What Are the Advantages, Disadvantages, and Side Effects of Herbal Patches for Children?

Update Date: 2024-05-29 Source: Network

The advantages of Chinese herbal medicine patches for children are higher safety, relatively minor side effects, and convenience. However, they may cause skin allergies. Although topical patches do not have side effects, they may have a certain impact on the baby's skin. Prolonged application of patches may damage the skin, and in severe cases, it may cause redness, swelling, and blisters on the baby's skin. Children's bodies are not fully developed, and many medications cannot be used as they may have some side effects.

The main advantage of Chinese herbal medicine patches for children is that the medication does not need to be taken orally but is absorbed into the body through application. Therefore, they are safer than oral medications. They are also convenient to use, as they can be directly applied to the surface of the skin. The patches are pre-formulated and easy to carry, making them suitable for daily use and travel. Commonly used patches such as belly button patches and fever-reducing patches are often made from Chinese herbs, making them convenient and practical for home and travel use.

Some Chinese herbal medicine patches need to be applied to specific acupuncture points, so they are relatively fast-acting with minor side effects, which is not achievable with oral medications. However, there are also disadvantages to using these patches. Many of them can irritate the skin, especially the delicate skin of infants and young children. Prolonged use of these patches may lead to skin allergies.

Typically, Chinese herbal medicine patches require adhesive tape to adhere to the skin. Some adhesive tapes can be difficult to remove, potentially causing skin tears and leading to skin ulcers. Therefore, these patches should not be left on the skin for extended periods, and care should be taken when removing them to avoid skin inflammation, infection, and other serious consequences. Although topical Chinese herbal medicine patches are effective and have no side effects, there are still pros and cons when using them to treat conditions such as cough in children. The baby's delicate skin may be damaged by prolonged application of patches, and in severe cases, it may cause redness, swelling, and blisters. While topical patches may be effective, careful selection is essential.

After applying Chinese herbal medicine patches, children should consume a light and easy-to-digest diet, avoiding cold and hard foods. Seafood, irritating foods, and spicy foods should be avoided. When asthma attacks occur, warm and nutritious foods can be consumed. It is important to maintain bowel regularity. After removing the patches, keep the skin clean by wiping or bathing, but avoid rubbing vigorously. After showering, use a towel to blot away any water from the acupuncture points.