What to do if you have red, itchy skin, but don't like to use steroid?

What to do if you have red, itchy skin, but don’t like to use steroid?

Many people will have dry, itchy skin in the winter. Some may even develop redness and rash. Although topical steroid can be very effective to relieve inflammation, many patients ask us what they can do to treat their symptoms without using topical steroids. Here are some practical tips:

Use a moisturizer – make sure you use a non-fragranced cream such as:

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream 453g, member price $16.39 at Custom Care Pharmacy

Cerave moisturizing cream 453g, member price $15.99 at Custom Care Pharmacy

 

Avoid using fragranced lotion as some contains an alcohol base which leads to dry skin and the fragrance can cause irritation. Lactic acid lotion, such as Lac-Hydrin, or Uric Acid cream, such as Uremol moisturizing cream, can relieve skin dryness by increasing the amount of water in the skin. However, if the skin is broken (i.e. open wound from scratching), there could be some stinging upon application.

Uremol 10 moisturizing cream 100g, member price $7.99 at Custom Care Pharmacy

 

 

 

Lac-hydrin 225mL, member price $7.69 at Custom Care Pharmacy

 

 

 

 

At Custom Care Pharmacy, we can custom make preservative-free and fragrance-free moisturizer for severe dry skin. We use a combination of effective and natural ingredients such as Shea butter and Glycerin to help your skin retain moisture. You can also choose to add vitamin E to your moisturizer. Prices start at $8.99! call us at 905-305-0111

Use a mild cleanser – most bar soaps will make the skin dry and itchy after a shower. Choose bar soaps that are made for sensitive skin or use a gentle cleanser (body wash).

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser 500mL, member price $12.09 at Custom Care Pharmacy

 

 

 

 

 

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing bar, member price $3.89 at Custom Care Pharmacy

 

 

 

Aveeno Eczema Care Body Wash 295mL, member price $8.58 at Custom Care Pharmacy

Use a dye-free and perfume-free detergent – the perfume and dye residues in clothing can sometimes irritate skin and lead to redness, itchiness and rash. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin and children. 

Use a humidifier in the room – This can help reduce the loss of moisture from your skin and reduce itchiness from dry skin.

In some cases, you may still need to use topical steroid as prescribed by your doctor.  You can minimize the side effects of topical steroid (such as thinning of the skin) by applying just a thin layer on the skin and using it no more than 2-3 times daily or as indicated. Once the inflammatory symptoms are relieved, stop using the topical steroid and use a non-medicated moisturizer instead.