The beauty of them is that they get to work immediately where needed, “and because they don’t go through the digestive system and liver—like oral tablets and liquids—they cause fewer side effects,” explains Dr. Faheem Latheef. consultant dermatologist at Leeds NHS Hospitals Trust. But with a variety on offer and prices that vary widely, how do you know what to choose? We asked the experts for their recommendations on the best over-the-counter treatments for common skin problems.
Eczema/Dry skin
Expert Pick (body): Hydromol Ointment, 125g, £6.50, boots.com Ointment Hydromol “Many people with eczema struggle to find an emollient that moisturizes their skin enough to help with itching and pain,” says Dr. Latheef, since most over-the-counter medications aren’t designed to treat these conditions. situations. “Dermatologists instead recommend ointments [which have a Vaseline-like consistency] as creams contain water and need preservatives to prevent the water from ‘leaking’, but these additives can sometimes irritate the skin. “Ointments, on the other hand, are oil-based and water-free, so they don’t need these preservatives, but they tend to be greasier and more suitable for use on the hands, feet and trunk than the face. “Hydromol Ointment is good value and effective against very dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.” Expert Pick (Face): CeraVe Moisturiser, 454g, £12.80, boots.com “In recent studies [sponsored by the maker]this proved highly effective in increasing skin hydration for at least 24 hours after a single application. “It contains three tiles [fat molecules that form a key part of the skin barrier], and develops multi-bubble emulsion, a slow-release technology developed by the manufacturer that gradually releases moisturizing ingredients over 24 hours, rather than all in one go as with conventional creams. It’s also fragrance-free, so less likely to irritate sensitive skin, and it’s non-edible [won’t clog pores].’
Conjunctivitis
Specialists’ choice: Numark chloramphenicol 1% ophthalmic ointment, 4g, £3, doorsteppharmacy.com “Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria responsible for eye infections such as conjunctivitis,” says Sultan Dajani, a pharmacist in Hampshire. “Use the ointment version instead of the eye drops because the drops can be diluted by wet eyes, making them less effective. The ointment will not be diluted in the same way, but it will make your vision blurry for a while. “It’s also good for clearing up styes and doesn’t need to be refrigerated like eye drops do as the active ingredient is stable at room temperature. “Choose a pharmacy own brand – such as Numark – over a branded version as it is the same but costs £3 compared to £5.99 for Optrex Infected Eye Ointment, for example. “Use three to four times a day, reducing your symptoms. You can buy it over the counter for adults and children aged two and over, but you will need a prescription for children under two.’ Numark chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment
Acne
Experts’ pick: Acnecide 5% gel benzoyl peroxide, 30g, £6.59, chemist-4-u.com “The best over-the-counter products for mild acne are those that contain 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, such as Acnecide,” says Dr. Latheef. “Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that contribute to acne. It also removes excess oil and dead cells in clogged pores that are fed by bacteria. “And if you are taking certain antibiotics for acne (such as lemecycline, which is prescribed for moderate to severe acne) using a gel containing benzoyl peroxide in addition to these drugs means that more bacteria are killed, reducing the chances of antibiotic resistance. Acne 5% gel benzoyl peroxide
Muscle pain
Expert pick: Ibuleve pain relief 5% gel, 50g, £6.50, boots.com “I often recommend this gel to patients,” says Tim Allardyce, physiotherapist at Surrey Physio. “It contains 5 percent ibuprofen — an anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen tablets are not right for everyone — especially those with a stomach ulcer [it irritates the stomach lining] or asthma [it can worsen symptoms]. And even though you get a slightly lower dose in a gel, since it has to penetrate the skin, at least you can rub it where you need it and it doesn’t have to be digested. “There’s also a 10 percent max stamina version, but start with the lowest stamina. You may not need the highest dose, although there is almost no chance of side effects with a gel of any strength. Ibuleve Pain Relief Gel 5%. Virasoothe Cooling Chicken Pox Relief Gel
Itchy skin/chicken pox
Expert Pick: Virasoothe Chicken Pox Relief Cooling Gel, 75g, £9.50, boots.com “This is much better for treating chicken pox than the better-known calamine lotion,” says Sultan Dajani. “Calamine lotion is drying on the skin, causing itching and scratching that can lead to scarring. It also leaves a messy, salty residue and needs to be reapplied several times a day. “But Virasoothe is much more soothing as it contains glycerin, carbomer and sodium hydroxide — ingredients that draw moisture to the surface of the skin. “This soothing effect means less scratching [and potential scarring]. And the results last up to eight hours.’
Cracked heels
Expert pick: Flexitol Heel Balm, 112g, £9.49, superdrug.com Flexitol heel balm “Cracked heels can develop into fissures if left untreated and are potentially a site for microorganisms to enter the body,” says Dr. Latheef. “Untreated, this can then cause skin infections such as cellulitis [a bacterial infection in the deeper layers of the skin]athlete’s foot due to fungus and warts or warts due to viruses. “The risk of infection is higher if you have diabetes because the immune system is weaker and there is often poor blood circulation in the legs. As a lack of moisture in the skin around the area is one of the most common reasons for cracked heels, using an effective moisturizer twice a day can go a long way. Flexitol heel balm contains 25 percent urea, which attracts moisture from the air, locking in the skin.
Mouth ulcers
Expert Pick: Iglu Rapid Relief Mouth Ulcer Gel 8g, £6.29, boots.com “Mouth ulcers can be caused by a weakened immune system, injury and teeth grinding at night, as well as certain bacteria and food sensitivities,” says James Goolnik, a dentist at Bow Lane Dental Group in London. “They can appear inside the cheeks, lips, tongue and gums and, more rarely, on the roof of the mouth. Sometimes they form in painful clusters. Iglu gel contains an anesthetic, lidocaine hydrochloride, which numbs the area while the ulcer heals, plus aminoacridine hydrochloride, a disinfectant that kills the bacteria responsible, and paraffin wax, which forms a protective coating to prevent food and bacteria. Try to avoid eating with the gel. It lasts about an hour and can be reapplied as needed. Iglu can be bought without a prescription for anyone over the age of seven, but seek medical or dental advice for any ulcer that does not heal within ten days.’ Iglu Rapid Relief Mouth Ulcer Treatment Gel
Stings and bites
Expert pick: Anthisan cream, 25g, £4.49, boots.com “If you experience a local sting or allergic reaction to a bite, your best bet is to rub an antihistamine cream, such as Anthisan, on the affected area,” says Sultan Dajani. “It works immediately and contains an antihistamine called mepyramine maleate. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body and stored in cells called mast cells in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance, such as a sting, the mast cells break down, releasing their stores of histamine – these cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction, including inflammation, redness and itching of the skin. “Mepyramine stabilizes mast cells, preventing them from breaking down. Antihistamine tablets aren’t very helpful if you’ve just been stung as they take two or three days to work.’ Antisan cream
Fungal infections
Experts’ Choice: Clotrimazole 1% Cream, 20g, £1.99, chemist-4-u.com “This is effective in treating fungal skin infections, including athlete’s foot, fungal diaper rash, and infections of the groin, armpit, or skin folds,” says Sultan Dajani. “The active ingredient, clotrimazole, kills the fungal infection, relieving itching. Use for five days afterwards to prevent any remaining spores from germinating. “Save money by buying an own pharmacy brand like this — instead of a more well-known name like Canesten, which costs around £3.49.” Clotrimazole cream 1%.
Remote health
Improving patient care through remote monitoring. This week: Mental health patients A new tool the size of a credit card has been developed to help remotely monitor mental health patients for heart problems caused by antipsychotic drugs. Developed by AliveCor KardiaMobile, the device is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) — allowing healthcare professionals to take accurate readings of a patient’s heart rate without having to go to a hospital. The assessment, which can be done in their home, is also less invasive and saves time. The results are sent to the clinical team via Bluetooth on a mobile phone or tablet — the readings can then be analyzed to decide if the patient’s treatment needs to be changed. The device is currently being used in Yorkshire and the North East, reducing delays in cardiac screening.
