Bayer Bepanthen First Aid Cream

Bayer Bepanthen First Aid Cream is a topical cream that combines two active ingredients: dexpanthenol 5% w/w (50mg per gram) and chlorhexidine hydrochloride 0.5% w/w (5mg per gram). It belongs to the group of antiseptic-containing skin-care preparations and is categorised as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product. The cream is made by Bayer and is supplied on DoctorOnCall in a 30g tube. It is for external use on the skin only.

Dexpanthenol is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and is converted into pantothenic acid once it is absorbed into the skin. Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic from the biguanide class that acts on bacteria on the skin surface. The cream base contains white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, wool fat (lanolin), macrogol stearate, DL-pantolactone and purified water, and it is formulated as a non-stinging cream.

Bepanthen First Aid Cream is different from other products in the Bepanthen range, such as the ointment, because it contains chlorhexidine in addition to dexpanthenol, so always check the name and active ingredients on the carton. Because the base contains wool fat, people who are allergic to lanolin should ask a pharmacist before using it. The cream should be kept away from the eyes, ears and mucous membranes, and the tube should be kept out of sight and reach of children.

Wash your hands first, then clean the area of skin gently with mild soap and water or a saline solution and pat it dry. Rinse off any soap fully before applying the cream, because soap residue can reduce the activity of chlorhexidine.

Apply a thin layer of Bayer Bepanthen First Aid Cream to the cleaned area and spread it evenly. The area may be left uncovered or covered with a clean dressing, whichever is more practical. Avoid applying the cream over extensive areas of skin.

Do not allow the cream to come into contact with the eyes, ears or mucous membranes. Wash your hands after application, close the cap tightly and use the tube only for the person it was opened for.

Adults and children: apply a thin layer to the cleaned area several times a day (usually 2 to 4 times daily) until the skin has recovered.

Babies and young children: use only under adult supervision, and use on newborns or premature infants only under medical supervision.

Maximum: there is no fixed maximum, but use only a thin layer and avoid large areas of skin. Missed application: apply as soon as you remember; do not apply extra layers to make up for a missed application. If the area has not improved within about a week or looks worse, stop using the cream and consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always follow the directions on the pack if they differ from this general guidance.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap closed tightly. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use the cream if its colour, smell or texture changes.

• Common: Mild skin irritation, redness or itching at the application site.
• Common: A brief burning or stinging sensation, or dryness of the treated skin.
• Serious: Allergic contact dermatitis with a spreading rash, swelling or blistering; stop the cream and ask a pharmacist.
• Serious: Severe allergic reaction to chlorhexidine, which is rare, with hives, swelling of the face, wheezing or faintness; seek emergency care.
• Serious: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever in the treated area, which may be a sign of infection that needs a doctor.

• Known hypersensitivity to dexpanthenol, chlorhexidine, wool fat (lanolin) or any other ingredient in the cream.
• Serious, deep, puncture or highly contaminated wounds, and animal bites, which need medical attention.
• Serious burns (second or third degree) or burns covering large areas of skin.
• Application to the eyes, ears, mucous membranes or body cavities.
• Use on newborns or premature infants without medical supervision.

• Soaps and anionic detergents: they can reduce the activity of chlorhexidine, so rinse skin thoroughly before applying the cream.
• Other antiseptics or skin products applied to the same area: avoid layering different products unless a pharmacist advises it.
• Oral or other medicines: no interactions are expected when small areas are treated, but use over large areas may increase absorption, so ask a pharmacist first.
• Food: no food interactions are known.

• Clean the area and rinse off soap completely before applying the cream.
• Use only a thin layer, as a thicker layer does not add anything.
• Wash your hands before and after each application.
• Check the carton for both dexpanthenol and chlorhexidine so you do not confuse it with other Bepanthen products.
• Keep the cream away from the eyes, ears and mouth, and do not use it in body cavities.
• Do not share the tube, and note the expiry date on the carton.

Precautions: Ask a pharmacist before use if you are allergic to lanolin (wool fat), chlorhexidine or any ingredient in the cream. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: information is limited, so use small areas only and ask a doctor or pharmacist first; avoid applying to the breast area if it may come into contact with a nursing baby. Children: use under adult supervision. Do not apply over extensive skin areas, and do not use an airtight covering over large areas. For external use only, and do not swallow.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor promptly if the wound is deep, gaping, from an animal bite or puncture, very dirty or does not stop bleeding, or if you are unsure whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Seek medical advice if you notice increasing pain, swelling, warmth, spreading redness, pus or fever, or if the area has not improved within about a week. Stop the cream and seek urgent help if you develop hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.