Dermatitis
What is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis refers to a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation of the skin not caused by an infection. The conditions may be temporary or chronic, mild or, in rare instances, very serious.
Atopic Dermatitis
The prevalent form of chronic eczema. It is a genetically inherited condition that tends to run in families who also suffer from hay fever and asthma. Atopic dermatitis will affect about 17% of Canadians at some point in their lives. It is a long-lasting, chronic condition causing inflamed, dry and itchy skin.
Contact Dermatitis
While most people associate allergies with sniffling noses and watery eyes, another kind of allergy is contact dermatitis. When your skin comes into direct contact with a substance it causes red, itchy, and bumpy skin and may even produce blistering. The most common causes of contact dermatitis can be cosmetics, plants like poison ivy, and jewelry. While the rash isn’t contagious to others, it can be extremely uncomfortable.
Learn more about dermatitis including advice for easing symptoms.
How Can My Pharmacist Help?
For most people, a combination of therapies is needed to manage chronic dermatitis.
Treatment options for most types of skin conditions can include moisturizers and topical corticosteroids. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) may also be used to treat atopic dermatitis. The most important step in both treating and preventing dermatitis flare-ups is frequent moisturizing.
Your Pharmasave pharmacist or doctor can help you navigate all the treatment options, providing information and advice for a personal treatment plan that’s right for you.
Find your local Pharmasave and talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist about your skin condition and which treatment might be right for you.
What If I Need A Prescription?
For some people with more severe skin conditions, a combination of treatments including antihistamines recommended to help with itching and sleep, may be needed.
After an assessment of the type, frequency and severity of your skin condition your Pharmasave pharmacist can write a prescription for treatment instead of an over-the-counter medication or at-home treatment if deemed necessary.
To learn more about how your pharmacist can help, visit your local Pharmasave store and speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist.
The common ailments a pharmacist can prescribe for varies by province*. For more details, view the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s chart: Common Ailments Prescribing in Canada.
*Note that common ailments prescribing is not always covered by provincial health care – a pharmacy fee may apply. Speak with your pharmacist about eligibility.
