Dermatological system
Skin, hair & nails: medicines & conditions
The skin is the body’s largest organ and its first barrier against the outside world. Skin medicines treat inflammation, infection and overactive skin processes — and many are applied directly to the skin so they act where they are needed.
Education and reference only. This hub explains which medicines relate to the skin, hair & nails and why — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
About the skin, hair & nails
Dermatology relies heavily on topical treatments — emollients, corticosteroid creams of different strengths, retinoids, antimicrobials and others — chosen to match the condition and the part of the body. Stronger oral and specialist treatments, including isotretinoin for severe acne and immune-modifying drugs for severe eczema or psoriasis, are used when topical measures are not enough and carry their own important cautions (isotretinoin, for example, must be avoided in pregnancy). The themes that matter are using emollients generously, matching steroid strength to the site and using it in short bursts, and following the specific safety programmes that some oral treatments require.
What this covers
- Acne and rosacea
- Eczema and dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Skin infections and inflammation
Conditions in this area
Skin, hair & nails conditions (95)
Each links to a dose-free guide showing which medicine classes are used and how treatment is approached.
Skin Acanthosis nigricans Areas of dark, thickened, velvety skin, usually in body folds, often linked to insulin resistance or being overweight — … Skin Acid and chemical burns Burns caused by contact with corrosive chemicals, which can keep damaging tissue until removed — where immediate, prolon… Skin Acne A common skin condition causing spots, blackheads and inflammation, mainly on the face, back and chest — treated with to… Skin Actinic keratoses Rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin caused by long-term sun damage — usually harmless but a sign of sun damage, wit… Skin Actinic keratosis Rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun damage, common on sun-exposed areas — usually harmless but treated … Skin Alopecia areata A condition in which the immune system causes sudden, smooth, round patches of hair loss — usually on the scalp or beard… Skin Angular cheilitis Sore, cracked, red skin at the corners of the mouth, often from moisture and infection — usually easily treated once the… Skin Bedbug bites Small insects that hide in bedding and furniture and bite at night, causing itchy spots — a nuisance rather than a healt… Skin Birthmarks Coloured marks on the skin present at or soon after birth — usually harmless, with some fading over time, and treatments… Skin Blisters Small pockets of fluid under the skin, usually from friction, burns or other damage — mostly harmless and healing on the… Skin Boils (furuncles) Painful, pus-filled bacterial infections of a hair follicle — usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus — that appear as a… Skin Bowen's disease A very early, surface form of skin cancer appearing as a persistent red, scaly patch — which is easily treatable and has… Skin Bullous pemphigoid An autoimmune skin condition, mainly in older people, causing large, tense, itchy blisters — treatable, usually with tre… Skin Cellulitis A bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue beneath it that makes an area hot, red, swollen an… Skin Cherry angioma Small, bright red spots made of tiny blood vessels, very common with age — harmless and needing no treatment.… Skin Chilblains Small, itchy, red or purple swellings on the skin (often toes or fingers) caused by cold, which usually heal on their ow… Skin Chronic urticaria Itchy, raised weals (hives) that come and go for six weeks or more, often with no identifiable trigger — usually well co… Skin Cold sores Small, painful blisters around the lips and mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus, which tend to recur but are usuall… Skin Contact dermatitis Skin inflammation caused by contact with a substance — either an irritant such as soaps and detergents, or an allergen s… Skin Corns and calluses Areas of thickened, hardened skin that form in response to pressure or friction, usually on the feet — harmless and mana… Skin Dandruff A very common, harmless condition causing white or grey flakes of skin on the scalp and sometimes an itchy scalp — easil… Skin Dermatitis herpetiformis An intensely itchy, blistering rash that is the skin manifestation of coeliac disease — managed with a gluten-free diet … Skin Dermatofibroma A common, harmless firm lump in the skin, often on the legs — which usually needs no treatment, though a firm nodule sho… Skin Dermographism A common, harmless condition where firmly stroking or scratching the skin causes raised, itchy welts along the line — a … Skin Discoid eczema A form of eczema causing distinctive round or oval patches of itchy, inflamed skin — usually treatable with moisturisers… Skin Eczema (atopic dermatitis) A common, long-term condition that makes skin dry, itchy and inflamed in flare-ups — managed with regular moisturisers, … Skin Eczema herpeticum A serious infection of eczema-affected skin with the cold sore (herpes) virus, causing a rapidly spreading rash — a medi… Skin Epidermoid cyst A common, harmless lump under the skin containing a soft, cheesy material — which often needs no treatment, but can be r… Skin Epidermolysis bullosa A group of rare inherited conditions that make the skin extremely fragile so it blisters and tears easily — where carefu… Skin Erysipelas A bacterial skin infection affecting the upper skin layers, causing a well-defined, raised, red and painful area — treat… Skin Erythema multiforme A skin reaction, usually to an infection (often cold sores), causing distinctive "target"-shaped spots — usually mild an… Skin Erythema nodosum Tender red or purple lumps, usually on the shins, caused by inflammation of the fat under the skin — often triggered by … Skin Erythromelalgia A rare condition causing episodes of burning pain, redness and heat, usually in the feet or hands — where cooling and av… Skin Excessive sweating Sweating much more than needed to control body temperature, which can affect daily life and confidence — often manageabl… Skin Female-pattern hair loss A common cause of gradual hair thinning in women, usually over the top of the scalp — often inherited, and worth assessi… Skin Fungal skin infections Common, treatable infections of the skin, nails or scalp caused by fungi — such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and fungal n… Skin Granuloma annulare A harmless skin condition causing rings of small, firm bumps, usually on the hands and feet — which often clears on its … Skin Head lice (nits) Tiny insects that live on the scalp and lay eggs (nits) glued to the hair, spread by head-to-head contact — itching is c… Skin Henoch-Schonlein purpura A condition, mainly in children, where small blood vessels become inflamed, causing a characteristic rash, joint pain an… Skin Herpetic whitlow A painful herpes virus infection of a finger, causing blisters and swelling — which usually heals on its own over a coup… Skin Hidradenitis suppurativa A long-term inflammatory skin condition causing painful lumps, abscesses and scarring in skin folds such as the armpits … Skin Ichthyosis A group of conditions causing persistently dry, scaly skin, usually inherited and lifelong — where regular intensive moi… Skin Impetigo A common and very contagious bacterial skin infection — most often in children — that causes weeping sores and golden-br… Skin Ingrown hair A hair that curls back or grows sideways into the skin, causing a small, itchy or painful bump — common after shaving, a… Skin Ingrown toenail When the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and swelling — often helped by good fo… Skin Intertrigo A red, sore rash in skin folds caused by friction, moisture and warmth, often with added infection — managed by keeping … Skin Jellyfish and sea creature stings Stings from jellyfish, weever fish and other sea creatures, usually causing painful but minor reactions — where simple f… Skin Jock itch A common, itchy fungal infection of the groin skin, more common in men and in warm, moist conditions — easily treated wi… Skin Keloid scar An overgrown scar that spreads beyond the original wound, caused by excess collagen during healing — harmless but someti… Skin Keratosis pilaris A very common, harmless skin condition causing small rough bumps, usually on the upper arms and thighs — not curable but… Skin Leg ulcer A long-lasting wound on the lower leg, most often caused by poor vein circulation — treated with compression and wound c… Skin Lichen planus An itchy, immune-related inflammatory condition that causes purplish, flat-topped bumps on the skin and lacy white patch… Skin Lipoma A soft, harmless lump of fatty tissue under the skin that grows slowly — usually needing no treatment, though it can be … Skin Male-pattern baldness The most common cause of hair loss in men, a gradual, inherited thinning and receding of hair — harmless, with treatment… Skin Mastocytosis A rare condition with too many mast cells (a type of immune cell) building up in the skin or body — causing symptoms lik… Skin Melanoma A serious form of skin cancer that can spread if not caught early — usually appearing as a new or changing mole, so know… Skin Melasma Brown or grey-brown patches of increased pigmentation, usually on the face, linked to sun and hormones — harmless, and h… Skin Milia Tiny white bumps on the skin, common in babies and adults, caused by trapped keratin — harmless and usually clearing on … Skin Molluscum contagiosum A common, harmless viral skin infection causing small, firm, raised spots — mainly in children — that usually clears on … Skin Necrotising fasciitis A rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that spreads rapidly through tissue beneath the skin — a medical emergen… Skin Non-melanoma skin cancer The most common type of skin cancer, usually caused by sun exposure and usually very treatable — appearing as a persiste… Skin Onycholysis When a nail lifts away from the nail bed underneath, leaving a white or discoloured area — usually harmless, with many c… Skin Orf A viral skin infection caught from infected sheep or goats, causing a sore lump usually on the hands — which is harmless… Skin Paronychia Infection or inflammation of the skin around a nail, causing redness, swelling and pain — usually treatable, with an acu… Skin Pemphigus vulgaris A rare autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the skin and mouth, causing painful blisters and raw areas —… Skin Perioral dermatitis A bumpy, red rash that appears around the mouth — sparing the narrow border of skin next to the lips — and is often trig… Skin Pityriasis rosea A common, harmless skin rash, often starting with one larger patch followed by many smaller ones, which clears on its ow… Skin Pityriasis versicolor A common fungal skin condition causing patches of lighter or darker skin, usually on the trunk — harmless and treatable,… Skin Polymorphic light eruption A common itchy rash triggered by sunlight, often appearing in spring or on holiday — usually settling in days and manage… Skin Pompholyx A type of eczema that causes intensely itchy small blisters on the palms, sides of the fingers and soles, which can dry,… Skin Pressure sores Damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure, usually in people with limited mobility — largely… Skin Prickly heat An itchy, prickly rash of tiny spots caused by blocked sweat glands in hot, humid conditions — harmless and settling qui… Skin Psoriasis A long-term immune-driven skin condition in which skin cells build up too quickly to form raised, scaly patches — manage… Skin Pyoderma gangrenosum A rare condition causing rapidly enlarging, painful skin ulcers, often linked to inflammatory conditions — where prompt … Skin Ringworm A common, contagious fungal skin infection causing a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash — easily treated with antifungal cream… Skin Rosacea A common, long-term skin condition that causes facial redness, flushing and sometimes small bumps and pus-spots — not cu… Skin Scabies An intensely itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites burrowing under the skin — treated with a cream applied over the … Skin Seborrhoeic dermatitis A common, long-term skin condition causing flaky, scaly, itchy and slightly red patches in the oily areas of the body — … Skin Seborrhoeic keratosis A very common, harmless, warty skin growth that appears with age — often looking "stuck on" — needing no treatment unles… Skin Shingles A painful, blistering rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus along a single nerve — eased and shortened by … Skin Skin abscess A painful, pus-filled lump under the skin caused by a bacterial infection — where small ones may settle but larger ones … Skin Skin cyst A harmless, fluid- or keratin-filled lump under the skin — usually needing no treatment, but sometimes removed if it bec… Skin Skin tags Small, soft, harmless growths of skin, common in skin folds — needing no treatment, though they can be removed if they c… Skin Stevens-Johnson syndrome A rare but serious reaction, usually to a medicine, causing a spreading rash with blistering and peeling of the skin and… Skin Stretch marks Common, harmless streaks or lines on the skin that appear when it stretches, such as in pregnancy or growth spurts — usu… Skin Subungual haematoma A collection of blood trapped under a nail, usually after an injury, causing a dark discolouration and often throbbing p… Skin Sunburn Red, sore, hot skin caused by too much UV exposure — usually settling in a few days, but painful and a risk factor for s… Skin Telogen effluvium A temporary increase in hair shedding, often a few months after a stress on the body such as illness, childbirth or a cr… Skin Tick bites Bites from tiny blood-feeding creatures found in grassy and wooded areas — usually harmless, but some can spread Lyme di… Skin Traction alopecia Hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair — usually from tight hairstyles — which can be reversible if… Skin Urticaria (hives) An itchy, raised rash (hives) that appears when the skin releases histamine, often briefly and harmlessly, but sometimes… Skin Varicose eczema A type of eczema on the lower legs caused by poor vein circulation, causing itchy, discoloured, dry skin — managed with … Skin Venous eczema A type of eczema on the lower legs caused by poor blood flow in the leg veins — managed by treating the skin and improvi… Skin Vitiligo An autoimmune condition in which the skin loses its pigment, leaving well-defined pale or white patches — not harmful or… Skin Xanthelasma Soft yellowish patches of fatty deposit on the eyelids, which are harmless but can be a sign of raised cholesterol worth…
Medicine classes
Medicines for the skin, hair & nails (8)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Emollients Dermatology The everyday foundation of eczema and dry-skin care — used generously and often.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Dermatology Targeted antibody injections that block specific immune signals in severe eczema, psoriasis, asthma and arthri… Isotretinoin (oral) Dermatology A powerful oral treatment that can clear severe acne — with strict pregnancy-prevention rules.… Scabies and lice treatments Dermatology Topical insecticides for scabies and head lice — permethrin is first-line for scabies, with oral ivermectin re… Topical antibiotics Dermatology Antibacterial creams for small, localised skin infections — used sparingly to limit resistance.… Topical antifungals Dermatology Treat athlete's foot, ringworm, thrush and other skin/nail fungal infections applied to the skin.… Topical corticosteroids Dermatology Anti-inflammatory creams for eczema and other skin conditions — matched in strength to the site and severity.… Topical retinoids Dermatology Vitamin-A creams and gels that unblock pores and are a mainstay of acne treatment.…
By active ingredient
Common skin, hair & nails medicines by name
Individual, dose-free guides to specific active ingredients (and their brands) in this area:
Answers
Skin, hair & nails: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for the skin, hair & nails?
This system includes 8 medicine classes — such as emollients, interleukin-targeting biologics, isotretinoin (oral), scabies and lice treatments. Each links to a full, dose-free guide covering what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects and interactions.
Which conditions affect the skin, hair & nails?
Common conditions in this area include Acanthosis nigricans, Acid and chemical burns, Acne, Actinic keratoses, Actinic keratosis and more. Each condition page shows the medicine classes used to treat it and why.
Do these pages give doses?
No. Every page on this site is dose-free. We explain which medicines are used and why, but doses depend on the individual and the exact product — always confirm with your prescriber, the BNF and the product labelling.
Is this a substitute for medical advice?
No — it is education and reference only. It helps you understand this body system and its treatments, but decisions about your own care should always be made with a qualified clinician.
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