Alphaderm cream

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How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, hydrocortisone and urea. Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to the irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. When hydrocortisone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that is applied to the skin to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema. Urea is a substance that is found naturally in the skin, which by its nature is very attracted to water. It is used to help rehydrate dry, scaly skin. When urea is applied to the skin it penetrates the outer layer, known as the stratum corneum, where it readily absorbs and retains water. This increases the capacity of the skin to hold moisture, and the skin therefore becomes rehydrated. By rehydrating and softening the skin, urea improves the ability of the hydrocortisone to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation. Urea therefore makes the hydrocortisone slightly more potent. The active ingredients are also formulated in a moisturising base that provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin, helping to prevent water from evaporating from the skin surface. This reduces the dryness, scaling and itching of skin conditions such as eczema.

What is it used for?

- An eruption of solid raised areas in the skin accompanied by intense itching (prurigo)
- Eczema
- Thickened skin rash caused by excessive scratching to relieve itching (neurodermatitis)

Warning!

- Avoid prolonged use on the face.
- If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.
- This preparation is for external use only.
- This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- Continuous, long term use of this medicine should be avoided in children.
- Application to moist or split skin can cause temporary irritation.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.

Use with caution in

- Children

Not to be used in

- Acne vulgaris
- Bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection that is not secondary to another disease state (primary skin infections, eg impetigo, chickenpox, ringworm)
- Chronic inflammatory disorder of the facial skin (acne rosacea)
- Infected eczema or dermatitis
- Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- Weeping areas of skin

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.
- This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Label warnings

- This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

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