IHADA Acne and Eczema Medicines: Which of the Four Fits?

IHADA’s blue-and-white boxes are not all skincare products. For acne, look at Acne Cure Cream. For eczema or dermatitis, distinguish nonsteroidal Prescreed D and i from IHADA steroid ointment (キュアロイド軟膏; Kyuarōido). Whether a product can go around the eyes depends on the exact medicine.

I’m Irene, a Taiwan-born, Japan-licensed pharmacist working in a Japanese drugstore. Let’s match the skin problem to the box first, then compare the essence-like liquid, cream and ointment. You do not need every similar-looking pack.

Sources checked: 13 October 2026, for Japanese-market products. All four below are treatment medicines. They answer a different shopping question from the IHADA Medicated Balm and Clear Balm skincare guide.

Narrow the choice by the problem

For the steroid option, match キュアロイド軟膏 and 5g on the box rather than relying on the IHADA logo or blue-and-white colours.

If you cannot tell acne, eczema and infection apart, have a pharmacist assess the symptoms. The presence or absence of a steroid is only one part of choosing.

Acne Cure: apply to acne spots after washing

Look for イハダ アクネキュアクリーム, sold in 16g and 26g sizes as a Class 2 OTC medicine. Its blue tube and blue-and-white box carry the large wording 大人のニキビ.

Each gram contains ibuprofen piconol 30mg and isopropyl methylphenol 3mg for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. It contains no steroid. The light gel-cream becomes transparent after application.

Apply an appropriate amount several times daily after washing with soap, only to acne-affected areas, not widely over the surrounding skin. The maker advises letting the applied medicine dry before using toner or moisturiser. Do not apply to the eyes or surrounding skin. The official FAQ also permits use for acne on the chest and back.

Prescreed D and i: both form and ingredients differ

イハダ プリスクリードD is a nonsteroidal Class 2 medicine in a 14mL pump bottle. Each gram contains ufenamate 50mg and tocopherol acetate 5mg. Its essence-like liquid suits a preference for easy spreading and a less sticky feel.

イハダ プリスクリードi is a nonsteroidal Class 2 medicine in a pointed 6g tube. Each gram contains ufenamate 50mg, diphenhydramine 10mg and glycyrrhetinic acid 3mg. The cream makes local application easier to control and includes itch relief.

Both are labelled for dermatitis, eczema, itching, contact dermatitis, skin erosion, heat rash and nappy rash. Apply an appropriate amount to clean affected skin several times daily. D and i are different formulas, so consider the symptoms and site as well as the container.

The official FAQs allow both on skin around the eyes and eyelids, but neither may enter the eye. Apply gently. If medicine gets into the eye, rinse immediately with water or lukewarm water; seek eye care if symptoms are severe. Do not extend this permission to Acne Cure or the steroid ointment.

The steroid ointment: a steroid, with specific site restrictions

イハダ キュアロイド軟膏 is a 5g white tube, classified as a Designated Class 2 OTC medicine. The box says アンテドラッグステロイド. It contains the steroid prednisolone valerate acetate, plus diphenhydramine, lidocaine, isopropyl methylphenol and tocopherol acetate.

Its labelled uses are dermatitis, eczema, itching, contact dermatitis, heat rash, hives and insect bites. Apply an appropriate amount to clean affected skin several times daily. Do not apply to chickenpox, athlete’s foot/ringworm, pus-producing areas, the eye area or mucous membranes. Do not use widely on the face or continuously long term.

“Antedrug” describes a drug-design approach; it does not mean steroid-free or free of adverse effects. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use if pregnant or possibly pregnant. The official FAQ excludes children under one year.

Children, makeup and skincare order

The Prescreed D/i and Acne Cure FAQs say not to use on newborns under four weeks; the steroid ointment excludes under-one-year-olds. These product-specific limits do not establish that a baby’s rash is suitable for self-treatment. An adult must supervise children’s use; seek advice when uncertain.

The maker allows cosmetics over D/i and Acne Cure, depending on the skin’s condition. Do not force makeup over irritated, painful or swollen skin simply to hide symptoms. Apply medicine only where treatment is needed, and do not layer all four together.

When should you stop if it is not helping?

• Acne Cure: stop and seek advice if there is no improvement after about one month.
• Prescreed D/i: stop and seek advice after about 1–2 weeks without improvement.
• the steroid ointment: stop and seek advice after 5–6 days without improvement.

These are not courses you must finish. Stop earlier for a rash, redness, swelling, itching, stinging, heat, dryness or other adverse symptoms, and take the box or leaflet for advice. With the steroid ointment, new acne, pus, fungal infection signs or persistent irritation also need attention.

Consult first if receiving treatment, previously allergic to medicines or similar substances, or if the skin is severely wet or eroded. Acne Cure and the steroid ointment also flag widespread affected areas for consultation; Acne Cure additionally flags deep wounds or severe burns. Read each product’s full restrictions.

Check older shopping lists carefully

Shiseido lists Dry Cure Emulsion, Prescreed AC and Dermacure Ointment as discontinued. They are not current choices in this comparison. The blue-and-white treatment medicines also should not be confused with the small skincare balm jars.

All four are for external use only. Keep tightly closed in a cool place away from sunlight and children. Do not transfer to another container or use after expiry. The full product name and site restrictions matter more than the IHADA logo alone.

Official sources

Acne Cure product and leaflet · Prescreed D product and leaflet

Prescreed i product and leaflet · the steroid ointment product and leaflet · Discontinued products