Eczema and Dermatitis
Eczema and Dermatitis cause areas of the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. Eczema and Dermatitis and Psoriasis are all skin conditions that can be triggered by factors such as cold weather but they are mostly caused by contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, detergents or food.
We have many treatments for dry skin conditions. Including non-prescription emollients, bath additives on our pharmacy shop and steroid creams and ointments in our prescription treatment section.
Treatments for Eczema and Dermatitis
- Emollients - For regular use (up to four times daily) to keep skin moisturised and healthy.Usually recommended for mild to moderate eczema. Emollients come in a range of creams, ointments, lotions and bath and shower treatments.
Examples include:
Please click here for our available emollient options
- Steroid Creams (corticosteroids)- These are used in short courses to control flare-ups in eczema. When using corticosteroids, a thin layer is applied to the affected area, usually no more than twice a day. For most cases, a single daily application will only be required. Corticosteroids come in a range of strengths and types. Which ones are recommended are based on the severity of symptoms and where on the body flare ups are located.
Examples of weaker corticosteroids (usually recommended for mild cases, or more sensitive areas of the body).
Example of a Stronger corticosteroid (usually recommended for use on the palms of hands, knuckles or soles of the feet and areas where the skin is thicker).
- Betnovate (Betamethasone) cream or ointment
Stronger preparations for the scalp:
Antibiotic preparations - only for use where infection is present:
Psoriasis
Commonly, Psoriasis consists of thick, scaly plaques that are pinkish red on colour and tinged with a silvery white scale. It is a common long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission.
Some factors that can contribute to psoriasis flare-ups are genetics, lifestyle or some drugs.
Psoriasis commonly affects the scalp, outer surface of the knees and elbows. Psoriasis can be associated to several other medical conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes and also other inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and coeliac disease.
Treatments for Psoriasis
Soap substitutes are generally recommended for chronic plaque psoriasis along with a bath additive.
Examples
- Aveeno cream, oil and or body wash
Find Aveeno here! Along with many other options.
Medicated treatments for Psoriasis
Psoriasis affects the trunk and limbs.
Often a steroid will be recommended for use in the morning to reduce inflammation and calcipotriol would be recommended for use in the evenings to reduce overgrowth in skin cells for up to four weeks.
Examples:
- Steroid - Betnovate (betamethasone) cream or Elocon (mometasone) cream
- Calcipotriol (vitamin D derivative ointment)
Coal tar products can also be use these are usually not so preferred as they have a distinctive smell and can stain skin and clothing.
Scalp psoriasis commonly noticeable from patches on the neck can be treated with mild or steroid scalp treatments.
Examples:
- Mild - Polytar scalp shampoo
- Steroid - Betacap (betamethasone), Dermovate scalp application, Etrivex medicated shampoo.
Sometimes, a treatment with scale-removing agents can be used.
Example:
- Diprosalic Scalp application (Salicylic acid)
Psoriasis of the face, flexures and genitals should be treated with a mild or moderately potent steroid for one to two weeks.
Example:
Please note that Steroid treatments should be used in short courses, as it can cause thinning of the skin.
View all creams and ointments.
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