The family of a disabled teenager desperate to buy a discontinued ointment said those selling it at inflated prices were “morally corrupt”.

George Rabbett-Smith, from Bowes, County Durham, is rarely conscious and suffers from persistent pressure sores after attempting to take his own life aged 17 in 2023.

His mother Hilary Rabbett said Millennium Nappy Rash Ointment was the only product that provided relief from his symptoms, but it was discontinued last year due to supply issues.

The family are now on their last legs and Ms Rabbett has criticized online sellers for charging £30 for a product which retails for less than £6.

She said her 19-year-old son’s cramps meant his skin was particularly sensitive to damage, including pressure and moisture sores.

The family obtained Millennium on prescription after several other ointments proved unsatisfactory, but their supply is almost exhausted.

“There are others we can use, but they are oilier,” said Mrs. Rabbett.

“They’re not going to dry out, they’ll stop the moisture damage and prevent more from occurring, but they won’t dry out any barrier damage that’s already there.

“Anyone who has had pressure sores knows that they are very painful and uncomfortable.

“For someone who can’t express that pain and distress, as George can’t, it’s quite excruciating.”

Criticizing online sellers, he said: “It is morally corrupt to prey on someone’s vulnerability by selling something for £30 a tube with an RRP of around £6.

“But I think times are tough and we all need to make as much money as we can.”

An alternative version of Millennium remains on the shelves, but the product used by George’s family – which was designed to treat rather than simply prevent nappy rash – contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient titanium salicylate.

Hundreds of people who rely on it to treat various skin problems signed a petition to reinstate the product.

But manufacturers Thornton & Ross have no plans to bring it back, and have no remaining stock.

A spokesperson said that titanium salicylate could no longer be obtained “reliably or sustainably”.

The decision to discontinue its production was not taken lightly, he added: “We explored all avenues in our efforts to find an alternative sustainable and reliable source of the component or a suitable substitute for the component.

“Unfortunately, despite our diligent efforts, we were unable to identify any other solutions.”

follow bbc tease x, Facebook, next door And InstagramSend your story ideas to easternandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.