Treatment Sunburn and Mole

• Please check all ingredients to make sure one is not sensitive or allergic to ingredients

Aim:

• To soothe and calm down the sun burn and restore the skin to its original state.

Anti-histamines

These drugs work by blocking the chemical histamine which is released during an allergic reaction and should be taken when one expects their symptoms for the best results.

Please note never to exceed the stated dose and are available in liquids and/or tablets and side effects of anti-histamines are more noticeable in older patients.

Local Rash

Anti-histamine creams

Emollients and oils

• Emollients are first line treatments to improve eczema. It keeps the skin hydrated, making it more flexible and less itchy.
• It should be used (add in bath) 10-20 minutes once or twice daily in Luke warm water (spending more than 20 minutes in the bath can irritate and worsen the dry skin).
• It provides an oily layer over the surface of the skin and keeps the skin hydrated.
• It traps water under the oily layer and prevents water being evaporated.
• It also decreases the penetration of allergens and irritants (hence used in allergies).
• It decreases itchiness and soothes irritated skin and has anti-cleaning properties so soaps are not needed.
• One should use emollients in the same direction as the hair grows, do not rub in a circular motion onto skin (it will block pores and make eczema worse).
• Be aware emollients can make the skin, bath and showers very slippery and extra care is needed especially with children and elderly, a bath mat may help.
• Always once finished clean the bath or shower thoroughly after use.
• Always ‘pat dry’ with a clean dry towel, do not rub the skin.
• A big advantage with emollients is that it can be used to cover large areas and should be used regularly even if one has no flare-ups.
• They also seem to make other treatments more effective for example when using a steroid cream (use the emollient first and then 10-15 minutes after apply other necessary treatment).

Soap Substitutes

• Soaps, bubble baths, moisturising soaps can dry out your skin and leave the skin very irritated.
• An alternative to soaps are soap substitutes.
• They leave your skin moist and less irritated; one should wash with those instead.
• Most soap substitutes come in a dispenser to prevent bacterial contamination. However, we do advise if more than one member uses a product, they should have their own. If one does not have a dispenser one should scoop cream on a clean pate, instead of dipping their hands into a pot.
• Soap substitutes do not lather like soap but they do cleanse the skin.

Creams

• Creams hydrate the skin like emollients and prevent water evaporating from the skin.
  Some creams are also used as ‘soap substitutes’.
• They should be used liberally and regularly (four to six times daily). It is not unusual to use 250g-600g of cream each week. Most people believe that is too much, but it is not.
• One should take a tub to school/work and it can be used all the body if required and not just on patches. Again it should be used even if one has no flare-ups.
• A good tip is to warm cream with hands to make it easier to apply.
• It should be used especially after one has had a bath or shower to lock water in the skin, since it is then one loses a lot of water from ones skin when drying one self.
• Rub the cream softly in a downward fashion in direction of hairline.
• Do not rub vigorously.
• If itching is a particular problem, creams can be kept cooled in a fridge before applying them.

Lotions

• They are like creams but are less oily and are easier to apply (less messy) .They have an advantage to cover large areas and hairy areas.
• They are ideal if skin not too dry.
• Again they need to be used liberally and regularly even if one has no flare-ups.
• It should be applied in the same direction as the hair grows and not a circular motion as it can block hair follicles and pores making eczema worse.
• If itching is a particular concern It can be kept cooled in a fridge before applying them.

Ointments

• Are like creams and lock in even more moisture, but are harder to apply, it can take up to an hour to soak in and can stain clothing.
• It is ideal to use at night or if one has extremely dry skin. If itching is a problem, they can be cooled in the fridge before applying them.
• It is best not to use on hairy areas as they can block hair follicles which can lead to further swelling and infection.

Shower Gels

• They work like emollients, but in a shorter time.
• It can be used under running water and in wash basins and are ideal for people on the go.
• Again they should be used regularly and liberally.
• Be aware it can make shower slippery. A shower mat may help (tell others!) Again always pat dry and use even when one has no flare ups.

Sprays

• Work like emollients and creams, the big advantage is one does not have to touch the skin. It is ideal for very hairy skin and large areas and no bacterial contamination.

Steroidal Cream/ointment

• These creams are only used sparingly when one has a flare-up on unbroken skin.
• It can only be used up to seven days and restrictions do apply.
• If one wants to use it outside the restricted rules then one must see a medical doctor for a prescription, because the medical doctor must asses if it is suitable to use.
• They help to reduce redness and inflammation and it should be used 10-15 minutes after an emollient to get the optimum results.
• Do not use creams/lotions at the same time with steroidal products as this makes the steroid less effective.
• Ointments tend to be used at night or in more severe ‘flare ups’.
• Creams are generally used in mild ‘flare ups’ and are easier to apply.

Soothing Creams

• These products help to cool the skin, reduce itching and irritation and can be used with oral anti-histamines.

Calamine lotion/cream

• It is an astringent and is used to treat mild itchiness.
• This includes from sunburn, insect bites, skin allergies,helps out to dry out skin irritations or other mild skin conditions.
• It is applied on the skin and should be dabbed on the skin with cotton wool, always give the bottle a good shake as the calamine lotion sediment sits on the bottom.
• The cream formulation should be applied as a cream.
• Side effects may include skin irritation.

Witch Hazel

It contains tannins which has:

• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• non anti-inflammatory activity that  fights against bacteria
• Can act as an astringent by drying out the skin
• Always use a high quality forms (many cosmetics contain perfumed products and other additives which may not agree with your skin)- preferably non alcohol and/or contain aloe vera (has antiseptic properties and good for sunburns as well as moisturising properties) and/or hyaluronic acid (act as a good moisturiser).
  • Soak either a soft cloth or a sturdy paper towel with the solution. Then gently press onto the burn.
  • Don’t rub it in, as this can cause further irritation
  • Scalp burns/chemical burns/sunburn: Witch hazel may be applied directly to your scalp in the shower, or you can mix a small amount with your regular shampoo.
• It does not help to get rid of itchiness
• It is not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and/or extreme dryness as it can be very drying, which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
• If one have any open skin areas, the product  also cause the skin to burn when applied and/or one may want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
• If you’re trying out witch hazel for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm. If you don’t see any redness, rash, or dryness after a couple of days, then you can try it out on your face.
• Do not apply under the skin directly to help bags under the eye (mix with other creams and/or lotions).
• If using this product and have signs of an allergic/anaphylaxis  reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.

Painkillers for headache

There are a wide range of painkillers and anti-inflammatory painkillers available and are available in a variety of forms from sachets, liquids, tablets and soluble tablets and patches.

Paracetamol

• Paracetamol has no anti-inflammatory action. It does help to reduce temperature and pain by blocking signals to the brain and is gentle on the stomach.
• Paracetamol must be taken to the manufacturer’s direction. Do not exceed dose as it can be dangerous.
• Please be aware Paracetamol can be found in many cold and flu products so don’t take them together or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen

• These are known as NSAID – Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
• They have painkilling, anti-inflammatory and lowering fever properties by helping to blocking prostaglandins.
• They can cause stomach upset (extra caution must be taken with those who have a stomach ulcer) so it is important to have it with or after food.
• It can also raise one’s blood pressure (extra caution on those with heart problems). They must be taken according to manufacturer’s directions as exceeding the does can be dangerous.
• Please be aware that cold and flu products have NSAIDS.
• Do not take at same time or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.