Dexpanthenol is a precursor to vitamin B5. Colloquially, the active ingredient is also known as the "skin vitamin". As an active ingredient in ointments and other topical medicines, dexpanthenol increases the moisture content of the skin and supports the healing process in the case of inflammation, injuries and burns.
What is Dexpanthenol?
Other names for Dexpanthenol are panthenol or provitamin B5. The substance is converted into pantothenic acid - this is vitamin B5 - in the body cells.
Pantothenic acid and its precursor dexpanthenol increase the skin's ability to bind water, stimulate the regeneration of injured tissue, and have an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect. Pantothenic acid is also part of coenzyme A.
The cofactor binds and transports intermediate products of the breakdown of glucose, fats and amino acids and is indispensable in this property in the energy and synthesis metabolism of the cells.
Pharmacological effect
Dexpanthenol stimulates the synthesis of lipids and their incorporation into cell membranes. It supports the skin's barrier function, which is important for protection against dehydration, mechanical damage, infections, UV radiation and allergens, among other things. In the event of injuries or other skin damage, dexpanthenol ensures that the intact skin barrier is quickly restored.
Dexpanthenol also stimulates the formation of new skin cells, promotes their migration into the injured tissue and regulates the inflammation process at the site of the injury. This happens through the activation of numerous genes, which are responsible, among other things, for the formation of cellular messenger substances such as cytokines and interleukins.
An anti-oxidative effect has also been proven for dexpanthenol. This means that the substance can bind so-called free radicals, highly reactive compounds that are released by UV radiation or inflammatory processes and have a damaging effect on tissue, bind and render harmless.
Ointments containing dexpanthenol ensure orderly healing of wounds, dry and cracked skin, burns and scalds. In injuries, dexpanthenol reduces scarring, reduces wound contraction and relieves pain.
Medical application & use
Dexpanthenol is contained in ointments and creams, foam sprays, nose and eye drops, lozenges and ampoules. In addition to medicines, it is also used in cosmetic products such as creams, shampoos and hair treatments.
Dexpanthenol is a component of topical ointments for the treatment of superficial skin damage such as injuries, inflammation or very dry, cracked skin. Such ointments are, for example, the well-known Bepanthen® wound and healing ointment or Panthenol Ratiopharm® wound balm.
They are applied to the affected areas of the skin, promote wound healing and provide moisture. Dexpanthenol significantly reduces skin redness and roughness. Foam spray containing dexpanthenol (for example panthenol spray) cools and relieves sunburn and light burns and accelerates the healing process here too.
Dexpanthenol is also a component of nasal sprays and eye drops that moisturize and soothe irritated, dry mucous membranes in the nose and eyes. Eye drops with dexpanthenol treat dry eyes and are used in the supportive therapy of conjunctivitis.
Dexpanthenol is also used in the form of lozenges. The lozenges are used to care for the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat in the case of sore, painful areas in the mouth or non-bacterial sore throat. Dexpanthenol tablets can also remedy a general pantothenic acid deficiency, such as can occur in dialysis patients or in people with chronic intestinal inflammation.
There are no strict guidelines for the dosage of dexpanthenol. Ointments, sprays and drops may be used in abundance, provided that the application is pleasant and brings relief. Lozenges should gradually dissolve in the mouth. Here, too, several tablets can be used throughout the day.
Risks & side effects
Allergic reactions, which occur in around 1 in 10,000 users, are the only known side effects from superficial or oral use of Dexpanthenol.
In the event of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, redness and irritation occur on the skin areas that have come into contact with dexpanthenol. An allergy test can show whether such hypersensitivity exists.
Dexpanthenol is also easy to use in children.There are also no known adverse effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nevertheless, the maximum recommended amount of dexpanthenol for oral intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 10 milligrams daily.
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