Skin Conditions

ROSACEA is a common skin condition that usually affects the face. It is a long-term condition estimated to affect up to 1 in 10 people in Europe.¹
Symptoms include:

• Facial redness (which can stay visible) on the cheeks, nose and chin
• Flushing on the face, neck and chest
• Blood vessels showing on the skin
• Areas of thicker skin
• Pustules (swellings containing pus)/papules (red bumps) on the skin.

These symptoms can come and go. They may be triggered by various factors, for example, facial redness can be caused by sun exposure, hot drinks or exercise.

You can advise customers to:

• Avoid triggers (for example, not eating spicy food or use sunblock to minimise sun exposure)
• Clean their face with a mild and non-abrasive cleanser
• Use products suitable for sensitive skin or suitable for rosacea

Remember: Customers presenting with symptoms of rosacea should always be advised to see their GP if they haven't had this condition diagnosed.

ACNE is a common skin condition that occurs mostly on the face, back and chest. The skin may be oily and there will be spots, which can vary in type and severity. There are two main types of treatment available over the counter for acne. Those containing benzoyl peroxide or nicotinamide.

• Benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin
• The cream/gel should be applied once or twice daily to all areas of the face that are affected
• Side-effects include skin irritation (peeling, reddening or blistering), so it should be used sparingly
• Let customers know that their skin will be more sensitive to sunlight, so they should try to avoid exposure to strong sunlight. If exposure is unavoidable, they should use a suitable sunscreen lotion
• Customers should also take care to not get any onto clothes as it can bleach them
• In addition, nicotinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect which reduces redness, swelling and tenderness.

Customers with more severe acne, or those who can't control their symptoms with OTC products, should be referred to their GP. It may also be appropriate to refer customers to the Boots Acne Online Clinic. The clinic allows customers with mild to moderate acne, who are aged between 18 and 64 years old, to access prescription-only medicines for the treatment of acne.^*

^*Subject to clinician approval and eligibility criteria. Charges apply.

ECZEMA can be managed first line with regular use of emollients. They reduce water loss from the skin and cover it with a protective film. This results in feeling more comfortable as well as reducing the appearance of rough or dry skin. For further information on emollients and treating flare ups see P10B In Practice: Skincare. You can also advise customers to wash with unscented, soap-free cleansers and to use emollient creams/lotions/ointments to help lock in moisture. For further information please see your Pharmacy or Healthcare Advisor Programme.

DRY SKIN can feel rough, tight or itchy and can become chapped or cracked. You can advise customers to moisturise daily with a dry skin moisturiser, while the skin is still damp and use gentle, unscented skin care products.

PSORIASIS is an immune disorder in which skin cells multiply too fast. The condition causes patches of red, flaky, crusty skin covered with silvery scales. It affects around 2-3 per cent of the population.² There is no cure and customers may have different treatments prescribed by their GP (e.g. topical corticosteriods, which are not licensed for use in psoriasis OTC).³ Moisturisers can also help manage symptoms and should be used every day.