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GPs inappropriately prescribing aqueous cream to eczema patients |
GPs are unknowingly prescribing inappropriate treatment to eczema sufferers which is likely to worsen their condition, according to a December 2009 poll of 200 doctors. The research, commissioned by the makers of Dexeryl® cream, a topical emollient, found that almost 85% of doctors who prescribe aqueous cream to eczema patients prescribe it as a leave-on emollient – rather than as a wash, for which use it was originally designed. Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2009 found that when used as an emollient, aqueous cream can break down the skin barrier and causes irritant reactions. Dr. Anthony Bewley, consultant dermatologist at Whipps Cross and Barts Hospital in London said: “Many aqueous cream products contain sodium lauryl sulphate, a known detergent, which can be harmful to skin barrier function. Aqueous cream is known to be a very poor emollient and may even make some patient’s eczema worse.” Margaret Cox, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society said: “Aqueous cream, described by children as ‘the stinging cream’, can make them cry due to its harsh formula. I am shocked and disappointed that parents are being advised on this scale to apply something so irritant and damaging to their children’s delicate skin, especially when there are more effective emollients on the market.” “Aqueous cream was originally designed as a wash product… Aqueous cream is often misused as a leave-on emollient” - British Journal of Dermatology 2009 (Suppl. 1, p115) – Breakdown of the skin barrier induced by Aqueous Cream: implications for the management of atopic eczema T. Al Enezi, A. Sultan, J. Chittock, M. Moustafa, S. Danby and M.J.Cork Courtesy of Alex Gazzola Click here for more research on the management of eczema February 2010 |
