Epidermal Growth Factor
About Epidermal Growth Factor
Epidermal Growth Factor is a specialised topical medication prescribed to speed up the healing of chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and severe burns. It helps repair damaged skin layers by promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells at the wound site. Doctors primarily use this treatment for stubborn wounds that fail to heal through standard care.
To achieve the best results, you must apply Epidermal Growth Factor consistently and exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine how many times a day you need to apply this topical treatment to the cleaned wound area. Combining this treatment with a nutrient-rich diet and keeping pressure off the wound can significantly improve your recovery.
While using Epidermal Growth Factor, you may notice mild local reactions such as temporary redness, irritation, or a slight burning sensation where the medication was applied. These are usually harmless, but you should consult your doctor immediately if you notice signs of a skin infection, such as worsening pain, swelling, or pus.
Before you begin using this medication, talk to your doctor if you have any history of skin conditions or abnormal tissue growths. You should not use this medicine if you have active skin cancer or any suspicious skin growths near the wound area.
Tell your doctor if you have an autoimmune disorder or are taking medications that reduce the activity of your immune system (such as those used after an organ transplant or to treat autoimmune diseases), as these may affect wound healing and require closer monitoring during treatment. Also, inform your healthcare provider if you are using any other topical creams, as using them together may affect how this medication works. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment to ensure this medicine is safe for you.
Uses of Epidermal Growth Factor
Medicinal Benefits
Using Epidermal Growth Factor provides direct, real-world relief by helping you recover from complex skin injuries more comfortably. The primary benefits of this medication include:
- Promotes the growth of new skin cells, helping wounds close more quickly and reducing the duration of discomfort.
- Faster wound healing also lowers the risk of infection by reducing the time that deep tissues are exposed to bacteria and other contaminants.
- Supports the healthy and organised growth of new skin, which may help minimise severe scarring and promote a more natural skin texture.
Directions for Use
- Epidermal Growth Factor is for external use only.
- Use it as directed by your doctor or as per the labelled instructions.
- Gently rinse the affected area with saline or water before applying Epidermal Growth Factor. Pat the skin and dry it with a clean cotton towel. Apply a generous amount of Epidermal Growth Factor and spread it evenly on the affected areas of the skin to form a 1/8-inch thick layer with clean and dry hands. You can also apply Epidermal Growth Factor with a piece of clean cotton wool or gauze swab.
- Wash your hands before and after using Epidermal Growth Factor unless the treatment is for hands.
Storage
Side Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild burning or stinging at the application site
- Temporary skin redness or warmth
- Mild itching around the treated wound
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a skin infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, pus, or worsening pain
- Severe allergic reactions, including hives, rash, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
- Abnormal skin growth or sudden worsening of the wound shape and size
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the product before use: Make sure the gel or cream looks normal before applying it. Do not use it if it has changed colour, looks cloudy, or contains unusual particles.
- Apply only to the affected area: Use this medicine only on the wound or skin area your doctor has advised you to treat. Avoid applying it to healthy skin.
- Keep the tube tip clean: Do not let the tip of the tube touch your wound, fingers, or any surface. This helps prevent contamination and reduces the risk of infection.
- Use dressings as directed: Do not cover the treated area with airtight, plastic, or waterproof dressings unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- Avoid other skincare products: Do not apply cosmetics, scented soaps, or other non-prescribed skin products to the treated area unless your doctor recommends them.
Drug Interactions
- Topical antiseptics and silver-containing products (e.g., silver sulfadiazine cream, hydrogen peroxide): Avoid using Epidermal Growth Factor with silver-containing skin products or harsh antiseptic cleansers, as they can break down the proteins in the medicine and reduce its effectiveness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedEpidermal Growth Factor does not interact with alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionEpidermal Growth Factor should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed and when benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionEpidermal Growth Factor should be used in breastfeeding women only if clinically needed and when benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedEpidermal Growth Factor does not affect your ability to drive a motor vehicle.
Liver
safe if prescribedEpidermal Growth Factor is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
safe if prescribedEpidermal Growth Factor is probably safe when used in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
cautionIt is not known whether Epidermal Growth Factor is safe in children or not. So, please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage blood sugar: If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar within your target range is crucial, as high sugar levels slow down the body's natural healing processes.
- Eat a protein-rich diet: Your body needs protein, vitamin C, and zinc to rebuild skin tissue. Incorporate lean meats, eggs, beans, and fresh citrus fruits into your meals.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin elasticity and support healthy cellular function.
- Relieve wound pressure: Avoid putting weight or pressure on foot ulcers or bedsores. Use specialised pillows, cushions, or footwear as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking restricts blood vessels, decreases oxygen delivery to the skin, and severely delays wound recovery.
Special Advise
Try to have HBA1C every 2-3 months for monitoring your overall blood sugar level.
If you have diabetes and your wound is not healing properly, try to contact an endocrinologist or a skin specialist.
Before undergoing any planned surgery, let your doctor know that you are using Epidermal Growth Factor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetic foot ulcers: It is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the diabetes level becomes uncontrollable due to inadequate treatment. In this condition, the skin tissues break down and expose the skin layer's inner parts, which appears as a red crater in the skin. There is also damage to the nerves and decreased blood supply to the damaged foot, which further delays wound healing. It mostly affects the bottom or top of the foot and the tip of the toe. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization among diabetic patients.
FAQs
Epidermal Growth Factor is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound in diabetic patients that occur due to uncontrolled diabetes.
Epidermal Growth Factor contains ‘epidermal growth factor’ used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. It acts by releasing a growth factor that can promote tissue repair, skin regeneration (formation of healthy skin), and accelerate wound healing.
Epidermal Growth Factor is available for external use only. Do not use it on other skin rashes or lesions without discussing with your doctor. Do not use any heating pads on the feet. Make sure the wound is cleaned properly before applying the Epidermal Growth Factor gel.
The common side-effects of Epidermal Growth Factor are skin irritation, itching, and burning sensation at the application site. These side-effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side-effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Epidermal Growth Factor does not reduce blood glucose levels. It can only promote wound healing at faster rate and can treat diabetic foot ulcers. You should take antidiabetic medications to control diabetes.
Yes, Epidermal Growth Factor generally requires cold storage between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F) to keep the active proteins stable and effective. Do not freeze the product, and always check the packaging storage instructions. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about storage.
You should avoid applying cosmetics, lotions, or other creams directly over Epidermal Growth Factor unless your doctor tells you it is safe. These products can interfere with how well the medicine is absorbed and may introduce bacteria to the healing wound. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.
If this topical medication gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cool, clean water for several minutes. If you experience persistent burning, redness, or changes in your vision, seek medical help immediately. Talk to your doctor if irritation continues.
The safety of Epidermal Growth Factor in pregnant women has not been fully established. Since it is applied topically, absorption into the body is low, but you should still weigh the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
If your wound is actively infected, your doctor will need to treat the infection with appropriate antibiotics before or alongside your use of Epidermal Growth Factor. Applying this medication to an untreated infection may delay healing. Talk to your doctor to ensure your wound is ready for this treatment.
Because Epidermal Growth Factor promotes cell growth to heal wounds, it should not be applied to any areas with pre-existing skin cancers or suspicious, undiagnosed skin spots. When used exactly as prescribed on clean, non-cancerous wounds, it is designed to grow normal, healthy skin layers. Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your skin.
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