Composition and effects
1 g of gel contains the following components:
- liquid onion extract – 0.1 g;
- allantoin – 0.01 g;
- heparin sodium – 50 IU.
Active substances stimulate regeneration and help eliminate scars. Heparin resolves rough connective fibers and prevents blood thickening and the formation of blood clots. Allantoin softens the skin and accelerates the maturation of young cells.
One of the conditions for a successful result from using Contractubex ointment for scars is the earliest possible start of use immediately after healing.
Onion extract contains special enzymes to accelerate the growth of healthy skin cells.
Pharmacological action and indications for use
According to the instructions, Contractubex in any form is used as a treatment for hyperscarring - excessive formation of skin protein at the site of damage and the formation of a dense itchy growth of skin tissue of irregular shape and with reduced sensitivity.
The drugs included in it destroy excess protein and prevent the formation of skin growths - scars - over a healing wound. The drug is used only externally and locally - at the site of growth formation.
Thanks to the combination of several active substances, contractubex also has a slight anti-inflammatory, antithrombic (preventing the formation of blood clots), fibrinolytic (resorption of blood clots), keratolytic (active exfoliation of dead cells and stimulation of cell renewal of the upper layers of the skin) effects. It stimulates regeneration at the skin-cellular level, which allows wounds and injuries to heal faster, while simultaneously suppressing the proliferation of protein that forms keloid scars.
The pharmacokinetic action of contractubex ointment is as follows:
- Heparin penetrates into the dermal tissue in sufficient quantities within 4 hours after the gel is absorbed into the skin;
- Heparin, penetrating the connective layer, transports onion extract and allantoino there;
- Substances that have penetrated the skin begin to exert their effects, destroying scars from the inside and preventing the formation of new ones.
Indications for use:
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars that form at the sites of surgical incisions, burns, injuries, and also due to amputations.
- Atrophic scars formed after treatment of acne (blackheads), unsuccessful cosmetic facial cleansing and after furunculosis.
- Ankyloses of the joints, that is, immobility and “stiffness” of the joints due to fusion of the moving parts of the joint (used as part of combination therapy aimed at restoring blood circulation, nutrition, metabolic processes in the tissues around the joint, as well as preventing the formation of blood clots).
- Traumatic tendon contractures, that is, excessive growth of tendon tissue at the site of a tear, stretch, or rupture of the tendon (used as part of complex therapy).
- Dupuytren's contracture is a scar deformation of the tendons of the palms, in which the patient cannot functionally flex and extend the palms, which interferes with the normal functioning of the hands and significantly worsens the patient's quality of life.
- The formation of stretch marks after pregnancy - they form in places where the inner layers of the skin are torn due to the ever-increasing load of the growing fetus; in places of stretch marks, the formation of collagen and elastin stops, that is, the skin ages significantly, and the stretch marks themselves before childbirth and in the first months after them are dark color caused by blood flow to the site of the tear; Over time, the vessels narrow and stretch marks become lighter and less noticeable, but do not disappear on their own.
Instructions for use
For one use, you will need 5 mm of gel for a total scar area of 20-25 cm2. The frequency of application in adults is 2-3 times a day, in children over 1 year of age – 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment for fresh scars is 4 weeks, for old ones – up to 6 months. It is forbidden to start using it until the wound has completely healed.
Contractubex scar ointment is best applied to softened skin after a bath or shower. In this case, the penetration of active substances is most active. The desired result will appear faster. You can also use Contractubex not only for scars, but also for acne and other external defects.
In what cases is it advisable to use the drug?
The use of Contractubex is advisable in the postoperative period as a preventive measure for the occurrence of pathological scars from injuries or burns. In other cases, the cream is prescribed for:
- atrophic or hypertrophic scar growths in skin diseases;
- keloid scars;
- contractures (limited mobility) or ankylosis (immobility) of joints;
- post-traumatic tendon contractures;
- Dupuytren's contractures that developed against the background of chronic alcoholic hepatitis;
- scars after furunculosis, acne, acne;
- skin deformations after severe burns;
- stretch marks after pregnancy.
The use of Contractubex must be correct.
Does Contractubex help with old scars?
For old injuries, the drug will help relieve redness, but the scar will not disappear completely. However, the use of Contractubex for scars on the face and other parts of the body will significantly reduce its area. Under its influence, even formed rough tissues will gradually soften, become lighter and disappear. The main condition is regular use of Contractubex scar cream.
The formation of the scar itself is influenced by many factors:
- concomitant chronic diseases;
- possible wound infection;
- total area of damage;
- genetic characteristics;
- person's age;
- skin type.
As a medicine, the gel is also used to eliminate stains after chickenpox. Active components activate local blood circulation and relieve inflammatory processes.
The result before and after the cream and other forms of Contractubex
What differences can be seen on the scar/scar before and after applying the cream:
- it will become paler and may completely match the main skin tone;
- the surface will be smoothed out, the usual bumpiness of the scar will be absent;
- the width of the scar will become smaller.
If Contractubex is used against stretch marks, then you should not count on their complete disappearance. But stretch marks will become almost invisible, the skin in these places will acquire firmness and elasticity, and sagging and sagging will not spoil the appearance.
Before and after using Contratubeks gel
To achieve the described results, the drug must be used daily and for a long period - at least 6 months, in some cases 12-18 months.
Side effects
Contractubex scar ointment is well tolerated. Side effects noted include:
- erythema, itching, skin hyperpigmentation;
- hypersensitivity;
- swelling of tissues;
- peeling.
Natural itching that appears during healing does not require stopping the use of Contractubex ointment for scars. Unpleasant sensations appear due to the increased need of the damaged area to supply a sufficient amount of blood.
Which is better - Dermatix or Contractubex?
"Dermatix" is a silicone gel to prevent the formation of scar tissue, which contains organic silicon-based compounds. It maintains the physiologically normal water balance of damaged skin, smoothes and reduces protruding parts of newly formed connective tissue. The use of this gel reduces skin itching and reduces skin pigmentation. Since the drugs have a similar mechanism of action, the effectiveness depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
Contraindications
It is prohibited to use in children under 1 year of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in case of increased individual sensitivity to the components of Contractubex scar cream. Infants are at extremely high risk of experiencing a sudden and very severe allergic reaction.
During pregnancy, almost all substances circulating in the mother’s body are able to penetrate into the fetus’s body. After childbirth, the production of breast milk begins, the basis of which is the nursing mother’s own blood. Therefore, during this period it is also necessary to monitor your diet and all other factors that can harm the infant.
Main characteristics of Contractubex
Contractubex is a multicomponent gel for external use, which is actively used in cosmetology. With its help, it is possible to solve the problems of the presence of keloid scars and scars: if they are “young”, then they can be completely smoothed out; when treating old defects, it is possible to make them less pronounced.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the Contractubex gel is Germany, the company is located in Frankfurt am Main. has an official representative office in Moscow.
Composition, active substance
The drug contains 9 ingredients, three of which are active substances:
- sodium heparin - has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect, softens scar tissue, makes its structure loose;
- allantoin - accelerates the healing process of wounds, relieves a person from itching and burning in places where scars have been formed, improves blood circulation in scar tissue, and makes cosmetic defects appear pale;
- onion – a plant extract is used, which has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, and is also able to stop the excessive growth of scar tissue.
Auxiliary components that are designed only to maintain the correct structure, concentration and consistency of the gel include:
- xanthan;
- sorbic acid;
- methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate;
- water;
- polyethylene glycol-200.
The preparation also contains a perfume additive, which gives the gel a pleasant aroma.
We recommend reading about how to remove scars after chickenpox. From the article you will learn about the reasons for the appearance of scars after chickenpox, how to get rid of the consequences of the disease in a child and an adult. And here is more information about what products and procedures will help with acne scars.
Indications for use
The official instructions for Contractubex indicate the following indications for use:
- deformed skin after serious injuries - for example, after chemical or thermal burns;
- stretch marks on the abdomen, hips and chest after pregnancy;
- scar growths of any nature - atrophic or hypertrophic;
- the result of acne or furunculosis - cicatricial changes on the skin in the form of dots or full-fledged scars;
- ankylosis of joints;
- Dupuytren's contracture - occurs with hepatitis of alcoholic origin in a chronic form;
- tendon contractures after injuries.
The result of long-term use of Contratubeks gel
The drug is recommended for use in the postoperative or early post-traumatic period, when there is a high risk of scar formation on the skin with pathological changes.
How does Contractubex work?
Contractubex begins to actively work in scar tissue 4 hours after application to the problem area of the skin - this is exactly the time required for the active substances of the drug to penetrate the pathologically altered tissues. Has a complex effect:
- smoothing;
- antiproliferative;
- anti-inflammatory;
- emollient.
This is what happens with the systematic use of Contractubex:
- the release of local inflammatory mediators is reduced - this pathological process at the site of application of the gel is either suspended or completely stopped;
- the growth and spread of scar tissue is significantly slowed down;
- the risk of wound infection is reduced - important during the recovery period after burns and operations;
- pain and local body temperature are reduced - at the site of the presence of a pathological defect, the skin temperature remains within normal limits, which leads to the absence of hyperemia.
It is noteworthy that even with long-term use of the drug, its absorption into the bloodstream is not observed.
Contraindications
There is a list of strict contraindications to the use of Contractubex, even if there are clear indications for it:
- individual intolerance or excessive sensitivity to the main or auxiliary components of the drug;
- previously diagnosed atopic dermatitis;
- baldness – alopecia;
- trichomycosis (fungal hair diseases) of various origins;
- skin rashes in childhood.
Atopic dermatitis
Expiration date after opening
The total shelf life of the drug is 4 years; after opening, the gel must be used up within 6 months.
Contractubex – hormonal or not?
Contractubex does not belong to the category of hormonal drugs, therefore it is actively used in pediatric practice and is allowed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Analogues and cost
The gel for scars Contractubex today has no analogues in the composition of active substances.
As an alternative, other preparations for external use are suitable:
- Heparin ointment exhibits anticoagulant properties, the price is less than 100 rubles.
- Camelox oil with allantoin contains onion extract, bromelain, aloe, the cost also does not exceed 100 rubles.
- Venitan Forte with heparin, escin and dexpanthenol, price about 300 rubles.
- Hepatrombin with heparin and d-panthenol for all types of scars, cost 250-300 rubles.
To enhance the positive properties of these drugs, it is recommended to take high doses of vitamins A, group B, C and E. A nutritious diet will complement the complex of therapeutic measures. There is no reason to limit yourself to using only Contractubex gel - similar preparations for scars and scars will enhance the positive effect of the main product and have a restorative effect when used externally. If desired, they can be alternated or combined together. For a more effective effect, it is permissible to apply the product under an occlusive dressing or under a regular patch with a gauze pad in the center.
You need to think about your future appearance immediately after receiving an injury. Every day the chances of completely eliminating the scar with Contractubex decrease. And for a more successful solution to the problem that has arisen, it is desirable to eliminate bad habits and negative environmental factors.
Author: Natalya Pinchuk, pharmacist, especially for Dermatologiya.pro
Overdose
Cases of drug overdose have not been recorded. If skin reactions or any other regular negative consequences occur, it is better not to use the gel further. Side effects in most cases are associated with individual intolerance to the substances contained in the drug. Restorative therapy to eliminate side effects is not required.
Is the use of Contractubex always permitted?
Precautionary measures
How the drug affects the fetus during pregnancy and whether it passes into breast milk has not been studied. Therefore, doctors try not to prescribe Contractubex to pregnant and lactating women for stretch marks and scars, but reviews of the drug on women’s Internet forums are positive. However, you should not use the drug yourself during these periods due to insufficient study of it, so as not to harm the child. You should choose a drug whose effects have been clinically tested when used in pregnant and lactating women.
At the same time, contractubex, according to reviews, is effective against scars in children. The manufacturers of the drug have not established a minimum age threshold.
How the drug interacts with other drugs has also not been studied. Therefore, as a precaution, you should not use Contractubex and other ointments, creams and gels at the same time or until completely absorbed into the skin at the same time as scars. If an individual allergic reaction occurs, it will be difficult to determine whether it is caused by components of Contractubex, components of another drug, or reaction products of both drugs.
The shelf life of the drug is 4 years; it must be stored out of the reach of children at an air temperature of no higher than 25 degrees. You can store the gel in the refrigerator without freezing.
The drug is available from pharmacies without a prescription.
special instructions
During the treatment of fresh scars, you need to beware of prolonged exposure to the sun or exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation. Hypothermia should be avoided. Active massage at this time is also contraindicated.
In order to improve the effect of using the gel, it is recommended to rub it into pre-steamed skin. Certain physical therapy treatments will also be helpful (should be discussed with your doctor).
Since Contractubex has only a local effect on the skin in the area of application and is not absorbed into the blood, its use during pregnancy is theoretically safe. However, you should first consult with your doctor about the advisability of its use. The same recommendation can be given to women during lactation.
Reviews of contractubex ointment
Anna, 20 years old “Effectively whitens postpartum stretch marks. After two months of regular use, the stretch marks became less noticeable, and after a year they almost completely disappeared. After I stop breastfeeding, I’ll try this gel to remove stretch marks on my chest.”
Regina, 35 years old “The ointment helped me a lot after furunculosis. There were very noticeable “pits” on my forehead, which almost disappeared after using the ointment for six months. A large tube was just enough for a course of six months. I recommended it to a friend: after a car accident, her whole face was covered in terrible scars. He smears the scars regularly, the result is already a little noticeable.”
Tatyana, 52 years old “I treated scars after laparoscopy, it took a long time, it was expensive, but very effective. Within seven months, the puncture sites became invisible. And my granddaughter (10 years old) had a cut on her cheek, which after healing left a scar. Her skin smoothed out at the cut site in just a month! That's youth."
What is it used for?
Contractubex can be used if the patient has:
- keloid and hypertrophic scars formed after healing of wounds that appeared as a result of surgery, including after amputation, as well as as a result of injuries (cuts, wounds, crushes, thermal, chemical and radiation burns, frostbite);
- articular ankylosis (contractures);
- Dupuytren's contracture;
- traumatic tendon contractures;
- stretch marks left after pregnancy;
- atrophic scars formed due to various pathological processes of the skin and subcutaneous tissues (acne, atheroma, furunculosis).
The product can be used to prevent the formation of scars in the period after surgery or after injury.
We recommend reading: Cycloferon: instructions for use for children and adults
Drug interactions
There is no information about the possible interaction of Contractubex with other drugs. As for alcohol and alcohol-containing medications, the gel cannot enhance the effect of ethanol, since it is not absorbed into the blood.
You might be interested in an article about treating snoring at home.
There is also a useful article about treating cervical inflammation at home.
Here you will learn all about methods of treating diseases with a magnet.
Can it be used during pregnancy and lactation?
Leniment is applied topically, the active and auxiliary components do not penetrate the bloodstream and do not have a comprehensive effect on the entire body as a whole. Therefore, the period of bearing a child is not a contraindication to the use of the product.
On the contrary, the ointment helps fight stretch marks in the chest and abdomen.
Since the content of medicinal substances is not observed in breast milk, the medicine is widely prescribed to nursing mothers. However, you should consult your doctor about the advisability of use, who will determine the duration of the course and dosage.