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Can Blue Star Ointment Help With Psoriasis?
Psoriasis can cause patches of thickened, dry skin. People with psoriasis may try topical products, such as Blue Star Ointment, to ease the discomfort and reduce itchiness.
Psoriasis can result in patches of skin that may crack, itch, burn, and cause other pain. The makers of Blue Star Ointment market it as a way of relieving uncomfortable symptoms of psoriasis, including itchiness and dryness.
In this article, we explore what benefits and risks Blue Star Ointment may have for people with psoriasis and other health conditions. We also look at other potential treatments for psoriasis.
Blue Star Ointment is an over-the-counter cream with 1.2% camphor oil. According to the company's website, the product works for people with several skin conditions, including:
They do not say that their product works for psoriasis. However, the cream may help with several symptoms associated with psoriasis, including itchiness, a rash, and dry skin.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate or check the quality of Blue Star Ointment.
There is also no mention of quality control on the company's website. The company does offer a money-back guarantee on the cream.
Blue Star Ointment is available at several retailers, including Amazon and Walmart.
Blue Star Ointment may provide temporary relief of some psoriasis symptoms.
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease. The immune system causes too much inflammation throughout the body, resulting in a speeding up of skin cell growth and development.
As a result, the unusually high number of skin cells can cause raised, scaly patches of skin to form. Different types of psoriasis present differently, but the symptoms often include:
About 80–90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. "Plaques" are areas of thick, raised skin that can be scaly.
The makers of Blue Star Ointment say that it can relieve itchiness and a burning sensation associated with various health issues. They do not specifically mention psoriasis — and no studies have investigated how well this product works.
Blue Star Ointment contains 1.2% camphor. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends ointments or creams with camphor or menthol for relieving psoriasis-related itchiness. However, they also recommend using a moisturizer to counteract the drying effects of these products.
The National Psoriasis Foundation points out that the FDA approves camphor in topical products for treating itchiness. It adds that creams with camphor can cause increased irritation or dryness.
People with psoriasis may find that Blue Star Ointment helps reduce itchiness, but they may need to moisturize more to counteract any added dryness.
The makers of Blue Star Ointment say that it may help with a variety of conditions. It is unclear whether the product is tested by a third party to help confirm its quality and effects.
The makers say that it might help with:
It is important to note that while Blue Star Ointment may relieve symptoms, it will not improve the underlying condition. Contact a healthcare professional if any unexplained symptoms do not clear up within a few days.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the most significant risk of using a camphor product is that it may dry the skin. To prevent this, anyone using this type of product, such as Blue Star Ointment, should also moisturize.
Blue Star Ointment is a topical cream. A person should:
Before using Blue Star Ointment or other topical products, discuss their suitability with a doctor. It is possible that Blue Star Ointment may not work well with other therapies or may cause unwanted reactions.
The best treatment plan for psoriasis often contains medical and home care approaches. A person should speak with a doctor about what therapies might work best for them.
Some common psoriasis treatments fall into these categories:
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends these nonprescription topicals for people with psoriasis:
Blue Star Ointment is an over-the-counter itch cream. Its makers list several health conditions that their product may help with, but psoriasis is not one of them.
It contains camphor, which may help ease some psoriasis symptoms, though it may also dry out the area, so moisturizing is important.
Trying this product may involve minimal risk, but speak with a healthcare professional first to make sure that Blue Star Ointment will not cause unwanted effects or interactions with other treatments.
Seahorses, Snakes And Snail Ointment Seized From US Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
DULLES, Va. (WISH) — "Lively" wouldn't be the word to describe a recent seizure by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when agents found dried seahorses, dead snakes, snail ointment, and prohibited pork items.
Two August seizures at Washington Dulles International Airport involved two travelers arriving from Vietnam. The first person, headed to Fairfax, Virginia, was told to undergo a secondary baggage examination. That's when U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspectors found the random items.
"The import of the seahorses, snakes, and snail ointment without the necessary permits or documentation violated several laws and regulations, including provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Lacey Act," CBP said in a Wednesday release.
According to CBP, the U.S Department of Agriculture bans uncertified pork products from entering the U.S. Because it can introduce "dangerous African swine fever and swine vesicular disease."
The second traveler, headed to San Francisco, arrived at Dulles a few days later. Again, a second inspection turned up prohibited items. This time, USFWS wildlife inspectors confiscated four prohibited pork products and 50 small boxes of a commercial herbal liquid medicine that listed its ingredients as snake oil.
"Though we may consider some animal-based products to be unusual, people in other parts of the world may consider them to be normal," Christine Waugh, CBP's acting area port director for the area port of Washington, D.C., said. "However, travelers visiting the United States should understand that Customs and Border Protection is committed to protecting our nation's agricultural industries and enforcing our wildlife and import laws which may result in the seizure of their animal-based products. CBP agriculture specialists continue to work side-by-side with our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners to educate travelers by holding them accountable when they arrive with illegal or prohibited products."
CBP agriculture specialists seized all prohibited products and turned them over to USFWS inspectors. The USFWS investigation continues.
Cholfen Eye Ointment
Active ingredient: chloramphenicol
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist or optometrist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
Why am I using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT?
CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT contains the active ingredient chloramphenicol, a synthetic antibiotic.
CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT is used to treat an eye infection called bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection involving the mucous membrane of the surface of the eye.
The most common symptom is the presence of a sticky yellow-white discharge with mucus and pus (or glued eyes, especially in the morning on waking). Other symptoms include a gritty sensation in the eye, redness, irritation and watering of the eyes. The infection usually starts in one eye and then spreads to the other.
What should I know before I use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT?
Warnings Do not use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT:
if you are allergic to chloramphenicol, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT may include irritation, pain and swelling in the eye. Skin rashes, blisters and fever may also occur.
in children under 2 years of age unless your doctor or optometrist tells you.
after the expiry date (EXP.) printed on the pack.
if the packaging is torn, broken or shows signs of tampering.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if:you or your family have blood disorders (e.G. Anaemia) or problems with bone marrow.
you have an injury to the cornea.
Eye preparations may inhibit the healing of the wound.
you wear contact lenses.
Contact lenses should not be worn during the course of CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT treatment. If you wear hard or disposable contact lenses, you can start using them again after completing the course of treatment. If wearing soft contact lenses, you should wait 24 hours after completing a course of treatment before starting to use them again.
If you have bought this medicine without a prescription and without prior consultation from a doctor or optometrist, it is important to check the following list. Speak to your doctor or optometrist if any apply before you start to use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT:
you are allergic to any other antibiotic eye ointments
you are using other eye ointments
you have pain within your eye (rather than just feeling sore or gritty)
swelling around the eye
blurred vision or sensitivity to light
limited eye movement
abnormal pupil (the black circle in the centre of the eye) your eye looks cloudy
there is copious yellow-green purulent discharge that accumulates after being wiped away
you have injured your eye or there is a foreign body in the eye
you have been welding without eye protection immediately before your eye symptoms appeared
you have glaucoma
you have dry eye syndrome
you have had similar symptoms in the past
you have had eye surgery or laser treatment in the past six months
you have recently travelled overseas
you are allergic to any other medicines or any foods, dyes or preservatives
you have surgery (including dental surgery) using a general anaesthetic
you feel unwell
you have any other medical conditions
If you have not told your doctor or optometrist about any of the above, tell them before you use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects? Pregnancy and breastfeedingCheck with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist will advise you of the risks and benefits of taking CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT. These include other eye ointments.
These medicines may reduce or increase the effectiveness of CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT, reduce its own effectiveness and/or react with CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT resulting in untoward or sometimes dangerous side effects. Your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using this medicine.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT.
How do I use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT? How much and when to use
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
The dose of CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT may be different for each person and their medical condition. Your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist will recommend the right dose for you.
The usual recommended doses are:
CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT: Adults and children 2 years and over: Apply 1.5 cm of ointment into the affected eye(s) every 3 hours. If ointment is used together with drops for day and night coverage, 1.5 cm should be applied before bedtime, while using the drops during the day. Continue treatment for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal. Do not use for more than 5 days in total except on medical advice. For external use only.
If the condition does not get better after 2 days, seek medical advice.
Discard 4 weeks after opening.
How to apply CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENTWash hands thoroughly before and after use
On first use, squeeze the tube slowly at the base to expel any air
tilt head back gently
gently pull lower eyelid down
squeeze 1.5 cm of eye ointment inside the lower eyelid, but do not let the tip of the tube touch the eye, eyelids or lashes
release the eyelid slowly and close eyes gently for 1-2 minutes or blink a few times to help spread the ointment over the eye
blot excessive ointment from around the eye with a tissue
to minimise contamination, do not allow the tip to contact the surface of the eye
vision may be temporarily blurred. Avoid activities that require good visual ability until vision clears.
How long to use itCHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT should not be used for more than 5 days except on medical advice.
If you use too much CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENTAccidental ingestion of the drug in adults is unlikely to cause any toxicity due to the low content of antibiotic, but consult your doctor or Poison Information Centre (see below).
If the eye ointment is accidentally ingested by infants or young children, immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26 in Australia) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Urgent medical attention may be needed.
What should I know while using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT? Things you should do
Use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT exactly as directed.
Tell all doctors, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT.
Always discuss with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist any problems or difficulties during or after using this medicine.
Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed. Otherwise they may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.
Things you should not doDo not use CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT for a longer time than your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist has prescribed.
Do not increase the dose, without first checking with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist.
Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints without checking with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using machinesDo not drive or operate machinery until you know how CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT affects you.
CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT may distort your vision temporarily. Make sure you know how you react to it before you drive a car, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Looking after your medicineStore in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT in a bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on windowsills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
When to discard your medicineDiscard 4 weeks after opening.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicineIf you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
Are there any side effects?
Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT.
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if you have any further questions.
Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if you have any other problems while using CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.Tga.Gov.Au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.Product details
This medicine is available over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription.
What CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT containsActive ingredient
(main ingredient)
Chloramphenicol 10mg/g (1%)
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
Liquid paraffin
White soft paraffin
Wool fat
CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT is free from preservatives.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT looks likeCHOLFEN EYE OINTMENT is a pale yellow semisolid mass in a 5 g tube with an ophthalmic cap. (AUST R 380304).
Who distributes CHOLFEN EYE OINTMENTAlphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.Viatris.Com.Au
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in December 2021.
Cholfen Eye Ointment_cmi\Dec21/00
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