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Chapter 13: Skin
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Management of eczema
Management of psoriasis
Management of seborrhoeic dermatitis
Treatment of itching skin (pruritus)
Management of urticaria
Management of acne
Treatment of rosacea
Treatment of actinic keratoses
Management of hyperhidrosis
Management of skin conditions
13.2 Emollient and barrier preparations
13.3 Antipruritics
13.4 Topical corticosteroids
13.5 Preparations for eczema and psoriasis
13.6 Acne and rosacea
13.7 Preparations for warts and calluses
13.8 Sunscreens and camouflagers
13.9 Shampoos and other preparations for scalp and hair conditions
13.10 Anti-infective skin preparations
13.11 Skin cleansers, antiseptics, and desloughing agents
13.12 Antiperspirants
13.13 Miscellaneous skin preparations
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13.3 Antipruritics
First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only
| SELF-CARE: NHS England has published guidance for various common conditions for which over the counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care. One of these conditions is mild irritant dermatitis. Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available OTC along with advice from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available from shops and supermarkets. |
An emollient may be of value where the pruritus is associated with dry skin.
Calamine preparations are often ineffective and have little proven benefit. In addition they dry the skin and cause the pruritus to worsen.
Crotamiton
- Cream 10% (£5.91 = 100g)
Indications and dose
- Pruritus
- Adults and children aged over 3 years of age: apply two to three times daily
- Children aged under 3 years of age: apply once daily
Notes
- Exclude scabies before use as crotamiton masks this and it is not fully effective as an acaricide.
Levomenthol Cream, BP (Menthol in Aqueous Cream)
- Cream 0.5%, 1%, 2% (£18.64 = 1% x 500g)
Doxepin
- Cream 5% (£13.66 = 30g)
Indications and dose
- Localised areas of itch (e.g. pruritis ani) only
- Apply thinly three to four times daily
Difelikefalin
- Solution for injection vials 50micrograms/1ml
Notes
- NICE TA890: Difelikefalin (Kapruvia) is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, for treating moderate to severe pruritus in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) having in-centre haemodialysis, only if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement (May 2023).
