Slick and moisturising (Diprobase Cream)

Member Name: jupiter28

Product:	Diprobase Cream
Date:	16/06/08 (818 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Works as a moisture barrier

Disadvantages: Quite sticky

In Jan-2008 I came out in this awful rash (well I thought it was awful) that consisted of red raised oval-shaped bumps (welts). They were itchy but only if I was hot and they covered my legs, arms and torso. Thank god it was winter as I hid in my polo necks to hide the condition.

After a visit to the doctor, it was diagnosed as the dry skin eczema. I was not convinced that eczema could occur for no apparent reason especially without any prior history and not to mention that I always rigorously moisturise my skin. So I checked this out on the internet.

Very briefly, my learning of eczema is that it is a term for pretty much any dry skin condition such as a rash, dry or cracked skin and there are lots of different types like contact dermatitis (allergy) or xerotic (dry cracked skin).

My doctor prescribed me DiproBase to be applied to the affected areas.

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What Is DiproBase?
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Put simply, DiproBase is an emollient which acts as a barrier to prevent water loss from the surface of the skin. It is a white cream with a thick consistency. There is no fragrance and it is manufactured by Schering-Plough.

Ingredients: Chlorocresol, cetomacrogol, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, phosphoric acid, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, purified water

I've noticed that this is used very heavily on children and always see it being applied to kids in the swimming pool changing rooms as it is an effective moisturiser.

As I got this on prescription, 500g was £6.85 in Jan-2008, but it would be the standard prescription charge in effect at the time. As it is a product that is available over the counter I inquired how much this would cost and fell over when they said about £11. My advice is get it on prescription if you can.

There is a 50g tube available at about £3.00 but for larger areas you will run out quickly with the 50g. The 500g is a tall tub with a handy pump dispenser.

DiproBase is mainly for eczema skin conditions and is usually used in conjunction with a mild steroid. The steroid can thin the skin, so DiproBase tries to counter that.


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Did it work?
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Although it left my skin feeling incredibly greasy and sticky, not to mention made me feel uncomfortable if I got hot, it certainly left my skin extremely moisturised. My condition cleared up betwen 6-8 weeks (it took ages and felt like it), though I had to apply 3 times a day - yuck, it was not so pleasant and I had to wash my hands with soap after.

As I mentioned earlier I was sceptical about my condition being dry skin but if I rubbed the affected areas with the back of my hand or finger you could tell the skin was dry and felt very rough.

Since my condition has cleared up I have continued to use DiproBase. Not too much on the body but about twice a week to maintain the moisture. I have found they best time is at night just after a shower.

Recently I have noticed some dry patches on my face and have been applying DiproBase for the past few weeks and it has cleared up. To be honest, now that I have been using DiproBase as a moisturiser I will continue to do so. Not as my primary moisturiser but as a top up.

As this product is relatively cheap, it is useful to retain a container for occasional use.

Also posted on other sites by me.

© jupiter28 2008

Summary: Oil me up!