Treatment – Acne
Skin care that improves moisturisation, provides UV protection and gentle cleansing are an important adjunct to treatment in acne patients, regardless of skin type. It is important to adhere to your acne treatment regime to manage the condition.
Recommended Daily Regime
Step 1 – Cleansing
Cleansing is essential to remove dirt, bacteria, oil and sweat from the skins surface. Overzealous cleansing can exacerbate acne and can lead to difficulty in tolerating acne medication.
Step 2 – Moisturise
Moisturisers should be non-acnegenic, oil-free, non comedogenic and non-irritating. Ask our friendly staff to help you select the right product.
Treatment – Eczema
Emollients (moisturisers)
Apply moisturisers each day to clean, dry skin. It is especially important to moisturise after showering and bathing, and when living or working in an air-conditioned or heated environment.
Anti-inflammatory ointments
Eczema responds well to anti-inflammatory creams. Topical steroids (corticosteroids) come in various strengths and are available by prescription from your doctor. Generally, it is better to use the lowest strength that works adequately. Using high-strength topical steroids for extended periods, especially on delicate areas like the face, can cause side effects, including thinning of the skin. It is best to apply the cream to the reddened areas after bathing, but make sure the skin is thoroughly dry.
Oral anti-inflammatory medication
Most people affected by eczema can manage the condition with creams and ointments alone. While oral medications can help people whose eczema is resistant to treatment, their side effects can include high blood pressure, increased susceptibility to all types of infections, and mood and behavioural changes. Because of these risks, and the need for close and regular monitoring, oral anti-inflammatory treatment is only considered in severe cases of eczema that are difficult to control with other therapies.
Treatment – Sun Awareness
Prevention is KEY. Shield your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Sunscreen is one of the most common methods of sun protection. We recommend SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. During the daily sun protection times (when the UV Index is 3 and above) combine sunscreen with sun-protective clothing, a broad brimmed hat that protects the face, head, neck and ears and shade and sunglasses.
Become familiar with the look of your skin, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:
- Any crusty, non-healing sores
- Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
- New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour)
- If you notice any changes, consult your doctor. Your doctor may perform a biopsy or refer you to a specialist if he/she suspects a skin cancer.
How your pharmacist can help:
We have a range of solutions to help you look after your skin. If you are having problems with your skin or you notice something different, speak to one of our friendly staff members for advice.