Karen Cheah, Proprietor of Priceline Pharmacy Margaret River, researched and formulated the DermaGen range in her compounding pharmacy.
When she sees multiple topical steroids prescribed, she doesn’t go against GP advice but does explain TSWS, with referral to information sources (e.g. www.ITSAN.org).
She asks: ‘How often do you use topical steroids and for how long?
Where are they applied?
Do you need a stronger steroid to manage symptoms?
Do symptoms get worse when steroids are stopped?
’If a patient experiences TSWS symptoms (a burning, stinging, red rash) she asks them to consider DermaGen skincare to relieve symptoms safely and naturally, without dependence on steroids.
Other pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological interventions should also be recommended for the more severe TSWS symptoms.8 After a week of using a DermaGen product, Ms Cheah follows up and refers them to the GP if symptoms don’t improve. Resolution can take a long time, with flare-ups possible.
Patients may need to add dressings, wet compresses and other symptom relievers.
Ms Cheah told Australian Pharmacist: ‘We’ve formulated these natural products so patients, especially young children, can have an alternative. Hopefully by using natural products for minor conditions, we can prevent the over-dependence and over-use of topical steroids in the long run, as TSWS is a very debilitating condition, hard to manage as a healthcare professional, and difficult to go through for both carer and person living with these symptoms.
’Jarred Smith, pharmacist at West Busselton Pharmacy in Western Australia told AP the DermaGen range is popular in his pharmacy.
‘We recommend Propolis Balm for mild eczema, dermatitis and burns. Long-term sufferers are amazed at the results, often when nothing else works. It has become our go-to product and staff are confident in recommending it for a number of skin complaints knowing it is natural, it works, is steroid-free and is suitable for all ages.’