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Dermatitis and Eczema

When eczema flares, waiting weeks for a doctor's appointment means weeks of lost sleep and raw skin. At our Orleans pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist can assess dermatitis — eczema, allergic, or contact — and prescribe the right strength of treatment for the right body area, the same day. Free with your Ontario health card.

Dermatitis means inflamed, itchy skin. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) makes skin dry, cracked, and sensitive, flaring and settling over time. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to something the skin touched — fragrances, nickel, soaps, frequent handwashing, or plants like poison ivy.

The treatment foundation: barrier first

Whatever the type, the foundation is the same: generous, regular moisturizing to rebuild the skin barrier, avoiding triggers, and a medicated cream to calm active flares. Matching corticosteroid potency to the body area matters — facial and skin-fold skin needs milder options than palms or soles — and that's precisely the judgment a pharmacist assessment provides. Ottawa's dry winter air is a major flare trigger, so cold-season prevention is part of the plan.

Atopic dermatitis affects up to 20% of children and about 3–5% of adults. Applying moisturizer within minutes of bathing ('soak and seal') measurably reduces flare frequency — technique is as important as the product.

Common signs and symptoms

Dry, itchy, cracked, or scaly skin
Red or darkened inflamed patches — commonly in elbow and knee creases, hands, or face
Itch that worsens at night and disrupts sleep
Oozing or crusting in stronger flares
A rash matching where something touched the skin (contact dermatitis)

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Anti-inflammatory agents: Beclomethasone, Betamethasone valerate (Betaderm), Clobetasone (Eumovate), Crisaborole (Eucrisa), Desonide (Desocort), Fluocinolone (Synalar), Hydrocortisone, Prednicarbate (Dermatop), Triamcinolone (Aristocort)

Self-care that helps

Fragrance-free moisturizers and emollients — apply generously and often
Hydrocortisone 0.5%/1% cream for short-term relief of itch and inflammation
Gentle, soap-free cleansers
Colloidal oatmeal creams/baths to soothe itch
Apply moisturizer right after bathing while skin is damp; medicated cream goes on the rash first, then moisturize over top

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Dermatitis and Eczema self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Are steroid creams safe?

Used correctly — right potency, right area, right duration — topical corticosteroids are safe and effective. Problems come from using strong steroids on thin skin (face, folds) or for too long. Our pharmacist matches the product to the area and shows you exactly how much to apply.

Can you treat my child's eczema?

Yes. Pediatric eczema is one of the most common assessments we do — with a parent or guardian present. Gentle potencies and a solid moisturizing routine handle most childhood flares.

What about poison ivy?

Contact dermatitis from poison ivy is in scope — we can prescribe topical corticosteroids to calm the reaction and advise when a severe or widespread reaction needs a physician.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: See a health-care provider if a large area is affected, itching is disrupting sleep despite treatment, the skin is oozing or blistering, you develop a fever or pain (possible infection), or the rash hasn't improved after about 2 weeks of treatment.

Calm the itch today.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for eczema and dermatitis — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.