream and lotion between temperatures 15 ºC to 30 ºC (59 ºF to 86 ºF).
➺ Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of the medicine without consulting the doctor. If the skin condition worsens with treatment, consult your doctor immediately.
Usually, people using this medication do not have serious side effects. But it is better to take precautions. To prevent drying of skin, use lukewarm water for bathing. Very hot water can strip the natural oils of your skin. You may use a humidifier if the air is very dry. Drinking lots of water, juices, and other healthy liquids keeps the cells hydrated. Some simple dietary and lifestyle changes can help retain moisture in the skin.
Disclaimer: This BeautiSecrets article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a physician.