Dermatology

Available treatment options

Dermatology offers a vast array of targeted therapies. For inflammatory conditions like eczema and dermatitis, we rely on topical corticosteroids. I typically start with milder options like Hydrocortisone or Mildison Lipocream for delicate areas like the face.

For moderate flares, Eumovate (containing Clobetasone Butyrate ), Locoid , Betnovate , Synalar , or Metosyn are excellent. Severe cases might require potent steroids like Elocon , Diprosone , Diprosalic (which includes salicylic acid to penetrate thick plaques), Betamethasone , Beclometasone , Bettamousse , or very potent ones like Dermovate .

For psoriasis, vitamin D analogues are essential. I frequently prescribe Dovonex or combination treatments like Dovobet . If there's a suspected fungal or bacterial element complicating a rash, combination creams like Daktacort , Lotriderm , Timodine , Trimovate Cream , Dermovate-NN , or Terra-Cortril are incredibly useful.

Acne and rosacea require entirely different pathways. For acne, topical retinoids and antimicrobials like Differin , Epiduo Gel , Duac , and Aknemycin are my first-line choices. If oral therapy is needed, antibiotics like Tetralysal or hormonal treatments like Co-cyprindiol can be highly effective.

Rosacea patients often find relief with Finacea , Mirvaso , Metrogel , Rozex , or oral Efracea .

We also have targeted treatments for specific infections: oral Aciclovir and Aciclovir Cream for viral cold sores, and antibiotics like Bactroban , Fucidin , and Clindamycin for bacterial infections.

For seborrhoeic dermatitis, Ketoconazole Shampoo is a staple. Beyond these, we manage specialized concerns with Solaraze Gel for actinic keratosis, Propecia for male pattern hair loss, Vaniqa for excessive facial hair, and Emla Cream for localized numbing prior to minor procedures.

What to expect from treatment

Setting realistic expectations is vital for success. Acne treatments, for instance, often cause a mild "purging" phase where the skin looks worse before it improves—usually around weeks two to four.

With topical steroids, patients often experience the "steroid rebound" illusion. If you stop a strong steroid abruptly, your skin may flare up angrily. Many patients mistakenly believe the cream damaged their skin, but this is actually a physiological withdrawal response.

I always instruct my patients to taper their usage slowly (e.g., from daily to every other day, to twice a week) to maintain the newly healed skin barrier.

Self-care and prevention

Medication is only half the battle; how you care for your skin daily matters just as much. I highly recommend the "soak and smear" technique for dry, eczema-prone skin.

Instead of thoroughly drying off after a lukewarm shower, lightly pat your skin so it remains damp, and immediately smear your prescribed emollient or steroid over it. This traps the moisture and significantly increases the absorption and efficacy of your treatments.

Always use your treatments exactly as prescribed, and remember that protecting your skin barrier is your best defence against future flare-ups.