Use caution with over-the-counter ointments

Acne, cough due to a cold, athlete's foot, hemorrhoids, itching from insect bites, and minor aches and pains of muscles and joints -- these are among the conditions that people treat by applying over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments to their skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges consumers to keep safety in mind when using such treatments.

Consumers are urged to carefully read and follow the directions for all OTC products, including topical ones that are applied to the skin.

According to Andrea Leonard-Segal, M.D. with the FDA, the medications in creams and ointments can sometimes penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream. It is important to be aware that the medicines in these topical products may cause problems if they are not used as directed. Sometimes the ingredients in these products can even interact with other medicines being taken.

Many athletes use muscle ache creams that contain methyl salicylate. Also known as oil of wintergreen, methyl salicylate is an aspirin-type ingredient of many topical creams that relieves pain. Used correctly creams containing methyl salicylate can provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains.

Products with methyl salicylate should not be used for more than seven days and should not be applied to wounds or damaged skin. They also should not be used under a tight bandage. Contact with eyes should be avoided.

It is important to always read the Drug Facts Label and any information that is provided inside the package of an over-the-counter product. Keep the labeling so it can be referred to at a future time. The information provided with the medication tells how to use it properly and what to do if a problem occurs while it is being used.

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. OTC medicines should never be misused by taking them longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. Symptoms that persist are a clear signal it's time to see a doctor.

Read the label each time a product is purchased. Just because two or more products are from the same brand family doesn't mean they are meant to treat the same conditions or contain the same ingredients.

Remember, if you still have questions after reading the label, talk to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Just because over-the-counter creams and ointments are not in pill form and do not require a doctor's prescription, does not mean that they cannot cause harm if overused or misused.

More consumer health information from the FDA can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.fda.gov/consumer" www.fda.gov/consumer.

Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620-223-3720.