Counter Excellence: Dermatitis

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Treatment for dermatitis

The table below will explain the treatment options available in pharmacy, you will also find some tips you can use to advise customers to help them manage their dermatitis at home:

Type	Treatment
Atopic Eczema	Topical steroids – in a cream or ointment, may help the swelling and redness during flare ups. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can help to relieve itching and inflammation in the short term. Hydrocortisone can cause thinning of the skin so should be applied sparingly. Emollients (moisturisers) – creams and ointments stop the skin from drying. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine may help with severe itching. Diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness. Applying bandages may also aid the skin to heal Read further information on atopic eczema here
Contact dermatitis	If possible, identify and try to minimise contact or avoid the substance causing irritation/allergic reaction. For hand dermatitis, cover the hands by wearing gloves. Topical steroid creams may help to reduce the inflammation. Emollients will help to protect the skin. Read further information on contact dermatitis here
Seborrheic dermatitis	Using anti-dandruff shampoos. Avoid using harsh soaps and detergents. Steroid creams may help to reduce the inflammation. Read further information on contact seborrheic dermatitis here

You can also try the following lifestyle and home remedies:

Try a cold compress to help soothe the skin
Try and cover the itchy area with a dressing and trim the nails.
Consider wearing gloves at night to stop scratching.
Try and wear cotton clothing, it will help irritating the affected area of the skin.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Routinely applying moisturiser will reduce the severity of atopic eczema. For mild forms of atopic eczema, moisturiser will be the main form of treatment.
Taking too much on and stress can trigger a flare up – practising relaxation can calm it down.
Take shorter baths or showers and limit the time to 5 – 10 minutes. Use warm water rather than hot water. Bath oil may also be helpful.
Try and choose a fragrance free or a mild soap. Some soaps can dry the skin.
There is also some great advice for looking after your eczema in the cold weather here.

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