Dermatitis cream found to contain steroid and antifungal, recall ongoing: HSA
The Pi De Kang cream was recalled due to two potent medicinal ingredients.
SINGAPORE - A dermatitis cream containing two potent medicinal ingredients has been ordered off the shelves, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a statement on July 23.
The Pi De Kang Dermatitis Cream was tested by HSA after feedback from a consumer, and was found to contain a steroid called clobetasol and an antifungal called miconazole. It was imported by Da Zhong Tang and supplied by traditional Chinese medicine clinic chain Chinese Medical Centre as a 'skin itching cream'.
HSA has since directed both the importer and supplier to stop selling the cream and to recall all batches already given to customers . The recall is under way.
The authority is also investigating Da Zhong Tang and Chinese Medical Centre for importing and supplying the product.
Clobetasol is a potent steroid usually prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions like chronic eczema and psoriasis, and should be used only under strict medical supervision, said HSA.
Long-term unsupervised use of steroid-containing creams can cause thinning of the skin and topical steroid withdrawal syndrome, causing burning, redness, itching or skin peeling.
HSA added that topical steroids may also be absorbed into the body and cause serious adverse effects like high blood pressure and cataracts when applied to large areas of the skin or used over a prolonged period.
The risk of such effects is higher for children and infants who are more susceptible to the effects of steroids.
Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections. Possible adverse effects associated with the inappropriate use of such creams may include skin irritation, itching, skin rash and burning sensation of the skin.
Those who are using the Pi De Kang cream should see a doctor, HSA said. Consumers can also contact Da Zhong Tang regarding enquiries or returns via
enquiry@cmc.sg or 8181-8765 from 10am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 5pm on weekdays (excluding public holidays) .
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