The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently found steroids in OSAS, an intensive body lotion with Aloe Vera and claiming to contain natural ingredients.

This lotion is an unlicensed product sold for treating eczema and psoriasis and can be found in many Asian and African beauty shops in London and the West Midlands and over the Internet.

From MedicalNewsToday.com:

The lotion was brought to the attention of the MHRA by a paediatric dermatologist who became concerned when the parent of a baby he was treating for eczema started to use this product on the baby. The lotion tested positive for variable amounts of, Betamethasone dipropionate - a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. The product also contains Clotrimazole which is used in anti-fungal medications.

Strong corticosteroids (such as betamethasone) are only available on prescription and are used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Careful medical supervision of these treatments is important and inappropriate long-term use of corticosteroid medicines can cause skin thinning and other skin complications.

The Agency would strongly advise that anyone using this product, particularly on young children and babies, should stop immediately. Discontinuation of the product may cause a rebound effect (worsening of the condition) and you should therefore consult your doctor or healthcare provider about suitable treatments.

Anyone selling this product should stop doing so immediately, and remove it from their stock. If retailers are found to still selling this product then the MHRA will take appropriate action.

This finding is expected to educate patients affected by eczema and psoriasis not to make use of this lotion, unless otherwise recommended by a qualified medical practitioner.