Germolene use in pregnancy. freaking out!

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It feels like everything I've done during my pregnancy is wrong so far, and yet I have been making a conscious effort to stay healthy.

I regularly use germaline antiseptic cream. I seem always have bites and spots etc which have got worse since being pregnant. I have continued using germolene - not really giving it much thought. However I have been doing my research since it suddenly dawned on me that I should not use it. Now I am terrified - largely thanks to Dr google.
I have been obsessed with all skin medications and cosmetics - there are so many that shouldn't be used during pregnancy. And yet there is barely any mention of these things in any pregnancy books or magazines.

Is it just common sense and I have just been really stupid?
Anyone use germolene during pregnancy?

Why shouldn’t you use germolene? I assume you’ve not been eating it by the tubeful?

Step away from the Google!

I used it all through my pregnancy, I honestly didn't think to check the tube :-(

Germolene. Germolene, the antiseptic cream? That germolene? Or is there another one?

When i just checked it says it's not contraindicated.

I've always used sudocream instead of Germaine/savalon. Only because you can use sudocream on babies so I assume it's fine on my pregnant skin too?

Germaine!? Germolene*

Maybe they aren't mentioned because most things aren't dangerous

I initially read it as 'you can use it in pregnancy'. But then it follows, which I didn't notice at first, where it states to consult you doctor before use.
Throughout my many searches it appears to contains a substance that is potentially lethal - not just in pregnancy but for you too (granted that would require extensive overuse).

www.m.webmd.boots.com/a-to-z-guides/features/beauty-safety-in-pregnancy

Are you generally anxious? It is used in small amounts on your skin so how could it affect your baby?

Yes lovesagin, germolene that I would imagine is in every household - which is why I never gave it a thought!
The substance is methyl salicylate! Whatever you do don't google it! It's frightening!

I am pretty sceptical that anything topical is going to do much damage. Any ingredient would have to be absorbed through your skin, into your blood stream and then through the placenta. Reasonably, assuming you're not covering yourself in a thick layer head to foot, it seems unlikely this is going to be an issue.

I do think that pregnancy has made me insanely anxious, but I have used it a lot over many weeks. My fear is that no have put it on open cuts/spots when I have inadvertedly picked them etc!

It’s OK :)

It’s not contraindicated during pregnancy. Yes it contains phenol but in a form and amount that isn’t going to cause you systemic damage unless you fill a bathtub with it and eat it.

The way medicines and creams etc are regulated means they HAVE to put that warning on - in most cases simply because it’s a massive ethical PITA to test anything on pregnant women.

It’s Ok. The BIG nono in terms of skin treatments is anything with retinoids in - for example roaccutane. But if you’d been prescribed something like that your doc would have given you serious advice on it.

It’s OK to use germolene as described on the tube.

Thanks for everyone's comments tho. It's making me feel a bit happier thinking that I am over reacting x

It's the second last ingredient so not in there in huge amounts. I think you're frightening yourself for no reason tbh

Thank you that's reassuring x

Don't take this as medical advice (totally not a doctor) but I've always found (when checking with pharmacist mainly) that if it says '"consult a Dr before use in pregnancy" or similar then they're just covering their backs and it's fine.

Ok the methyl salicylate! It’s topical and TINY amounts :) there’s a big difference between high dosing lab rats and the real world amounts and delivery routes humans use day to day.

I’m a geneticist with a background in human development. Pretty much every substance on the planet can be toxic it’s just the amount you take in. For example salt - essential for life, too much will kill you. Water? Again essential, drink five litres in one go it’ll probably kill you. It is indeed ‘the dose that makes the poison’

As someone who suffered severe OCD after birth (of the rather terrifying pure O variety) may I gently prod you towards having a think about how bad your anxiety is? If you feel it’s having a substantial effect on your day to day life, or your pregnancy, then please do seek some help NOW because hormones and sleeplessness can really do a number on you after birth. I wish I’d gotten some help earlier - I’m now totally fine because both pregnancy anxiety and OCD are really responsive to treatment.
Take care of yourself! :)

Thank you antidotae. I was very open about my anxieties to my midwife at my last appointment (before this most recent fear of germolene). I see her again next week so I intend to speak to her again about it. I have also spoken to a doctor on the phone in the meantime. I acknowledge that my MH has deteriorated but unfortunatly i haven't been offered much help/advise yet. Thank you for your time in replying. It has made me feel better x

Keep pushing for some help - and please do always post on here if you need to. All the best!