Application: 

• Apply a thin layer of Dermovate 1 or 2 times a day. Reduce application as your skin begins to get better, or stopped when better.
• This cream is for use on your skin only.
• Do not use on large areas of the body for a long time (such as every day for many weeks or months). If you need treatment for a long time, your doctor may decide you need to use a milder cream or ointment
• The germs that cause infections like warm and moist conditions under dressings so always clean the skin before a fresh dressing is put on.
• If you are applying the cream on someone else make sure you wash your hands after use or wear disposable plastic gloves.
• If your skin problem does not improve in 2 to 4 weeks, talk to your doctor.

Guidance on how to apply the cream

1 Wash your hands.
2 Gently rub the correct amount of cream into the skin until it has all disappeared. You can measure how much Dermovate to use with your fingertip. The picture in the printed leaflet shows one finger tip unit.

3 Unless you are meant to apply the cream to your hands as a part of the treatment, wash them again after using the cream.

For an adult

You should find that:

• two fingertips of cream will cover both hands or one foot
• three fingertips of cream will cover one arm
• six fingertips of cream will cover one leg
• fourteen fingertips of cream will cover the front and back of the body.

Do not worry if you find you need a little more or a little less than this. It is only a rough guide.

For a child

• Do not use it on children under 1 years of age.
• The smaller the child the less you will need to use.
• A child of 4 years needs about a third of the adult amount.
• A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than 5 days - unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer. The doctor may want to see the child every week, whilst using the cream.

If you have psoriasis

If you have thick patches of psoriasis on your elbows or knees, your doctor may suggest applying the cream under an airtight dressing. It will only be at night to help the cream to start working. After a short period of time you will then apply the cream as normal.

If you apply Dermovate to your face

You should only apply the cream to your face if your doctor tells you to. It should not be used for more than 5 days, as the skin on your face thins easily. Do not let the cream get into your eyes. If it does, wash it out with plenty of water.

If you use more Dermovate than you should

If, by mistake on a few occasions you use more than you should, do not worry. If you apply a lot or if a lot is accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill. Talk to your doctor or go to hospital as soon as possible.

If you forget to use Dermovate

If you forget to apply your cream, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time you are next meant to apply it, wait until this time.

If you stop using Dermovate

If you use Dermovate regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.

Stop using Dermovate and tell your doctor as soon as possible if:

• you find that your skin problem gets worse or become swollen during treatment. You may be allergic to the cream, have an infection or need other treatment.

Other side effects you may notice when using Dermovate include:

• A feeling of burning, irritation or itching where the cream is applied.
• If you have psoriasis you may get raised bumps with pus under the skin. This can happen during or after the treatment and is known as pustular psoriasis.

Side effects if you use Dermovate for a long time, or you use a lot each time you apply it, or you apply it under an airtight dressing or a nappy:

• Stretch marks may develop.
• Veins under the surface of your skin may become more noticeable.
• Increased hair growth and changes in skin colour.
• Thinning of your skin that may also damage more easily.
• Weight gain, rounding of the face and high blood pressure. These are more likely to happen in infants and children.