Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues.
Different forms of hyaluronic acid are used for cosmetic purposes. Hyaluronic acid might also affect the way the body responds to injury and help to decrease swelling.
People also commonly take hyaluronic acid by mouth and apply it to the skin for UTIs, acid reflux, dry eyes, wound healing, aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
- Dry eye.  Applying eye drops containing hyaluronic acid alone or in combination with other ingredients, seems to improve symptoms of dry eye.
Login for details - Venous leg ulcers.  Topical application of hyaluronic acid-impregnated gauze reduces wound size and promotes wound healing.
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- Aging skin.  Oral hyaluronic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. It is also unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial for aging skin.
Login for details - Allergic rhinitis (hay fever).  It is unclear if nasal irrigation with sodium hyaluronate is beneficial in patients with mild, persistent seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Login for details - Burns.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial in patients with burns.
Login for details - Canker sores.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial for canker sores.
Login for details - Corneal abrasion.  It is unclear if eye drops containing hyaluronic acid are beneficial in preventing recurrence in patients with a history of traumatic corneal abrasion.
Login for details - Diabetic foot ulcers.  Oral hyaluronic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Exercise-induced muscle soreness.  Oral hyaluronic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Oral hyaluronic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Gingivitis.  It is unclear if hyaluronic acid used in a mouthwash reduces gingivitis severity.
Login for details - Intranasal surgery.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid irrigation improves recovery in patients after nasal surgery.
Login for details - Intrauterine adhesions.  Several small studies suggest that intrauterine administration of hyaluronic acid gel seems to prevent intrauterine adhesions after uterine surgery.
Login for details - Lichen planus.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial in patients with oral lichen planus.
Login for details - Melasma.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial in patients with moderate to severe facial melasma.
Login for details - Oral mucositis.  Topical hyaluronic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effects when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Osteoarthritis.  It is unclear if oral hyaluronic acid is beneficial in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Login for details - Otitis media.  It is unclear if using intranasal hyaluronic acid solution is beneficial for otitis media in children.
Login for details - Radiation dermatitis.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial for the prevention of radiation dermatitis.
Login for details - Rhinosinusitis.  It is unclear if hyaluronic acid solution is beneficial for acute or chronic rhinosinusitis when used in an intranasal saline rinse.
Login for details - Sexual dysfunction.  It is unclear if vaginal hyaluronic acid is beneficial for improving sexual function in adults with dyspareunia.
Login for details - Tooth extraction.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial for wound healing after tooth extraction.
Login for details - Urinary tract infections (UTIs).  Oral and intravesical hyaluronic acid have been evaluated for the prevention of UTI in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Vaginal atrophy.  It is unclear if topical hyaluronic acid is beneficial for improving symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
Login for details - Wound healing.  Small clinical studies show that topical hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid derivatives may improve the healing of various types of wounds.
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When taken by mouth: Hyaluronic acid is likely safe when used appropriately. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare.
When applied to the skin: Hyaluronic acid is likely safe when used appropriately. Allergic reactions might occur but are rare.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hyaluronic acid is safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hyaluronic acid is safe to use when breast-feeding. It's not clear if it's excreted in breast milk and what effect that might have on an infant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Radiation therapy: Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin while receiving radiation therapy might increase the risk of some skin complications. If you are receiving radiation therapy, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.
Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma): Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might make skin ulcers worse in people who have a condition called scleroderma. If you have scleroderma, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.
It is not known if Hyaluronic Acid interacts with any medicines. Before taking Hyaluronic Acid, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Hyaluronic acid is available in many different types of topical products, including creams, gels, mouthwashes, and eye drops. In supplements, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of hyaluronic acid might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Acide Hyaluronique, Ácido Hialurónico, Glycosaminoglycan, Glycosaminoglycane, Hyaluran, Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate de Sodium, Hyaluronate Sodium, Hylan, Sodium Hyaluronate.
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