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
Doxycycline 100mg capsules and tablets, used for acne vulgaris, chlamydia, Lyme disease and respiratory tract infection. A broad-spectrum tetracycline.

Aristocort
4mg
Triamcinolone 4mg tablets, used for inflammatory skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis. A synthetic corticosteroid taken by mouth rather than applied.

Retin-a Gel
0.01 · 0.025%
Retin-A Gel is tretinoin at 0.01% and 0.025% in a gel base for acne vulgaris, a vitamin A derivative that speeds turnover of the skin.

Fusiderm B
2/0.12%
Fusiderm B is betamethasone with fusidic acid as a cream for eczema and dermatitis, a potent steroid alongside an antibacterial agent.

Retin-a Cream
0.025 · 0.05%
Tretinoin cream at 0.025% and 0.05%, applied for acne vulgaris and photoageing. It normalises keratinisation so microcomedones do not form.

Hydroquinone Cream
4%
Hydroquinone 4% cream, applied to the skin for hyperpigmentation. A tyrosinase inhibitor that interrupts the first step of melanin formation.

Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid Cream
2/0.12%
Betamethasone with fusidic acid as a 2/0.12% cream for eczema and infected dermatitis. A potent corticosteroid alongside an antibacterial.

Heximar Ointment
15 · 30g
Heximar Ointment is calcipotriol in 15g and 30g tubes for plaque psoriasis, a synthetic vitamin D analogue that normalises keratinocyte turnover.

Lomexin Cream
30g
Lomexin Cream is fenticonazole in a 30g tube for candidiasis, applied to the skin. It blocks ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane.

Desonate Cream
10g
Desonide cream in a 10g tube, applied for atopic dermatitis and eczema. A low-potency topical corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic.
Key points
- 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. A steroid applied to an undiagnosed fungal rash usually makes it worse. Potency and the area treated both matter, because thin skin absorbs more of what is put on it.
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.
Further reading
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29 Jun 2026
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