Millions of Americans Seeing Red Again, Right in the Middle of Their Faces, According to Fleming & Company, Pharmaceuticals.

ST. LOUIS -- Excessive wiping and blowing during cold, flu, and allergy season are causing red chapped noses to appear nationwide on people of all ages. A sore red nose is one of the most unpleasant and visible side effects from colds, flu, and allergies.

In the past, doctors may have suggested petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, to soothe the sensitive skin around the nose. But now many, according to Fleming & Company, Pharmaceuticals, recommend new water-based nasal gels as a safer non-petroleum remedy. They are formulated specifically for the sensitive skin in and around the nose that is so close to our airways.

Many allergists caution patients not to use petroleum-based ointments in and around the nose. There is a potential risk of aspirating small amounts of the petroleum into the sinus cavities, bronchia, or lung tissue. Lipoid pneumonia -- characterized by inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the lung -- can result. The new water-based nasal gels do not carry this same risk.

People who use a lot of lip balm or apply petroleum-type products (even mineral oil) in and around the nose often accumulate small amounts of the petroleum in their lungs. While the condition is rare, it can lead to lipoid pneumonia and breathing complications. Cough and fever are often indicators, and surgery is frequently the only way to deal with the inflamed tissue.

Particularly at risk are people using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-PAP) machines for obstructive sleep apnea, various lung conditions, or ALS. The air pressure from a C-PAP machine is strong enough to cause migration of small amounts of petroleum ointment, often used to mitigate chaffing from the mask, into the lungs.

Offering a better alternative, the water-based nasal gels, such as the new Ocean(R) Ultra Moisturizing Gel, are formulated without petroleum-based ingredients and are designed for safe use around the nose and mouth. Many of these products contain propylene glycol and/or glycerin, as well as other moisturizing additives such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and lanolin. The alcohol-free Ocean product contains specially refined hyaluronan, a naturally occurring substance (mucopolysaccharide) found in our skin and joints. Hyaluronan is found throughout the body, particularly in connective tissues. It binds with water to form a natural moisture cushion that lubricates and soothes the nasal skin, even after numerous tissue wipes.

Found in many leading cosmetics and moisturizing creams, hyaluronan has been shown to help maintain smooth and supple skin. In several studies hyaluronan has been shown to play a role in wound healing.

When the skin around the nose is rubbed raw because of colds, allergies, or dry winter air, this lubricating barrier of hyaluronan and glycerin can provide much-needed relief. The Ocean Gel is formulated for use by all ages and may be safely used as often as needed.

Treating the exterior of the nose is just one aspect of good nasal hygiene. For years physicians have also recommended frequent irrigation with saline nasal sprays, such as Ocean(R) and Ocean(R) For Kids.

Regular irrigation with a good saline nasal spray helps keep the nasal passages clear of pollens, bacteria, dust, dander, and other airborne irritants. Unlike with other OTC nasal sprays, saline nasal sprays can be used as often as needed. They are easily tolerated and are still greatly under-utilized in this country.

In the past saline nasal sprays have been used mostly by mothers with young children. However, in recent years more and more adults are discovering the benefit of saline sprays as a safe and simple way to soothe nasal distress. Doctors and pharmacists strongly recommend saline nasal sprays as co-therapies with Rx drugs because the saline sprays do not contain any active drug ingredients that might lead to interaction problems. Additionally, saline sprays can be used several times a day.

About Fleming & Company, Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Ocean products are manufactured with pride under rigorous pharmaceutical quality standards in modern laboratory facilities in St. Louis County, Missouri. Established in 1960, Fleming & Company Pharmaceuticals has developed innovative prescription and OTC products for a variety of clinical conditions in allergy, pediatrics, nephrology, nutrition, and obstetrics/gynecology. Their state-of-the-art laboratory facilities house liquid- and solid-dose manufacturing and packaging, analytical and microbiological laboratories, research and development, as well as warehousing, shipping, and administration.

For more information about Ocean and other Fleming products, visit www.flemingcompany.com or call 800-343-9497.

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