Balcon Ointment

Balcon Ointment is a dermatological medication primarily used to treat various fungal and bacterial skin infections. It treats skin inflammation caused by eczema (inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough skin patches), psoriasis (skin cells multiply rapidly to form bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales), ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch. Skin infection occurs when bacteria or fungus invade and affect the tissues on the skin. 

Balcon Ointment is composed of three medicines: Betamethasone (corticosteroid), Clotrimazole (antifungal) and Gentamicin (antibiotic). Betamethasone belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It blocks the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication that treats fungal infections. It stops the growth of fungi by causing damage and leakage to the fungal cell membrane. On the other hand, Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in treating bacterial infections of the skin. It prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. 

Use Balcon Ointment as suggested by the doctor. Common side effects of Balcon Ointment include burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist longer, please seek medical help. 

Balcon Ointment is for topical (for skin) use only. Let your doctor know if you are sensitive to Balcon Ointment or any other medications. Do not use topical Balcon Ointment on open wounds, blisters, and lesions. Do not put dressing or bandage on the affected area since it increases the risk of side effects. Please check with your doctor before using Balcon Ointment, if you have any active skin inefctions. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before using Balcon Ointment.

Balcon Ointment is used to treat fungal and bacterial skin infections, such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. Balcon Ointment comprises Betamethasone (steroid), Clotrimazole (antifungal), and Gentamicin (antibiotic). Betamethasone is a corticosteroid and blocks prostaglandins' production (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. It treats eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication and treats athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It stops the growth of fungi by causing damage and leakage to the fungal cell membrane. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and treats bacterial infections of the skin. It prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out their vital functions.

• Burning 
• Irritation 
• Itching 
• Redness 

Balcon Ointment is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, mouth, nose, and any damaged skin. Do not use Balcon Ointment on open wounds, blisters and lesions. Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected area since it increases the risk of side effects. Do not wash the treated areas for a minimum of 3 hours after you apply Balcon Ointment.  Balcon Ointment should be used cautiously in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not store Balcon Ointment above 25°C.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Keep your doctor informed of all the medicines you use, including topical products, before starting Balcon Ointment.

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established

Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines and active skin infections before using Balcon Ointment.

• Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
• Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and the spread of the fungal infection.
• Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
• Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
• Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
• Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
• Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
• Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. 

• It is advised to reach out to your doctor if the bacterial/fungal infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment. 
• Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly since Betamethasone in Balcon Ointment can cause a rise in blood sugar levels. 
• Keep a check on your cortisol levels with an 8 AM morning cortisol test.
• Balcon Ointment contains Clotrimazole that may cause abnormal test results like liver function tests; hence inform your doctor beforehand. 

Bacterial infection: Bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria grow in the body and causes illness. Bacteria may be gram-positive (have thick cell walls) or gram-negative (do not have a cell wall). 

Fungal infection: A fungal infection (also called mycosis) is a skin disease caused by a fungus when it invades the tissue.

Athlete's foot: It is a fungal infection between the toes due to sweating. Jock itch: A fungal infection in the skin of the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks.

Eczema: It is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. 

Psoriasis: It is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply and form bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales.