Frequently asked questions
Eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably to describe a group of commonly occurring skin conditions. They affect up to 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults. The signs and symptoms vary, but can include making the skin dry, red, hot and itchy. It can affect any part of the body, although it most commonly appears on the hands, insides of elbows and behind the knees. It can also become inflamed, leading to additional redness and irritation during ‘flare-ups’.
No, eczema and dermatitis are not contagious. You, or your children, can't catch eczema by coming into contact with someone with the condition. However, if you aren't sure about your diagnosis, we recommend you check this with your doctor or pharmacist to rule out other skin problems that can be infectious or contagious.
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects 1 in 50 people. It occurs equally in men and women and can start at any age. Psoriasis is a long-term condition which may come and go throughout your lifetime. Symptoms include raised silvery patches of skin which have distinct red edges. It does not usually scar the skin, although sometimes it can cause a temporary increase or reduction in skin colour. The outer layer of skin (the epidermis) contains skin cells which are continuously being replaced. This process normally takes between 3 and 4 weeks. Psoriasis causes skin cells to divide quicker, so that cells are both formed and shed in as little as 3 to 4 days. Infections, stress, damage to the skin, alcohol, and sometimes intense sunlight may trigger flares of psoriasis. For more information, click here.
No, psoriasis is not contagious. You, or your children, can't catch psoriasis by coming into contact with someone with the condition. However, if you aren't sure about your diagnosis, we recommend you check this with your doctor or pharmacist to rule out other skin problems that can be infectious or contagious.
Emollients are medical moisturisers which help to prevent water loss from dry skin. Emollients contain oils which work by replacing natural oils in the skin – helping to repair the skin’s natural protective barrier against irritants. Sometimes they also contain ingredients called humectants, which help to hold water in the skin.
Yes, although rare individuals can be allergic to any ingredient. So, as with any product, it’s a good idea to check ingredients, in case there are any that you may be concerned about. As with any oily product used in large quantities and applied repeatedly over long periods, build-up of dried residue on clothing, bedding and dressings may make these materials more combustible. If using these products, do not smoke or go near naked flames. As a precaution, dressings and clothing should be changed frequently and laundered thoroughly.
Dry your hands thoroughly after washing. After washing or sanitising, immediately apply an emollient to trap moisture in the skin, replace lost oils and to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Use a soap substitute instead of normal hand cleansers, particularly one that contains moisturising ingredients to help restore the skin’s natural barrier property. A moisturising soap substitute with an added antibacterial agent such as chlorhexidine or benzalkonium chloride can also be beneficial for cracked skin where there is a risk of skin infection.
Emollients should generally be applied frequently throughout the day. The most suitable interval will vary between different products and different individuals. In some cases, it may vary as the skin conditions vary. As a general rule, emollients should be re-applied as often as necessary to keep the skin feeling moisturised.
Yes, although rare individuals can be allergic to any ingredient. So, as with any product, it’s a good idea to check ingredients, in case there are any that you may be concerned about. As with any oily product used in large quantities and applied repeatedly over long periods, build-up of dried residue on clothing, bedding and dressings may make these materials more combustible. If using these products, do not smoke or go near naked flames. As a precaution, dressings and clothing should be changed frequently and laundered thoroughly.
Applied steroids should normally be prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes emollients alone are not enough to control eczema and psoriasis, particularly in more severe cases. Applied steroids may be necessary under these circumstances, in addition to emollients.
Many soaps, hand washes, shampoos, body washes and laundry products contain ionic detergents and surfactants. It’s what makes them foamy. These ingredients can be highly irritant for people with problem dry skin. One of the worst culprits is SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) which can strip the skin’s natural oils, making problem dry skin worse.
Yes. Dry Skin is available without a prescription. You’ll find it in the Dry Skin & Eczema fixture in Boots, and the healthcare section of all good supermarkets, pharmacies and retailers. Dry Skin is also available online at Amazon.co.uk
Dry Skin can be used daily by adults, children and infants.
Dry Skin can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, safety trials have not been conducted. When breastfeeding, if use on the nipples is necessary, apply sparingly and after feeds. Gently wipe away any remaining product before feeding your baby.
Dry Skin does not contain any products of animal origin and has not been tested on animals.
Dry Skin has not been tested on animals.
Dry Skin is available in both 250g pump bottles and 100g tubes.
Please see our 'Where to buy' page. You’ll find a list of retailers who stock the Doublebase range and links to where you can buy it online.
Dry Skin has been designed specifically for problem dry skin, which can often be sensitive. It has been clinically proven and tested on dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. However, as with all products, rare individuals can be allergic to any ingredient. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
The ingredients in Dry Skin are: isopropyl myristate, liquid paraffin, glycerol, carbomer, sorbitan laurate, trolamine, phenoxyethanol, purified water.
Yes. Flare Relief is available without a prescription. You’ll find it in the Dry Skin & Eczema fixture in Boots, and the healthcare section of all good supermarkets, pharmacies and retailers. Flare Relief is also available online at Amazon.co.uk
Flare Relief is a unique, dual-action emollient with a supplementary anti-inflammatory. It is for daily treatment for dry skin prone to flare ups. Containing nicotinamide, a vitamin B derivative with proven anti-inflammatory properties, this clinically effective formulation has been specially designed to help reduce redness and inflammation and does not contain any steroids.
Flare Relief can be used daily by adults, children and infants over 1 year old.
Requirements for vitamin B derivatives, such as nicotinamide, are increased during pregnancy and infancy. However, safety trials have not been conducted during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. With prolonged use over significant areas, it may be possible to exceed the recommended levels of nicotinamide during pregnancy. Therefore, caution should be exercised, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy. When breastfeeding, if use on the nipples is necessary, apply sparingly and after feeds. Gently wipe away any remaining product before feeding your baby. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this product.
In circumstances where a supporting anti-inflammatory action in addition to emolliency may be beneficial, using Flare Relief may help reduce reliance on more potent anti-inflammatory treatments, such as steroids. It can also be used liberally, frequently and all over the body for as long as necessary.
Flare Relief contains nicotinamide, a vitamin B derivative with proven anti-inflammatory properties. This clinically effective formulation has been specially designed to reduce redness and inflammation and to help prevent flare ups. Carry on using Flare Relief for as long as necessary – whether that may be only occasionally (e.g. during flares), or continuously, if the added anti-inflammatory action is beneficial.
Flare Relief does not contain any products of animal origin and has not been tested on animals.
Flare Relief has not been tested on animals.
We have not tested our products or ingredients on animals, nor do our suppliers conduct such testing on our behalf.
Flare Relief is available in both 500g pump bottles and 100g tubes.
Please see our 'Where to buy' page. You’ll find a list of retailers who stock Doublebase products and links to where you can buy them online.
The ingredients in Flare Relief are: isopropyl myristate (15%), liquid paraffin (15%), nicotinamide (4%), glycerol, carbomer, sorbitan laurate, trolamine, phenoxyethanol, purified water.
No, it contains nicotinamide. Nicotinamide occurs naturally in the body. It is an essential B complex vitamin which has an anti-inflammatory action and can help reduce redness and inflammation in skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
We have not tested our products or ingredients on animals, nor do our suppliers conduct such testing on our behalf.
Dry Skin does not contain any products of animal origin and has not been tested on animals.
Dry Skin Hand Wash is suitable for all age groups including babies and children.
Dry Skin Hand Wash has been designed specifically for problem dry skin, which can often be sensitive. It is suitable for people who may be prone to eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. However, as with all products, rare individuals can be allergic to any ingredient. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Please see our 'Where to buy' page. You’ll find a list of retailers who stock the Doublebase range and links to where you can buy it online.
Dry Skin Hand Wash can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted.