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What is Escot Cream Used For? A Comprehensive Guide

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6 min read

According to research, a combination of topical Nifedipine and Lidocaine is an effective treatment for anal fissures by reducing anal sphincter pressure and relieving pain. Escot Cream, a medication containing this exact combination of active ingredients, is primarily used for the management of anal fissures and related anorectal conditions.

Quick Summary

Escot Cream is a prescription medication combining Lidocaine and Nifedipine to treat anal fissures and other painful anorectal conditions. The cream works by numbing the affected area and relaxing the anal sphincter muscles to relieve pain, swelling, and promote healing.

Key Points

  • Anal Fissure Treatment: Escot cream is primarily used to treat anal fissures, which are small tears in the anal lining.

  • Dual-Action Ingredients: The cream contains Lidocaine (a local anesthetic) for pain relief and Nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker) to relax the anal sphincter muscle.

  • Pain and Spasm Relief: It works to reduce pain, burning, and itching while improving blood flow to promote healing of the fissure.

  • Prescription Only: Escot cream requires a prescription from a doctor and should not be used without a healthcare professional's guidance.

  • Proper Application: Use a provided applicator for internal application and always wash hands before and after use to ensure proper hygiene.

  • Side Effects: Common side effects can include temporary burning, itching, or redness at the application site.

  • Not a Steroid: Unlike some topical treatments, Escot is not a corticosteroid and works differently by targeting pain and muscle spasms.

In This Article

What is Escot Cream and How Does It Work?

Escot Cream is a topical medication prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of various anorectal conditions, most notably anal fissures. Unlike over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, which may contain only numbing agents or mild corticosteroids, Escot combines two powerful active ingredients: Lidocaine and Nifedipine. This dual-action approach targets both the pain and the underlying muscle spasm that can hinder healing.

  • Lidocaine: As a local anesthetic, Lidocaine works by blocking the pain signals sent from the nerve endings in the affected area to the brain. This provides rapid and effective relief from the burning, itching, and pain associated with anal fissures and hemorrhoids.
  • Nifedipine: This ingredient is a calcium channel blocker. It works specifically on the smooth muscles around the anus, relaxing the anal sphincter. A tight anal sphincter can reduce blood flow to the fissure, delaying healing. By relaxing this muscle, Nifedipine improves blood circulation, promoting healing and reducing pain from spasms.

The Primary Use: Anal Fissures

The most common use for Escot Cream is in the treatment of anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small, painful tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard or large stools. The pain from the tear can cause the anal sphincter muscle to go into spasm, which in turn reduces blood flow and prevents the tear from healing properly. Escot Cream breaks this vicious cycle by providing relief on two fronts:

  • The Lidocaine numbs the area, providing immediate pain relief, especially during and after bowel movements.
  • The Nifedipine relaxes the anal sphincter, increasing blood flow to the site of the fissure to aid in the healing process.

Other Anorectal Conditions

While anal fissures are the primary indication, the dual-action properties of Escot Cream make it beneficial for other conditions that involve pain, discomfort, and muscle spasm in the anorectal region. Some other uses may include:

  • Painful hemorrhoids: For hemorrhoids that are particularly painful, the local anesthetic effect of Lidocaine can provide significant relief.
  • Post-haemorrhoidectomy pain: Patients who have undergone surgery for hemorrhoids may experience discomfort. Escot can help manage this pain during the recovery period.
  • Anal sphincter hypertonia: This condition involves an overly tight anal sphincter muscle. Escot's nifedipine component can help relax this muscle, reducing associated pain.

How to Use Escot Cream Effectively

Using Escot Cream correctly is crucial for maximizing its benefits and minimizing side effects. It is a prescription-only medication, so always follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and duration of use.

  1. Cleanse the area: Before applying, gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water, then pat dry.
  2. Wear protection: Use disposable gloves, a finger cot, or a cling film to apply the cream to protect your fingers from the medication.
  3. Apply as directed: Your doctor will instruct you on how much to apply and whether to use the included applicator for internal application. If applying internally, insert the applicator gently into the rectum and squeeze the tube to deliver the cream.
  4. Wash up: Wash your hands thoroughly after each application.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally well-tolerated, Escot Cream can cause some side effects, especially at the application site.

  • Common side effects: These can include a burning sensation, itching, redness, or irritation. These are often temporary and diminish as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • Less common side effects: Headaches have also been reported.

It is important to tell your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver or heart problems, and to stop using the cream and consult a doctor if side effects worsen or persist.

Comparison of Escot Cream with Other Topical Treatments

Feature Escot Cream (Lidocaine + Nifedipine) Mild Topical Steroids (e.g., Hydrocortisone) Preparation H (Over-the-Counter)
Mechanism of Action Local anesthetic for pain + calcium channel blocker for muscle relaxation and blood flow. Anti-inflammatory effect to reduce swelling and itching. Combination of ingredients, including vasoconstrictors and protectants.
Primary Target Anal fissures, relieving pain and promoting healing. Inflammatory conditions like eczema or mild hemorrhoid inflammation. Temporary relief of itching and discomfort from hemorrhoids.
Key Benefit Addresses both pain and the underlying muscle spasm that delays fissure healing. Effectively reduces inflammation and related swelling. Readily available and provides soothing relief for mild symptoms.
Prescription Status Prescription only. Some are over-the-counter; stronger versions require a prescription. Over-the-counter.

Conclusion

To answer the question, what is Escot Cream used for? it is primarily prescribed for treating anal fissures and related anorectal pain by providing symptomatic relief and aiding the healing process. By combining the pain-numbing effects of Lidocaine with the muscle-relaxing properties of Nifedipine, Escot Cream addresses both the discomfort and the root cause of healing delays in fissures. Always consult your doctor to ensure proper use, especially for conditions like anal fissures that may require a specific treatment plan to achieve complete healing.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Escot Cream is primarily used for the treatment of anal fissures, which are small tears or cuts in the lining of the anus.

The cream contains Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which blocks pain signals from the nerves in the affected area, providing immediate relief from pain and itching.

Escot Cream contains Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, which relaxes the tight anal sphincter muscle. This relaxation improves blood flow to the fissure, which is essential for promoting healing.

Yes, Escot Cream is a prescription medication. You should always use it as directed by a healthcare professional.

While it is primarily for anal fissures, Escot's ingredients can provide symptomatic relief for the pain associated with hemorrhoids.

Some common side effects include a temporary burning sensation, itching, or redness at the application site. If these persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

No, Escot Cream is not a topical steroid. It works through a different mechanism, using a local anesthetic and a calcium channel blocker, whereas steroids reduce inflammation.

If you miss a dose of Escot Cream, apply it as soon as you remember. However, do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed one.

References

  1. 1
    Escot Cream - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition
  2. 2
    Escot Cream: View Uses, Side Effects, Price and Substitutes
  3. 3
    Escot Cream 30 Gm - Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Price
  4. 4
    Escot Cream: Uses, Side-effects, Price, Dosage & More Info
  5. 5
    Buy Escot Cream 30gm Online at Upto 25% OFF | Netmeds
  6. 6
    Buy Escot Cream Online | Genuine & Fast Delivery - MediBuddy
  7. 7
    Escot cream mechanism of action vs other topical steroids mechanism of action

Related Topics:

#lidocaine #topical medication #Nifedipine #hemorrhoids #anal fissures #rectal pain #proctology #Escot cream

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.