The British Association of Dermatologists is warning people in the West Midlands not to buy an illegal, unlicensed cream claiming to treat skin problems, after a number of people have suffered ill health after using it.

At least six children treated with the cream by their parents have been seen at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, with other cases seen in Oxford and West Bromwich.

The product, called Soraderm, is believed to be available at a number of grocery shops in the West Midlands area. While there is a licensed product of the same name, this product is unrelated and contains a powerful steroid.

Two of the children seen at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, had been previously treated for eczema and developed skin problems following use of Soraderm. One developed a severe widespread skin infection while the other suffered eye problems.

The product contains clobetasol propionate, a potent, prescription-only corticosteroid (steroid hormone), which is used to treat various skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis, but only under the supervision of a doctor and in carefully controlled doses. Possible affects of using this cream include thinning of the skin, infection, and absorption into the bloodstream. Children are more susceptible as the steroid used is too strong for use in children.

The package insert gives a market address in Pakistan but makes no reference to any known pharmaceutical company. The product is being sold for approximately £12.99 for a small jar.

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “At first, this cream can seem to work on disorders like eczema, so patients keep using it. However, it works initially because it contains a strong steroid, but this type of drug should definitely only be used under medical supervision, and certainly not in unlicensed creams.

“Furthermore, some of those affected cancelled their clinic appointments because at first the cream seemed to work, only to then develop severe complications, like skin infections. The fact that parents are using this on their children is a huge worry as it is far too strong for young skin. We would advise people to steer well clear of illegal, unlicensed products, whatever the packaging says or whatever positive claims are made about it online.”

Note to editors:
The MHRA is currently investigating this issue.
Images of the product’s packaging are available on request.
Case studies are not currently available.
We cannot at this time identify the vendors of this product due to an ongoing investigation.

The British Association of Dermatologists is the central association of practising UK dermatologists. Our aim is to continually improve the treatment and understanding of skin disease.

For more information please contact: Nina Goad, Communications Manager, British Association of Dermatologists, Phone: 0207 391 6355, Email: nina@bad.org.uk, Website: www.bad.org.uk