What is Dermoplast?
Dermoplast (local anesthetic) is a numbing medicine. The medication works by blocking the nerve signals within your body. Dermoplast can be used to relieve minor irritations of the skin, such as insect bites, minor burns, and minor cuts. Dermoplast First Aid Spray also prevents infection from minor scrapes, cuts, and burns.
Warnings
Never use Dermoplast on children younger than two years of age. A benzocaine overdose can have fatal effects if the medication is absorbed too quickly through your skin into your blood. The smallest dose is all that's needed.
Before you take this drug
Dermoplast should not be used if methemoglobinemia has ever been present in your past. Never use Dermoplast on children younger than two years of age. If you use more benzocaine than recommended, it can have fatal effects. Overdoses of fatal doses can occur when analgesics are used against medical advice (e.g., during cosmetic procedures like laser hair treatment). Many cosmetic procedures can be performed without the presence of a doctor.
If you suffer from:
- A personal or familial history of methemoglobinemia or any other genetically inherited enzyme deficiency
- Asthma or other breathing disorders; emphysema
- Heart disease
- If you smoke.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid areas where the mouth of a baby may be in contact with Dermoplast when applying it to your chest.
How to take Dermoplast?
Follow the instructions on the product label or those prescribed by your physician. Please read all instructions or medication guides. You may be absorbing more benzocaine from your body if it is applied too heavily, over large areas of skin, or when you wrap the treated area in plastic, apply bandages, or use heat. Cut or inflamed skin may absorb topical medications more than healthy, uninflamed skin. Dermoplast can be used to relieve skin pain or numb it with the minimum amount necessary. Benzocaine should not be used in large quantities. Covering treated areas of skin with bandages or plastic wraps without consulting a doctor is not recommended. Dermoplast should not be used to treat large areas of skin or puncture wounds. Use the medication only on skin that has been irritated or is blistered. This includes severe burns or abrasions.
Apply a thin coating of topical benzocaine to the area affected. Hold the container between 6 and 12 inches from your skin when using the spray. This medication should not be sprayed directly on the face. Instead, spray it on your hands. Then rub the medication on your face. Avoid contact with your eye. Before applying Dermoplast, clean the affected area using soap and water. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen within 7 days after using Dermoplast, call your doctor. Call your doctor as well if you feel your symptoms have cleared but have returned. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Dermoplast can be used as needed, and you don't need to follow a schedule. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip any missed doses.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A benzocaine overdose applied topically to the skin may cause serious side effects, such as irregular heartbeats (convulsions), seizures, coma, or breathing failure.
What should be avoided?
Dermoplast should only be used on your skin's surface. Do not get this medicine in your eye.
Side effects of Dermoplast
Dermoplast should not be used in the mouth. Benzocaine from other brands can also be used to treat mouth ulcers. However, this can cause dangerously low oxygen levels in body tissues. Methemoglobinemia is the name of this potentially deadly condition. The condition can occur even after a single use of benzocaine.
Benzocaine can cause symptoms within minutes or even up to two hours. Get emergency medical help if you have:
- A headache, tiredness, or confusion;
- Fast heartbeats;
- Feeling lightheaded or out of breath
- Your skin, nails, and lips may appear pale, gray, or blue.
If you experience any of the following: itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth, call 911. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Dermoplast immediately and contact your doctor.
- The medicine may cause severe burning or irritation.
- Swelling of warmth or redness.
- Any signs of infection, such as oozing or blistering.
Dermoplast can cause a variety of side effects.
- The medicine may cause mild burning or stinging where it is applied.
- Skin tenderness and redness
- Dry white flakes where the medication was applied
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine applied to your skin. Many drugs interact. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you take, including prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications.
