Page 37 - P4403.14-V106 July OTC Magazine NI 2025

MEDICATED SKIN / SKINCARE 37
Why is Medicated Skin Important?

High levels of sufferers but low levels of confidence in treating

7 in 10 adults and 9 in 10 children are diagnosed by a HCP at some stage, however
almost half of adults with a mild condition never seek HCP diagnosis. (1)

70% people stated they would be confident in dealing with a cold, but only 18% in
dealing with Mild Eczema, Psoriasis and dermatitis. (2)

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, affecting up to 15-20% of
children by the age of 7. (3)

Although atopic dermatitis is often not recognised as a serious medical condition,
it can have a significant, negative impact on the quality of life for affected children
and their parents and carers, and adults.

Damage to the skin’s natural barrier: Stratum Trans Epidermal
Corneum Water Loss (TEWL)
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) occurs when
the skin’s natural barrier is damaged, allowing Irritants &
Allergens
excess moisture to evaporate from the skin
surface (stratum corneum)., resulting in dry,
dehydrated skin.
Epidermis
Irritants and allergens can penetrate the skin,
invoking an immune response that causes
irritation and itching. Frequent scratching Dermis
further damages the skin, causing an itch-
scratch-itch cycle of damage.

Irritants & Allergens
Emollients:

Emollients keep water in and irritants out. They
prevent TEWL by providing a protective layer
over the skin surface (stratum corneum). Emollient
Layer
The water trapped under the emollient layer
passes back into the skin cells, which swell and Water
restore the skin barrier.
When used correctly, emollients can greatly
reduce the symptoms of atopic eczema.

1) T&R Specialist Skin Category Strategy 2021
2) Yonder online Omnibus survey for Thornton & Ross, fieldwork conducted 22-23 June 2024, sample 2,108
3) Simpson C, Newton J, Hippisley-Cox J, Sheikh A. Trends in the epidemiology and prescribing of medication for eczema in England.

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P4403.14-V106 July OTC Magazine 2025 NI.indd 37 09/06/2025 16:27:31