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

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