Dermatology Medications

Understanding Dermatology Medications

Healthy skin has many important functions including protecting you from outside bacteria, helping regulate the temperature in your body, producing Vitamin D to help with your metabolism and giving you a glowing look. It is therefore important that you take the utmost care of your skin.

This precious and invaluable skin can be affected by many dermatological conditions ranging from acne to psoriasis , hence its important to have the right medications on hand to treat them and get your skin back on track.

At Meds For Less, we have a varied and comprehensive catalogue of dermatological medications for you to browse through. Once you find the one you need, we can have it delivered to your home address easily, reliably and conveniently within 24 hours.

At Meds For Less , we have a range of dermatology meds of different types, for different uses and different mechanisms of actions.

We have topical medications such as creams and ointments to use in the treatment of conditions like eczema, psoriasis or acne. These options include steroid creams such as Daktacourt or Betamethasone, Acnecide gels such as Benzoyl peroxide, Hydrating cleansers, moisturizers and lotions; as well as Oils for skincare.

We also have oral antibiotics to treat harsh conditions like Rosacea and Therapeutic soaps and shampoos for dandruff and psoriasis.

The common uses of dermatology medications include:

• Antibiotics, Benzoyl Peroxide or Retinoid treatment for Acne
• Topical steroids, Appropriate soaps and Shampoos for Psoriasis
• Moisturizers and steroid creams for eczema
• Antifungal medicines for fungal infections

For our full catalogue of dermatology skin medications, please browse our website below.

Common Skin Conditions Treated

There are some common skin conditions that can be easily and effectively treated with the medication we offer at Meds For Less. These include:

• Eczema- Also known as Atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is also linked to allergies and asthma. It has symptoms of itchiness, red skin and scaly patches
  • Treatment for Eczema include Corticosteroid creams, Broad spectrum insecticides like Malathion or Emollient creams like E45
• Acne is a skin condition caused by blocked hair follicles due to oil, bacteria or dead skin.It can cause symptoms like blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or cysts
  • Treatments for acne include Benzoyl peroxide creams, Topical antibiotics or Oral antibiotics
• Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder causing rapid skin cell buildup. Its symptoms include thick scaly patches, often on the knees or scalp.
  • Treatments for psoriasis include Corticosteroid topical creams, Vitamin D supplements or Some more potent medicines (for which you should consult your healthcare advisors).
• Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition triggered by heat, stress and alcohol and has symptoms of facial redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes pimples.
  • Treatments for Rosacea include Metronidazole and azelaic acid creams and gels and oral antibiotics to reduce the infection and inflammation.

Types of Dermatology Medications Available

There are different types of dermatological medications and these can be classified in different ways, where they are applied on the body, the mode of application (oral, powders, gels) and the active ingredients they use. Below you can find an overview of the more common types of dermatological medications.

Topical medications are applied directly to the skin and are helpful in treating conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis or fungal infections. Examples include:

• Topical corticosteroids which work by reducing inflammation, redness and itching,
  • Examples include hydrocortisone or betamethasone creams to treat acne, eczema or psoriasis
• Topical retinoids to reduce inflammation or treat acne
  • Examples include Adapalene, gels, serums or dermatology creams for the face to be used in the treatment of acne or psoriasis.
• Topical antibiotics to reduce acne causing bacteria and treat bacterial skin infections
  • Examples include treatment of Acne or Rosacea with Clindamycin or Erythromycin
• Topical Antifungal medications can be used to treat fungal infections of the skin
  • Examples include treatment of athlete’s foot, ringworm or candidiasis with medicines like Clotrimazole or Ketoconazole in the forms of creams

There are also oral medications available that can be used in the treatment of conditions like acne, psoriasis or rosacea. Examples include:

• Oral antibiotics to reduce infections and control acne
  • Examples include Doxycycline or Lymecycline
• Oral retinoids to reduce sebum production, treat severe acne and manage conditions like psoriasis
  • Examples include Isotretinoin (accutane) capsules or tablets
• Oral antifungal medicines used in the treatment of systemic or severe fungal infections
  • Examples include Fluconazole or Terbinafine tablets or capsules

Overall there are multiple types of dermatological medications you can use for the treatment of the multiple dermatological conditions. Specific medicines will be required for specific conditions, please consult your healthcare provider for more information.

How to Choose the Right Treatment

To choose the right treatment for your dermatological condition, you need to understand the condition, its severity and your specific needs.

The first step in choosing the right treatment is identifying the condition with an accurate diagnosis and determining the severity of the condition. It might help to understand the underlying causes like hormonal balances allergies or autoimmune disorders. Your healthcare provider can help with this by taking a history of your symptoms from you and then ordering appropriate investigations.

When choosing the right treatment for you, you may consider what you want out of this particular treatment choice. This might include relief from symptoms, managing chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis or preventing recurrence or complications.

There are different treatment options available including topical ones, systemic ones and lifestyle measures. Topical treatments are best for localised or mild conditions and systemic treatments are best for severe or widespread conditions. Understanding the severity of your condition can help you pick an appropriate medication choice.

You may also consider how your personal health such as skin type, age, co-existing medical conditions and lifestyle may influence which medicine you are taking. Your healthcare provider can also help you understand this.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Dermatology medicines can have a range of side effects depending on the condition being treated, the skin type it’s used on and the medicines on properties. Below are some of the side effects and considerations that accompany the use of some of the medications used in dermatology.

Steroids:

Common side effects of topical steroids include:

• Skin thinning with prolonged use
• Strech marks
• Pigmentation changes
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Possible allergic reaction

Some considerations with topical steroid use include:

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to avoid side effects
• Avoid application on thin skin areas like the face or groin unless specifically directed by your doctor

Antibiotics

Common side effects of antibiotics in dermatology include:

• Increased redness and irritation at the application site
• Possible allergic reaction

Considerations for topical antibiotic use include:

• Its advisable to combine antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance

Acnecide gels

Common side effects of Acnecide gels include:

• Skin irritation around the site of application
• Mild dryness, redness or itching at the site of application
• Possible allergic reactions

Considerations for Acnecide gel use include:

• Avoid using on areas of skin that have cuts, scrapes or burns as this can cause pain and irritation

There are a range of dermatology medications available to treat a range of conditions. Each one has different side effects, please consult your healthcare advisor about the specific medication you wish to use. You may also find more information including a list of side effects in each medicine’s patient information leaflet (PIL) that accompanies the box.

Choosing the Right Dermatology Cream for Your Skin Type

Selecting the right dermatology cream starts with understanding your skin’s unique type and needs. Each formulation serves a different purpose and offers specific benefits depending on the skin concern.

For example:

• Oily or acne-prone skin: choose lightweight, non-comedogenic gels that control oil and prevent breakouts.
• Dry or eczema-prone skin: pick richer dermatology skin creams with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
• Sensitive skin: opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic creams that calm redness and reduce irritation.

When selecting a dermatology cream, pay attention to the active ingredients:

• Corticosteroids – reduce inflammation and itching.
• Retinoids – improve texture and cell renewal.
• Antifungal agents – fight infections like ringworm or candidiasis.

Applying the right product for your skin type ensures faster results, fewer reactions, and long-lasting comfort. Always consult a dermatologist before starting any new topical treatment.

Safe and Effective Use of Dermatology Medications

Using dermatology medications correctly is essential to achieve effective results while minimising the risk of irritation or unwanted side effects. Whether you are using over-the-counter products or dermatology prescription medications, following proper guidance helps protect the skin barrier and supports long-term skin health.

Before applying any dermatology cream or treatment, cleanse the skin gently using mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry and ensure it is free from makeup, sunscreen, or other skincare products unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Apply a thin, even layer of dermatology skin cream to the affected area only. Using more product than recommended does not improve results and may increase the risk of irritation. When applying topical treatments, the fingertip unit method can be helpful to ensure the correct amount is used.

If multiple products are part of your routine, apply medicated treatments first and allow them to absorb fully before using moisturisers or emollients. Avoid layering several active treatments unless this has been recommended by a clinician.

Always follow the prescribed dose and duration, especially when using steroid creams or oral medicines. Consistent and careful use supports healing, reduces complications, and ensures dermatology treatments remain both safe and effective.

When to See a Doctor for Skin Conditions

Many mild skin conditions can be managed at home with appropriate treatments, but some situations require professional medical advice. Knowing when to seek help can prevent complications and ensure the correct medications used dermatology are selected for your condition.

You should consult a doctor or dermatologist if a skin condition does not improve after one to two weeks of treatment, worsens over time, or causes significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection such as oozing or fever.

Medical advice is also recommended if skin symptoms affect the face, genitals, or large areas of the body, or if the condition repeatedly returns despite treatment. People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, weakened immune systems, or severe allergies should seek professional guidance before starting new skin treatments.

Early assessment by a healthcare professional helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and access to stronger or prescription-based therapies when necessary.

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