Lac-Hydrin

Lac-Hydrin is a combination medication made up of two components: lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide, which is a moisturizer. It is prescribed for topical use to treat dry skin and itching, and to treat stretch marks from weight gain or pregnancy. Lac-Hydrin is also used to treat the genetic skin condition call Ichthyosis vulgaris, which causes dry, scaly patches of skin to appear over most of the body. Lac-Hydrin's generic name is ammonium lactate. Lac-Hydrin cream and Lac-Hydrin lotion are both available in 12% concentration.

Side effects of Lac-Hydrin are generally minor, and may include skin changes such as bruising or color changes. If you feel your side effects are severe, or if you experience an allergic reaction to Lac-Hydrin, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. You should also let your doctor know if your skin condition appears to become worse after you start using Lac-Hydrin. He or she may have to prescribe a different medication for you if this occurs. Lac-Hydrin has been shown to be safe for use by people under the age of 18, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Lac-Hydrin is a class "C" drug, so it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Let your doctor know right away if you become pregnant while using Lac-Hydrin.

You should be careful when applying Lac-Hydrin to your skin. Do not get the medication in your mouth, eyes, or nose, and do not apply it to skin that is damaged, such as skinned knees or other scraped areas. You should also stay out of the sun and discontinue the use of tanning beds while using Lac-Hydrin, as your skin may be more prone to sunburn. You may use sunscreen if you must be exposed to the sun. Do not use Lac-Hydrin on your face, unless recommended by your doctor. Skin irritation from Lac-Hydrin use is more likely to occur on the face. Lac-Hydrin is not intended for treatment of internal or external genital itching, so it should never be applied to the genital area.

Because Lac-Hydrin is a topical or external treatment applied directly to the skin, the chance of overdose is slim. However, Lac-Hydrin may be harmful if it is orally ingested. Anyone who may have drank Lac-Hydrin should receive immediate medical care. For this reason, Lac-Hydrin, and all other medications, should be kept out of the reach of children.