Methylene blue medicine contains the main ingredient is methylene 1%, often used topically to disinfect open wounds. This is a drug that is used very commonly in daily life. Let's find out useful information related to methylene blue drug through the article below.
1. What is the effect of methylene blue?
Methylene blue topical has a mild antiseptic and detoxifying effect through the mechanism of irreversible binding to the viral nucleic acid. The drug is usually in liquid dosage form and is indicated for topical application in the following cases:
- Local treatment of viral skin diseases such as Herpes simplex.
- Treatment of pyoderma, impetigo, boils or cluster boils, ...
- Treatment in inflammatory skin diseases with superinfection such as superinfected leech nests, eczema, scabies, scalds,...
- Prevention of infection in open wounds, skin abrasions.
In addition, methylene blue is also used as a sample dye in diagnostic methods to identify bacteria, identify probes,...
2. How to use methylene blue topical?
Methylene blue is for external use only, can be used for open wounds. Patients should note that the skin should be washed before application, then patted dry with a soft towel.
Depending on the patient's condition, the number of times per day will be different. Usually 2-3 times a day, apply until the impetigo, ulcer is completely dry.
In the process of using methylene blue, patients should note that they should keep it clean and avoid dusty and polluted environments because they increase the possibility of superinfection in open wounds.
Methylene blue pills can be used by pregnant women, but should not be applied to the breasts while breastfeeding.
Side effects of topical methylene blue
When using methylene blue topical to disinfect open wounds, patients may experience some side effects such as:
- Burning in the area where the medicine is applied
- Rash, itchiness
- The area where the medicine is applied is blue
Methylene blue is relatively common and safe, so the incidence of these side effects is very low.
3. Pros and cons of methylene blue topical
Methylene blue topical has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Safe drug, simple to use
- Low cost, widely available in the market
- Effective against Herpes simplex virus, fungus
- Can be used to disinfect the urinary tract, genitals
- Can be used to disinfect open wounds.
Defect:
- The antiseptic effect is relatively low, does not last long
- When applied to the skin, it leaves a dark green color, difficult to wash off, easy to draw on clothes and surrounding objects
- May cause burning or local reactions when applied to the skin
In conclusion, methylene blue has excellent healing effects on infected wounds and it is a safe, inexpensive and aggressive clinical therapy.
Besides using methylene blue to disinfect wounds, Multidex gel is a topical gel used to help wounds heal faster and more effectively. It contains maltodextrin, Vitamin C and other ingredients used to promote wound healing. This topical gel is a useful treatment for open wounds because it promotes the body's natural healing process. It can also be used in combination with other treatments such as antibiotics and hydrocolloid dressings to help promote healing.