EasyPaste

What is EasyPaste?

EasyPaste is a medicated bandage that can be applied directly to your foot and lower leg to treat atopic eczema. Atopic eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry and cracked skin that is often itchy. It usually affects people long-term,^[1] and can appear anywhere on the body.

There are a variety of treatments for atopic eczema. Topical corticosteroids are often used, and so are a group of medications known as calcineurin inhibitors. Creams, emollients, and moisturisers can also help.

The active ingredient in EasyPaste, zinc oxide, is an inorganic compound that’s used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It helps form a protective barrier over your skin, and has antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties. EasyPaste bandages are coated in a zinc oxide paste, which is wrapped around your food and lower leg, below your knee, to treat eczema-affected skin.

How does EasyPaste work?

EasyPaste works by forming a protective barrier on the outer layer of your skin. It can help with itching, and also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities. This means it can help with soreness, while preventing moisture and harmful bacteria entering the cracks in your skin.

By applying it to irritated areas of skin, EasyPaste bandages can help reduce the urge to scratch your eczema. Scratching can make the condition worse, cause bleeding, and impact your sleep. It can also cause your skin to become infected, which will be indicated by symptoms like feeling hot and shivery.^[1]

What doses of EasyPaste are there?

EasyPaste is available as a single-dose and single-use bandage, which contains 10% zinc oxide. As well as helping to improve your eczema, the bandages can also be applied as compression therapy, which can help if you have oedema.

How to use EasyPaste

To apply your EasyPaste bandage:

• with your foot at a right angle, wrap upwards from the base of your toes;
• wrap around your foot, heel and leg using the spiral wrap technique;
• with 50% overlap, cover to just below your knee;
• cut the bandage and smooth it around your leg; and then:
• fasten the bandage down using another type of dressing.

You might find you need to adjust the bandage to your needs, depending on the affected area of skin. The patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication contains a diagram of how to apply the bandage. If you’re still not sure, a clinician can advise you about how best to apply EasyPaste.

How long does EasyPaste take to work?

How long the bandages take to ease your symptoms will depend entirely on how your skin reacts to it, so we can’t say for sure. Some people might feel immediate relief from itchiness after applying the bandage, but the purpose of using it is to allow the skin to heal. This can vary depending on the severity of your eczema, and how damaged your skin is.

If you don’t feel like EasyPaste is improving your symptoms, let a clinician know. It could be that you need to try an alternative medication.

What should I do if I make a mistake while using EasyPaste?

EasyPaste bandages should be used for a maximum of seven days, so you shouldn’t make any mistakes while you’re using it. Avoid applying the bandage directly to open wounds, as it might sting.

The bandages are single-use, and can’t be used by more than one person. Sharing the bandages can spread any infections that might be present on your skin.

When applying the bandage, take care to not apply it with too much pressure. You should still have good circulation to your toes. If the bandages are causing you pain, stop using them and let a clinician know.