Dermatology - Home DPCP Patient Application and Information

Application Process of Diphencyprone in Acetone – (DPCP should only be used for Alopecia of the scalp)

Important Information – This information sheet is to be kept with the Bottle of DPCP

Step 1 – Gather equipment and check expiry dates of DPCP bottle

• Wound care pack containing a drape and galley pot
• Pipette
• Cotton bud
• DPCP bottle in white tub
• Gloves, protective cuffs, face shield, apron and surgical mask
• Sharps bin
• Orange clinical waste bag

Step 2 – Wash Your Hands

Step 3 – Prepare Equipment

• Put the open wound care pack on a clean, flat and clear surface
• Put the sharps bin next to the wound care pack
• Put the galley pot (if not in the wound care pack), cotton bud and pipette on to the open wound care pack
• Put on gloves, protective cuffs, face shield, apron and surgical mask

Step 4 – Prepare to apply the treatment

• Sit upright in a chair and place the drape over the shoulders
• Remove the DPCP bottle from the white tub and place the DPCP bottle in the wound care pack and open the bottle. Do not throw away the DPCP bottle tub or lid. Using the pipette, draw 3ml of the DPCP into the pipette and squeeze it into the galley pot
• Discard the pipette in the sharps bin next to the wound care pack and reseal the DPCP bottle with the lid and put it back in the tub for safe storage
• Dip the pre-prepared cotton wool bud into the galley pot with the DPCP. Do not squeeze or press the cotton wool bud against the side. All 3ml of DPCP should be absorbed in the cotton wool bud but it should not be dripping
• Wipe the cotton wool bud over the front to the back of the scalp in small circular motions
• Cover the scalp for 6-8 hours following application by wearing a head covering
• Place the used wool cotton bud into the sharps bin. Remove the drape from the neck and wrap up the wound care pack and its contents. Place this into the orange clinical waste bag followed by your apron, cuffs, gloves and mask. This should then be knotted and put in your own home waste bin
• If the DPCP bottle is empty or expired, leave it in the white tub and return it to the DPCP room, Dermatology Unit, Level 3 Brooke Building at your next visit

Step 5 – Wash your hands

Step 6 – Complete the DPCP diary

• Write the strength applied in the DPCP diary
• Record the itch duration and redness duration after the last application
• Record the time and date when you washed your head after the last application
• Send the completed diary by email to salford.dermatologyhair@nca.nhs.uk every week

How to Store the DPCP

• The bottles must be stored in a cupboard at room temperature (e.g., tall bathroom or kitchen cabinet)
• Protect from heat sources and light and other flammable sources, including e-cigarettes
• Keep the bottle securely tight and keep out of sight and reach of children/pets

What happens if the DPCP spills?

• Put on gloves and an apron
• Clean the spillage with a towel, disposable wipes or kitchen roll
• If the spillage is inside the white DPCP tub, the stones in the tub will absorb the DPCP. Close the lid and do not try to remove the DPCP bottle from the tub
• Contact the DPCP hotline for advice

Accidental exposure

• Mouth – Wash out mouth thoroughly with water. If swallowed, drink plenty of water and call 111
• Other areas of skin - Wash off immediately with soap and water
• Inhalation – Open the windows or go outside. If struggling to breath, call for help or ring 999
• Eyes – Wash the eyes for over 15 minutes with clean running water

For further advice seek help and use ’Home DPCP Contact Information’ below.

What happens if my scalp becomes too sore?

• Apply your steroid cream once or twice a day to the area of soreness
• If you have ran out of steroid cream, contact the DPCP team (see ‘Home DPCP Contact Information’ below)

Home DPCP Contact Information

1. Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00hrs DPCP Hotline - 0161 206 9428
   Email address – salford.dermatologyhair@nca.nhs.uk. 
   In the case of no response, please follow the instructions below.
2. Monday to Sunday 08:30-17:00hrs on call Dermatology
   Registrar –- Salford Royal Hospital switchboard 0161 789 7373 and ask to be put through to the Dermatology Registrar on call.
3. Monday to Sunday 17:00-08:30hrs, call 111 or attend your local Emergency Department in an emergency. Please take with you your Standard Operating Procedure for information.
4. Bank holidays: call 111 or attend your local Emergency Department. Please take with you your Standard Operating Procedure for information.