Treatment care plan

Your clinician will help you answer these questions:

• Which shampoo do I use?
• What can I use instead of soap?
• What moisturiser do I use and how often?
• Which creams or ointments do I use on my face and how often should I apply them?
• Which creams or ointments do I use on my face and how often should I apply them?
• Which cream or ointment do I put on my body and how often should I apply it?

Top tips

• Males who are shaving are advised to use their moisturising cream rather than shaving gel.
• Do not use soap or scented products as they can irritate the skin.
• Moisturising regularly is an essential part of your treatment. The moisturiser you are using is safe to use anywhere on the body, even the face.
• Use a spoon to scoop creams out of large pots to prevent cross infection.
• Always apply creams in a gentle downward motion following the growth of the hair.
• Do not use steroid creams or ointments more than twice a day (some steroid creams are only to be used once a day, please ask).
• If there is no rash, use a moisturiser only.
• If you are using your own shampoo do not wash your hair whilst in the bath as shampoos can often irritate the skin.
• Avoid direct sunlight whilst you have your creams or ointments on as they may cause you to burn more easily and may also cause a skin rash.

Getting creams or ointments on clothing may make the material more flammable, therefore we advise you do not smoke and avoid naked flames.

You can get further supplies of your creams and ointments from your GP. Please make sure that you do not run out. 

For further advice

Please contact:

The Nurse in Charge
Dermatology Department
Telephone: 01709 424436
Monday to Friday - 8am to 7pm
Saturdays and bank holidays - 8am to 2pm

Support groups

National Eczema Society
Hill House
Hillgate Hill
London
N19 5NA

Telephone: 0870 2413604
Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm

The Psoriasis Association
Milton House
7 Milton Street
Northampton
NN2 7JG

Telephone: 01604 711129

How to contact us

Dermatology Reception
Monday to Friday - 9am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 01709 424514

Dermatology Department
Monday to Friday - 8am to 7pm
Saturdays and bank holidays - 8am until 2pm
Telephone: 01709 424436

Produced by Janet Keyworth, Charlotte Pickard, Irene Wright & Tara King, July 2007. 
Revised November 2008, October 2009, November 2011, January 2015, July 2018, Sept 2019, December 2021
Revision due December 2023. Version: 11.0 ©The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 2021. All rights reserved.