Phrases › At the Pharmacy › Ho bisogno di una pomata per la pelle.

Ho bisogno di una pomata per la pelle.

I need a cream for the skin.

Pronunciation

po-MA-ta — three syllables, stress on second. 'Pelle' — PEL-le, double 'l'.

When to use it

Request topical treatments for skin conditions. Italian pharmacies have extensive over-the-counter skin care sections.

What it means

'Pomata' is cream, ointment, or salve. 'Crema' is also used for lighter formulations. 'Per la pelle' = 'for the skin'. You can specify: 'pomata per l'eczema' (eczema cream), 'crema idratante' (moisturiser), 'pomata antibiotica' (antibiotic ointment), 'crema antifungina' (antifungal cream).

Variations

Ho una irritazione cutanea. Cosa mi consiglia?

I have a skin irritation. What do you recommend?

'Cutanea' = skin (adjective). 'Irritazione' could be rash, allergic reaction, or contact dermatitis

Ho bisogno di una crema per le punture di insetto.

I need a cream for insect bites.

'Punture di insetto' = insect bites/stings — hydrocortisone cream is common OTC

Ho la psoriasi. Avete qualcosa senza ricetta?

I have psoriasis. Do you have anything without a prescription?

Some mild psoriasis products are OTC; stronger ones need a dermatologist prescription

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di una pomata per la pelle. Ho una zona rossa e pruriginosa sul braccio. — Da quanto tempo? — Da tre giorni. Forse è una reazione allergica al sole. — Potrebbe essere anche eczema da contatto. Le do una crema leggera al cortisone. Applicarla due volte al giorno. — Per quanto tempo? — Per una settimana. Se non migliora, vada dal dermatologo.

— I need a cream for the skin. I have a red, itchy area on my arm. — Since when? — Three days. Maybe it is a reaction to the sun. — It could also be contact eczema. I will give you a light cortisone cream. Apply it twice a day. — For how long? — For a week. If it does not improve, go to the dermatologist.

Cultural Note

Low-dose hydrocortisone creams ('crema al cortisone') are available OTC in Italian pharmacies for mild skin inflammations. Stronger corticosteroids require a prescription. Italian pharmacies also have a 'parafarmacia' section selling cosmetics and personal care products. Dermatologist ('dermatologo') waiting times in public health can be long — many Italians go private for skin issues.

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