Sensitive & Medicated

Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested skincare for skin that reacts to everything: CeraVe, Aveeno, La Roche-Posay Toleriane, Eucerin, E45 and Oilatum. The ranges our pharmacists recommend for eczema, dry skin, redness and sensitivity.

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Caring for sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin

The one rule: moisturise more than you think

Dry and eczema-prone skin has a weak barrier that lets water out and irritants in. The fix is an emollient applied generously at least twice a day, every day, not just during flares. Ointments (such as Eucerin Aquaphor) are the most protective, creams (CeraVe Moisturising Cream, Aveeno Dermexa) are the best all-rounders, and lotions (CeraVe Lotion, E45 Lotion) are lightest for daytime and large areas.

Washing

Soap strips the barrier. Use a soap-free wash such as Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Wash, an emollient bath additive such as Oilatum, or simply apply your moisturiser as a wash. Keep showers warm rather than hot and pat dry.

Flares

Red, itchy patches respond to a short course of 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for up to a week, on top of continued emollient. For the face or for children, check with us first. Itch that keeps you awake responds to E45 Itch Relief Gel or a cooling menthol lotion.

Facial sensitivity and redness

La Roche-Posay Toleriane is built for skin that stings with ordinary products: the Dermo-Cleanser, then Toleriane Sensitive cream (fluid for oilier skin, riche for dry). Aveeno Calm + Restore uses oat to calm redness. Avoid fragrance, alcohol, exfoliating acids and physical scrubs until the skin has settled.

Hands

Hand eczema from washing and sanitiser is common. CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream after every wash and a thick ointment under cotton gloves at night usually repairs it within two weeks.

See a GP if: eczema is weeping, crusted or yellow (possible infection), if it covers a large area, if a child's sleep is badly affected, or if hydrocortisone has not helped after a week.

Common questions about sensitive & medicated

What is the best cream for eczema in Ireland?

For daily moisturising, CeraVe Moisturising Cream, Aveeno Dermexa and Eucerin's dry-skin range are the ones we recommend most. For flare-ups, a 1% hydrocortisone cream for up to seven days alongside the moisturiser. Severe or infected eczema needs a GP.

Ointment, cream or lotion?

Ointments are greasiest and most protective, best for very dry patches and at night. Creams suit most people most of the time. Lotions are lightest and good for daytime or large areas. Many people use a lotion by day and a cream or ointment at night.

Can I use hydrocortisone on my face?

Only for a few days at a time and only on advice. The skin on the face is thin and long-term steroid use can damage it. For facial redness that is not eczema, a calming range such as Toleriane or Aveeno Calm + Restore is a safer starting point.

Why does my skin sting with every moisturiser?

Usually a damaged barrier reacting to fragrance, preservatives or acids. Strip the routine back to a bland emollient such as CeraVe Cream or Aveeno for two weeks, then reintroduce products one at a time. If stinging continues, see a GP to rule out allergy or rosacea.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.