Travelling in Europe Eczema medication

dmliverpool

I have eczema and I used medicated Ointment. The issue is that it comes in 500g tubs and I will need at least one whilst I travel to germany or france this year for 5 weeks in each country on two seperate trips.

Will I get stopped for carrying this through customs? I will be taking the ferry and then driving my way to my destinations?

Im worried as the ointment is parofin based and is much like vasoline.

Has anyone come accross this? I have thought of getting a letter from my dermatology consultant or GP but that may be a little long winded.

Any help on this would be very much appreciated!:cool:

HXDave

i can't see you having any problems, however a copy of your prescription showing the item would be a good idea.

HXDave

dmliverpool

Try, parofin is flammable and can make fires burn for a lot longer, hence in many hospitals they have special fire safety conditions around dermotology departments. I have just heard all the hype about containers and thought that I would be strip searched :eek: or something for carrying a container of medication larger than a certain amount?

dmliverpool

Sorry for the spelling mistake, that was supposed to say 'True'.

MrsT_

My son has ecezma and I need to take his cream on the plane as the air conditioning really drys out his skin. He uses oilatum which is also paraffin based. Customs in UK have looked for a doctors letter the past few years, just ring your surgery and they should be able to leave one for you to collect at reception. Once customs see the letter there is no problem taking it on flight just take it out of your bag before you go through security and show the letter at every stage

MrsT_

oops, just realised you are taking ferry but probably would be safest to take a doctors letter with you just in case.

stav1

I don't know about the regulations on ferries, but thought this might be of interest to you.
Since most over the counter ointments are not healthy for use over long periods of time, have you tried using something natural instead ?
Pure natural unrefined Nilotica shea butter works wonders and since it is natural, it hasn't got side effects.

Hope this helps.

dmliverpool

I have tried many different treatments in my time and I think I find a medium with the ointment I have. I am alway open to new treatments so I will give the butter you suggested a try.

Its just hard as many medicated treatments that doctors give out is steroid based and if you know what steroids can do its best not to use them over the long term. I actually decided to stop using them to see what would happen and my skin has improved.

Many thanks to you all for the advice. In conclusion I will get a letter from my doctor.

Greenlight77

My son uses Epaderm in 500g tubs, main ingredient being liquid paraffin. We've taken it away many times on planes(in the hold) on ferries etc and have been stopped routinely in customs a couple of times but without any problems. To be honest it's never crossed my mind before that it could be an issue. Paraffin is after a main ingredient in many cosmetics! The only time I think it would be a problem is if you wanted to take it in hand luggage on a plane in which case it would be over the 100g limit and you'd then need a doctor's note.