Advising on different skin conditions
ADVISING ON DIFFERENT SKIN CONDITIONS
There are many different types of skin conditions, and it is important to distinguish between sensitive or mild dry skin and more serious conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal and bacterial skin infections.
Generally, anyone who presents with cracked skin or skin that has been broken by scratching that is painful and inflamed should be referred to their GP as a secondary bacterial infection is possible.
People who have symptoms of atopic eczema (itchy, dry, cracked and sore skin, often on the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children) should seek medical advice to confirm the diagnosis.2
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance. It causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry and cracked.3 Customers should be referred to their GP if they have persistent, recurrent or severe symptoms of contact dermatitis. They may be referred to a dermatologist if:
- The substance causing the contact dermatitis cannot be identified
- The symptoms are not responding to treatment
Where to go next…
Further resources to help you advise your customers on eczema and dry skin can be found below