Diprobase Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Diprobase Ointment is an emollient (moisturising and protective) product, not a steroid. It is used to soothe, smooth and hydrate dry, chapped or irritated skin, including skin affected by eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. It works by adding to the skin's natural oily layer to reduce moisture loss. It can be applied as often as needed to keep the skin comfortable and moisturised.

What is Diprobase Ointment

Diprobase is an emollient (moisturising and protective) ointment. It is not a steroid. It helps soothe, smooth and hydrate the skin, and helps stop the skin from losing moisture.

Diprobase Ointment uses

• Treating red, inflamed, damaged, dry or chapped skin
• Protecting raw areas of skin
• Eczema and atopic dermatitis
• Dryness associated with psoriasis
• General dry, chapped or flaky skin
• Applying before a bath to stop skin drying out further

Benefits of Diprobase Ointment

• Moisturising and protective
• Relieves and soothes red, inflamed, damaged, dry or chapped skin
• Forms a protective barrier layer that helps reduce water loss from the skin
• Provides intensive moisturization
• Helps prevent moisture loss
• Suitable for repeated topical application

How Diprobase Ointment works

Dry skin happens when the outer layer of skin loses water and becomes cracked, scaly and itchy. Normally a surface film of natural oil helps slow down this water loss. Diprobase works by adding to that oily layer on the skin, which helps reduce moisture loss and keep the skin hydrated.

Diprobase Ointment dosage

Apply a thin layer and massage gently and thoroughly into the affected skin. For adults and children, apply thinly to cover the affected area completely, and apply as often as needed to keep the skin comfortable and moisturised.

Diprobase can be applied before bathing to help stop skin drying out further, and also after bathing while skin is still slightly damp to help seal in moisture. Smooth the ointment over the skin rather than rubbing it aggressively, especially if skin is sore, cracked or inflamed. Applying in the direction of hair growth may help reduce irritation around hair follicles.

Wash your hands before and after applying, unless the hands are the area being treated. If using a tub, use a clean spoon or spatula instead of fingers to reduce contamination. If you forget to use it at the right time, use it as soon as you remember, then carry on as before.

If using alongside another topical medicine, ask your pharmacist or GP about the right order and timing of application. Take care to avoid direct contact with the eyes and mouth when using on the face. If symptoms persist or the condition gets worse, stop using it and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Ointment
• Cream (tubes of 15g or 50g and a pump dispenser of 500g)

Side effects of Diprobase Ointment

Common

• Itching
• Rash
• Redness
• Peeling
• Burning
• Pain
• Dryness
• Skin inflammation (dermatitis)

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe or rapidly worsening skin irritation
• Widespread rash or hives

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use if you or your child have ever had an allergic reaction to Diprobase or any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Diprobase contains chlorocresol and cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis, or allergic reactions.
• Emollients can make surfaces like baths, showers and floors slippery, so take care getting in or out of the bath or shower after use.
• Products containing paraffin can be a fire risk if they soak into clothing, bedding or dressings. Keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while using them.
• This is for external use only, on the skin.
• No specific kidney-related precautions are expected from normal topical use, and no routine liver-specific precautions are expected. There is no known direct interaction with alcohol, and Diprobase does not normally affect driving or alertness.

Storage

• Store below 25°C
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date (EXP) stamped on the pack, which refers to the last day of that month
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste
• Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required

When to see a doctor

• If your symptoms persist or your skin condition gets worse, stop using the ointment and see your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are worried about side effects or notice effects not listed, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
• If your skin becomes increasingly red, painful, swollen, weeps fluid, or shows other signs of infection, get advice from a pharmacist or GP.

Alternatives

• Cetraben ointment
• Doublebase gel
• Epaderm ointment