Savlon Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Savlon Cream is a topical antiseptic cream containing cetrimide and chlorhexidine digluconate. It is used to cleanse the skin and help prevent infection in minor wounds, cuts, grazes, burns, and other common skin problems. It works by killing germs such as bacteria, viruses and fungi on the skin, and is suitable for adults and children when used as directed.

What is Savlon Cream

Savlon Antiseptic Cream is a topical cream containing the antiseptics cetrimide and chlorhexidine digluconate. It is used for cleaning the skin and helping to prevent infection in minor wounds and skin problems.

Savlon Cream uses

• Cleansing and prevention of infection in minor skin lesions, blisters, minor burns and small wounds
• First aid for cuts, grazes, superficial burns, scalds, shaving cuts, insect bites and stings
• Minor skin problems including blisters, sores, chapped skin, nappy rash, spots, blackheads and sunburn

Benefits of Savlon Cream

• Helps cleanse minor wounds and reduce the risk of infection
• Can be used for minor burns and scalds as part of first aid care
• Useful for a range of minor skin problems such as shaving cuts, blisters, sores, chapped skin, spots, blackheads, nappy rash and sunburn
• Contains antiseptic ingredients cetrimide and chlorhexidine digluconate
• Suitable for adults and children
• Available in different tube sizes for travel or home use
• Easy to apply as a smooth cream

How Savlon Cream works

Savlon contains chlorhexidine, an antiseptic that kills germs such as bacteria, viruses and fungi on the skin, which helps prevent infection in minor wounds.

Savlon Cream dosage

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream. Clean the affected area with clean water and pat dry. Gently apply the cream to the wound using clean fingers or gauze.

For cuts and small wounds, protect the area with a plaster or non-adherent dressing; burns and scalds are best left uncovered. Reapply as required.

For minor burns and scalds, cool the area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes before drying and applying the cream without rubbing.

Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, ears and other sensitive internal areas. Do not use on animal bites; seek medical advice for dog or cat bites. If skin looks infected or symptoms continue, seek medical advice.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream

Side effects of Savlon Cream

Common

• Skin irritation

Serious

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat
• Dizziness
• Allergic skin reactions such as dermatitis, itching, redness, eczema, rash, hives, and blisters
• Anaphylactic reaction or anaphylactic shock
• Angioedema and urticaria
• Corneal injury and permanent eye damage including permanent visual impairment following accidental contact with the eyes during surgery

Warnings and precautions

• Use Savlon on the skin only. Do not swallow it.
• Avoid getting the cream near the brain, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, or the middle ear.
• Do not let the cream get into your eyes because of the risk of damage to your vision. If it does get into your eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water.
• Serious, lasting injury to the surface of the eye, sometimes needing a corneal transplant, has been reported when similar products accidentally got into the eye during surgery under general anaesthesia.
• Do not use Savlon on large open wounds or wounds that are bleeding heavily; get medical help instead.
• Do not use Savlon if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, especially chlorhexidine, as it may cause allergic reactions.
• Savlon should not be mixed with or used alongside soap or other similar cleaning substances, as they can cancel out its antiseptic effect.
• There is no evidence that Savlon causes harm during pregnancy, but you should ask your doctor, pharmacist or midwife for advice before using it if you are pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before use. As a general precaution, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water before breast-feeding.
• Do not use on infected or seriously damaged skin unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Stop use if severe redness, burning, itching, swelling, or rash develops.
• Keep away from children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Savlon does not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not store above 25°C
• Use within 12 months of opening
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the end of the tube

When to see a doctor

• If you or a child accidentally swallow some of the cream, contact a doctor or your local emergency department right away.
• Stop using the cream and get medical advice if you have difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or dizziness.
• If the cream gets in your eyes and you have irritation, redness, pain, or changes in your vision, get medical advice promptly.
• If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, you must speak to a doctor.

Alternatives

• Povidone-Iodine Cream
• Chlorhexidine Cream
• Mupirocin Ointment