Dermatologists frequently prescribe creams, lotions and ointments in strengths that are not commercially available or using active ingredients that do not have an equivalent commercial product. Our pharmacists regularly compound a number of dermatological products for all kinds of patients. Commonly treated conditions include:
Acne is a skin condition caused by the blockage of hair follicles with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. It can cause pimples, blackheads and cysts over the face, neck, chest, upper back and shoulders. Triggers for acne outbreaks include fluctuations of hormones during puberty or menstrual cycle, and skin based allergic reactions. Generally acne will develop in teenage years and could last until early 40’s but in most cases clears by mid 20’s.
Our pharmacists regularly compound non-comedogenic creams to treat acne including the discontinued antibiotic cream equivalent to Eryacne 2% gel, and reduced strength tretinoin creams.
Chemical peels are products (usually in cream form) that are applied to the skin in order to peel away the top layers, removing blemishes and exposing fresh, younger looking skin.
While Peels can come in different strengths (superficial, medium and deep) the most popular products are superficial peels which are more gentle on the skin and have little risk of side-effects such as hyperpigmentation and scarring which can occur with heavy-duty deep peels (which should only be used under strict medical supervision)
At Mix Pharmacy, our pharmacists regularly compound cosmeceutical creams containing beta and alpha-hydroxy-acids as the active ingredients. Hydroxy-acids are a chemical class which include glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids – all very effective and gentle chemical peel agents which remove the dull dead layers of skin and aid to unclogging pores. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) a potent antioxidant is also used within formulations to brighten skin and fade sun damage.
Ask our compounding pharmacists today about what kind of products we can make to keep your skin looking young, and fresh.
Generally the term dermatitis refers to an irritation of the skin which can have numerous causes. Symptoms can include a rash, itchiness, redness, swelling, and scaling skin or even blistering. The most common types of dermatitis can be classified as:
- Contact dermatitis – where the skin has comes into contact with an irritant and an allergic reaction has occurred.
- Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) – an inherited condition that is common in childhood on areas of the body including inside of elbows, behind knees, on the neck and chest.
- Seborrheic dermatitis – usually affects oily areas of the body including face, chest, upper back and scalp
There is a risk of an infection when the skin has been broken from scratching the area. It is important to seek medical help if there are visible signs of infection. Symptoms to look out for may include : skin is hot to touch, feels tight and is bright red, presence of discharge (white, yellow, green pus/exudate).
Our compounding pharmacists regularly compound preparations including immunosuppressant (Tacrolimus) creams and ointments, and combination steroid anti-infective creams and lotions including the discontinued medication Hydroform® for the treatment of all types of dermatitis.
Our pharmacists regularly compound creams and lotions that can help with hyperpigmentation of the skin. Whitening creams/preparations are an increasingly-popular cosmetic product used to lighten skin tone and to even-out complexion. A number of active ingredients are used to achieve this lightened skin tone, some of which are prescription only.
At Mix Pharmacy, our pharmacists regularly compound effective whitening creams containing:
- Alpha & Beta-hydroxy-acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid) work by removing the most superficial skin layers (exfoliant) which are often sun damaged and contain the unwanted pigment. They are also called ‘chemical peels’.
- Niacinamide is a water soluble B vitamin with a number of roles in the body. Recently it was also found to be an effective skin-whitening agent when applied topically to sun damaged skin according to research by cosmetics company Procter & Gamble. The benefit of niacinamide cream is that it has no known side-effects.
- Hydroquinone is a potent lightening drug which (in Australia) is prescription only. It is often prescribed by a dermatologist for patients with issues with pigmentation. Due to its potency, it can cause some short-term skin irritation.
If you’re interested in how a skin-whitening product might benefit you, have a chat with your doctor or with one of our friendly compounding pharmacists to determine the best product for your skin.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that forms thickened red itchy flakey patches of the skin on the body. It is commonly found on the scalp, elbows and knees but can also occur on other parts of the body. There are numerous types of psoriasis including plaque, nail, guttate, inverse, pustular, and the very serious but rare erythrodermic psoriasis.
Our compounding pharmacists regularly compound preparations including immunosuppressive Tacrolimus creams and ointments, coal tar preparations, potent steroid and combination steroid anti-infective creams and lotions for the treatment of psoriasis.
Warts is a skin infection caused by the HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus). They are common in childhood but can occur at any age. Different strains of HPV cause the various types of warts including common, plantar (verrucas) and gential. Warts can look like hard raised single or grouped bumps that can be different colours to the surrounding skin. Sometimes warts can resolve without treatment overtime. However if the warts are painful, itchy, unsightly, or have been resistant to previous treatments, compounded medications can be used to remove them.
Potent chemical peels can be applied as a paint to burn and lift the wart to remove it whole including the roots. Our compounding pharmacists regularly compound high strength gels and paints to use for wart removal including salicylic acid and podophyllin resin.