Skin Care
Acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin infections can look similar but require different treatment. A correct diagnosis helps avoid worsening the condition or delaying care.
Vibramycin
100mg
Indicated to manage bacterial infections to support recovery and skin health.
Aristocort
4mg
This product is designed to alleviate inflammatory skin conditions and is effectively utilized for systemic inflammatory control.
Retin-a Gel
0.01 · 0.025%
Formulated to target acne lesions to support skin renewal.
Fusiderm B
2/0.12%
Indicated to support skin healing in inflammatory conditions complicated by infection.
Retin-a Cream
0.025 · 0.05%
Formulated to alleviate acne vulgaris and designed to support skin texture improvement.
Hydroquinone Cream
4%
Designed to alleviate hyperpigmentation to support even skin tone.
Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid Cream
2/0.12%
Intended to treat superficial bacterial infections to manage skin inflammation.
Heximar Ointment
15 · 30g
Indicated to manage psoriasis symptoms to alleviate skin lesions.
Lomexin Cream
30g
Designed to alleviate fungal infection symptoms to mitigate dermatological irritation.
Desonate Cream
10g
Formulated to manage inflammatory skin conditions, this corticosteroid is indicated to support the reduction of redness and swelling associated with dermatitis.
Key takeaways
- Topical steroids reduce inflammation but the appropriate strength and duration depend on the body area and diagnosis.
- Retinoids treat selected acne, but oral isotretinoin requires strict pregnancy precautions and clinical monitoring.
- Antibiotic skin treatments should be used only for an appropriate bacterial infection to limit treatment failure and resistance.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, including prescription and pregnancy-safety requirements.
How the medicine groups differ
Topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone reduce inflammation. Retinoids include topical tretinoin and oral isotretinoin. Calcipotriol is used in selected psoriasis treatment, while fusidic acid is an antibiotic for selected bacterial infections.
What these medicines are used for
Uses may include acne vulgaris, psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis. Fungal, bacterial and inflammatory rashes need different medicines.
Important safety checks
Do not use a potent steroid on the face, groin, broken skin or a suspected infection unless directed. Retinoids need pregnancy and sun-exposure precautions; oral isotretinoin also requires specialist monitoring. Avoid sharing antibiotics or reusing an old prescription for a new rash.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, blistering or peeling skin, a rapidly spreading painful rash, fever with a rash, or redness and swelling around the eyes. Pregnancy during oral isotretinoin treatment requires immediate contact with the treating clinician.
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