Skin Care Meds
About Acne, Eczema & Psoriasis
Acne, eczema and psoriasis affect millions of adults in Singapore, often prompting visits to dermatologists and primary-care clinicians. These skin disorders share an inflammatory basis but differ in presentation, chronicity and therapeutic goals. Topical agents such as retinoids, corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors target lesions directly, while systemic options-including oral antibiotics, hormonal modulators, biologic antibodies and oral retinoids-address more extensive or refractory disease. Clinicians select a regimen based on severity, lesion distribution, patient age, comorbidities and prior treatment response. First-line therapy typically involves topical preparations; systemic drugs are introduced when disease persists despite optimal topical care or when rapid control is required. The category encompasses prescription-only medicines, some of which are available in limited-strength OTC forms for mild cases, all regulated by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority to ensure safety and efficacy.
Understanding Acne, Eczema & Psoriasis
In medical practice, the term “acne, eczema & psoriasis” groups three distinct dermatologic conditions that share a common therapeutic approach: reduction of inflammation, normalization of skin barrier function, and control of abnormal cell growth. Acne vulgaris presents with comedones, papules and pustules driven by follicular hyperkeratinisation, excess sebum and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) manifests as pruritic, eczematous patches arising from barrier dysfunction and Th2-mediated inflammation. Psoriasis is characterised by well-demarcated plaques with silvery scaling, reflecting dysregulated keratinocyte proliferation and IL-23/Th17 pathway activation.
Regulatory oversight in Singapore differentiates prescription medications-such as oral isotretinoin, systemic corticosteroids and biologics-from limited OTC options like low-strength benzoyl peroxide or hydrocortisone 1 % creams. The category therefore spans several subgroups: topical anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobial preparations, retinoids, immunomodulators, and advanced biologic therapies. Treatment philosophy aims first to control acute inflammation, then maintain remission while minimising adverse effects. Long-term goals include preserving skin integrity, reducing psychosocial impact and preventing disease flares.
Common Medications in This Category
Major Therapeutic Subcategories
- Topical Corticosteroids: Reduce cytokine production and vascular permeability, providing rapid inflammation control for eczema flare-ups and mild psoriasis plaques. Potency ranges from weak (hydrocortisone 1 %) to very strong (clobetasol propionate .05 %).
- Retinoids: Include topical adapalene and systemic isotretinoin. They normalise follicular epithelial desquamation, decrease sebum output and possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them cornerstone agents for moderate to severe acne.
- Calcineurin Inhibitors: Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus creams inhibit T-cell activation without causing skin atrophy, offering a steroid-sparing for facial or intertriginous eczema.
- Oral Antibiotics: Tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline) exert anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, commonly prescribed for inflammatory acne lesions.
- Biologic Agents: Monoclonal antibodies such as adalimumab, secukinumab and ustekinumab target specific cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-12/23) to achieve sustained clearance in moderate-to-severe psoriasis and, increasingly, in refractory eczema.
Buying Acne, Eczema & Psoriasis Medications from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service
Access to dermatologic prescriptions can be challenging when specialist appointments are delayed or when travel to a clinic is inconvenient. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, allowing you to obtain clinician-approved acne, eczema & psoriasis medications without compromising care standards.
Quality & Safety
We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under strict regulatory frameworks, ensuring every product meets the quality criteria set by the Health Sciences Authority.
Pricing & Access
Competitive pricing spans both brand-name and generic options across the category. Generics such as generic adapalene cream or generic doxycycline tablets often result in substantial savings, and a lifetime 10 % discount applies to all reorders, encouraging continuity of therapy.
Discreet Delivery
Orders ship in protective, unmarked packaging. Express delivery reaches most Singapore addresses within 7 days, while standard shipping arrives in up to three weeks, preserving privacy for this sensitive therapeutic area.
Treatment Considerations & Safety
Medical supervision is essential for all agents in this category. Topical steroids require potency-guided tapering to avoid skin atrophy, while systemic retinoids demand baseline liver function tests and strict contraception due to teratogenic risk. Antibiotics should not exceed a three-month course to limit resistance development. Biologics necessitate screening for latent infections such as tuberculosis and periodic monitoring of inflammatory markers. Treatment duration varies: acne may improve within 8-12 weeks, eczema often needs intermittent courses, and psoriasis biologics aim for long-term disease control with regular assessment of efficacy and adverse events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What determines the choice between a topical and a systemic therapy? Mild to moderate disease usually responds to topical agents applied directly to lesions. Systemic therapy is reserved for extensive involvement, rapid disease progression, or when topical regimens have failed to achieve control.
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How do biologic medications achieve psoriasis clearance? They bind specific cytokines or their receptors, interrupting the inflammatory cascade that drives keratinocyte hyperproliferation, leading to reduced plaque formation and improved skin appearance.
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Can I use over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide while on oral isotretinoin? Concurrent use can increase skin irritation; clinicians often advise spacing applications or limiting OTC acne products during isotretinoin therapy.
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Are there any dietary factors that influence eczema severity? While no universal diet eliminates eczema, identified food allergens in individual patients can exacerbate symptoms; elimination under professional guidance may provide relief.
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What monitoring is required for oral antibiotics treating acne? Baseline liver and renal function tests are recommended, especially for patients over 35 years, along with periodic assessment for photosensitivity and gastrointestinal upset.
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Is it safe to combine a topical calcineurin inhibitor with a low-potency steroid? Short-term combination can be used for acute flares, but long-term concurrent use is discouraged to minimise systemic absorption and potential side effects.
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How long does it usually take to see improvement with topical corticosteroids in eczema? Most patients notice reduced redness and itching within a few days, with full lesion resolution typically occurring within one to two weeks of consistent use.
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Do hormonal therapies help adult women with acne? Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin can reduce sebum production and are effective for hormonal acne, provided no contraindications exist.
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What precautions should I take when discontinuing a potent steroid cream? Gradual tapering prevents rebound inflammation and withdrawal dermatitis; abrupt cessation of high-potency steroids often leads to flare-ups.
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Can supplements like fish oil interact with psoriasis medications? Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and generally do not interfere with systemic treatments, but patients should disclose all supplements to their prescriber.
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Is long-term use of topical tacrolimus safe for facial eczema? Current data indicate low systemic absorption and a favorable safety profile, though regular dermatologic review is advisable to monitor for rare skin malignancy signals.
The information provided about acne, eczema & psoriasis medications is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications in the acne, eczema & psoriasis category for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication in this therapeutic category.
