OTC corticosteroids
Hydrocortisone cream and ointment can be sold OTC for flare-ups of eczema in children over 10 year of age. Patients who have not previously been diagnosed with atopic eczema or who have widespread and/or severe eczema should be referred to their GPs. However, hydrocortisone 1 per cent cream and ointment cannot be sold for use in children under 10 years of age, even on medical advice – it must be prescribed by the GP.
Clobetasone butyrate 0.05 per cent cream (moderate potency) may be sold for the short-term treatment and control of small patches of atopic eczema in adults and children over 12 years of age.
