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What is Arginine Cream?
Arginine cream is a topical lotion that contains l-arginine, a semi-essential amino acid. While the human body produces this substance, it is sometimes needed as a supplement. The body uses it to create urea, a waste product made when protein is metabolized. It is also present in dairy products, red meat, poultry, and fish. As a medicinal supplement, this cream may help patients who suffer from chronic wounds, circulation problems, and sexual dysfunction.
This amino acid is made in the kidneys and liver. Generally, the body makes enough of it to run efficiently, but trauma, illness, and burns can cause a deficiency. In people, arginine changes into nitrous oxide, which is a compound that causes blood vessels and tissues to relax and dilate. It is also thought that the amino acid stimulates the body’s production of insulin and growth hormone.
When applied to the skin, arginine cream may help improve circulation and increase blood flow in the extremities, like the hands. It can also speed up healing, if the patient has a cut or abrasion. Those suffering from diabetes may find arginine cream useful. Diabetes is a condition that causes the sufferer to be unable to metabolize sugars properly, and can cause circulation issues because it can impede or retard the blood flow to the hands and feet. This can cause the hands and feet to feel cold, and often affects how quickly a diabetic is able to heal from a wound.
People suffering from sexual problems, such as low libido or erectile dysfunction, may also benefit from the use of arginine cream. For instance, when applied to the penis, the cream can help stimulate blood flow, allowing the man to achieve a fuller erection. The cream can be used just prior to intercourse, whereas oral supplements containing l-arginine must be taken daily to be effective.
If a woman suffers from low libido or has difficulty achieving orgasm, arginine cream can be applied to the clitoral area. The cream is sometimes used to help stimulate more blood flow to the woman’s sexual organs, and therefore help her better enjoy intercourse. In some women, the cream may improve the intensity and frequency of orgasms.
A doctor should be always be consulted before using an arginine cream. There are some known drug interactions. For instance, arginine supplements should never be used while a patient is using any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, because the combination can severely irritate the stomach.
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![Arginine cream could stimulate more blood flow to the woman’s sexual organs, and therefore help her better enjoy intercourse.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiArginine cream could stimulate more blood flow to the woman’s sexual organs, and therefore help her better enjoy intercourse. -
![Arginine cream can be used just prior to intercourse.]()
By: KzenonArginine cream can be used just prior to intercourse. -
![Arginine cream can help improve circulation in the feet for diabetic patients.]()
By: Mercedes FittipaldiArginine cream can help improve circulation in the feet for diabetic patients. -
![L-Arginine cream is used primarily to enhance libido in females.]()
By: vgstudioL-Arginine cream is used primarily to enhance libido in females. -
![Impeded circulation to the feet may necessitate amputation.]()
By: memoriszImpeded circulation to the feet may necessitate amputation.
Discussion Comments
@SarahSon - I understand what you mean about having cold feet all the time. I had never heard about something like this until my friend told me I should try some.
I am not a diabetic, but think that my cold feet is still some kind of circulation problem. I bought a tube of arginine foot cream at my local pharmacy.
It was a little pricey, but I figured it would be worth a try. The box said it would warm cold feet and also moisturize and nourish the skin. What did I have to lose?
I applied some cream every night, and went through the whole tube. I really didn't notice any difference in my feet during this whole time. This cream was intended for those with diabetes, so maybe their lack of circulation is different than mine.
I was really hoping this would make a difference, but didn't want to spend more money to give it another try.
I am not diabetic but always have cold hands and feet - especially in the winter.
This sounds like something I might like to try to see if it improves the circulation in my hands and feet.
My feet are cold no matter how many pairs of socks I have on or how warm it is inside. I know my husband would also be happy if I found something to keep my feet from being so cold.
Has anybody used arginine cream this way with good results? I also wonder if there are many arginine side effects from using a product like this.
It sounds like it would be pretty safe to use, but you never know how some people react to creams like this.
@burcidi - I haven't used arginine cream for hair loss, but have tried it for spider veins in my legs.
My mom was using some arginine as a varicose vein cream, and I thought it might work for spider veins too.
I don't think you could go wrong with trying it for hair loss. It sounds like it would depend on the reason for the hair loss. If it was because of poor circulation, it might be worth a try.
I have noticed a little bit of improvement in my spider veins, but they have not gone away as much as I would have liked. It might just take a little bit more time, as circulation problems are sometimes slow to resolve.
Since some hair loss is also due to poor circulation, do you think arginine cream would help with this?
I'm assuming that if arginine cream is safe for skin, it could be used on the scalp as well. And if it improves circulation, it might help prevent hair loss. I'm a bit scared to try it though since I've never heard anyone recommend it for this.
Has anyone heard of arginine cream being used for hair loss or has tried it themselves?
@anamur-- I'm a diabetic and have been using l-arginine cream for two years. I'm very happy with it, the numbness in my feet has completely gone away thanks to daily massages with the cream.
I have read studies that show l-arginine helps improve blood circulation and doctors recommend it for diabetics. Your father should definitely try it. It's available over the counter.
I've also used arginine supplements. I'm not sure about its other benefits because I have been using it for better circulation, but the supplements are also beneficial for diabetics.
My dad is a diabetes patient and has recently started having circulation problems in his feet and hands. I have gotten various ointments for him but none have really helped.
I would love to hear what diabetes patients have to say about arginine cream. Does it work?
The article also mentioned something about arginine promoting insulin and growth hormone production. Does this apply to arginine cream as well or just the supplements?
And have you experienced any adverse side effects with it?
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