Description:

Hilderm-Ch Silver Sulfadiazine + Chitosan Cream 30g is a topical antimicrobial and wound-healing cream used for the treatment and prevention of infection in burns, wounds, ulcers, and other skin injuries. It combines silver sulfadiazine (a broad-spectrum antimicrobial) with chitosan (a natural biopolymer derived from crustacean shells) that promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue regeneration. The cream helps prevent bacterial infection while creating a moist environment that accelerates healing and reduces scarring.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Antimicrobial + Wound Healing Agent (Silver sulfadiazine + chitosan combination for infected or at-risk wounds and burns or similar for topical anti-infectives).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each gram of cream contains:

• Silver sulfadiazine – 1% w/w (10 mg) – broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas.
• Chitosan – usually 0.5–2% w/w (exact percentage varies; provides wound healing, moisture retention, and mild antimicrobial support). Other ingredients: White soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, and preservatives. The cream is white to off-white, smooth, and has a mild medicinal scent.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: Yes – Silver (from silver sulfadiazine; functions as antimicrobial, not a nutritional mineral).

Variant:

• Hilderm-Ch Silver Sulfadiazine + Chitosan Cream 30g (standard tube). Related variants: Hilderm-Ch in larger sizes (e.g., 50g or 100g), or plain silver sulfadiazine cream 1% without chitosan. The 30g tube is the most common retail size for home use.

Consume Type:

Topical – Cream (applied externally to clean wounds or burns; not for oral or ophthalmic use).

Directions/Usage:

• Clean the affected area gently with normal saline or as directed.
• Apply a thin layer of cream (approximately 1–2 mm thick) to the wound or burn once or twice daily, or as prescribed.
• Cover with a sterile dressing if necessary.
• Duration: Usually 7–14 days or until the wound shows significant healing; do not use longer than 3–4 weeks without medical advice.
• Wash hands before and after application.

Common Side Effects: Common (local):

• Mild burning, stinging, or itching at application site (especially on open wounds).
• Temporary skin discoloration (greyish due to silver). Rare/serious: Allergic reactions (rash, swelling), delayed wound healing (with prolonged use), or argyria (permanent skin discoloration with very long-term use). Systemic absorption of silver is minimal with normal use but possible with large wounds.

Package Type:

Aluminium tube of 30g (with screw cap; often in individual carton with patient information leaflet and usage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to silver sulfadiazine, sulfonamides, or chitosan (shellfish allergy – caution advised).
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (use only if benefits outweigh risks), newborns/premature infants (risk of kernicterus from sulfonamide), or large/deep wounds (risk of systemic absorption).
• Do not use on deep puncture wounds or third-degree burns without medical supervision.
• If severe irritation, rash, or signs of infection worsen, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar silver sulfadiazine + chitosan or plain silver sulfadiazine creams in Ghana include:

• Generic Silver Sulfadiazine 1% Cream (various importers).
• Silvadene or SSD Cream (original brand if stocked).
• Flamazine Cream.
• Alternatives: Povidone-iodine cream (Betadine), honey-based wound dressings, or other antimicrobial creams (e.g., mupirocin for bacterial infections). Consult pharmacist or doctor in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Shalina Laboratories or similar (many topical wound creams in Ghana are produced by Indian manufacturers under export brands; some are locally packaged). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India.