NHS CHOICES
Emollients are
moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.
They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.
Emollients are often used to help manage dry, itchy
or scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. They help
prevent patches of inflammation and flare-ups of these conditions.
Types of emollients
Emollients are available as:
·
lotions – good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema)
as they are thin and spread easily, but they're not very moisturising
·
sprays – good for hard-to-reach areas and for sore or infected skin that
shouldn't be touched; quickly absorbed
·
creams – good for daytime use as they're not very greasy and are absorbed
quickly
· ointments – good for very dry, thickened skin and for night-time use as they
are greasy, thick and very moisturising; they're usually free of
preservatives so are suitable for sensitive skin, but they shouldn't be used on
weeping eczema
·
bath oils and shower products
·
soap substitutes
They can either be bought over the counter from your pharmacy or be
prescribed by your GP, nurse or health visitor.
If you or your children need to use an emollient regularly, it's a good
idea to keep some in small pots or tubes at home, school or work.
Although aqueous cream is often prescribed, it's not always the best
option. Some people may have a reaction to an ingredient in aqueous cream, and
it's thinner and less effective than other products as a leave-on emollient.
Leave-on products
There are lots of different types of leave-on emollient that can be put
directly on the skin.
Some create a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture. Some
have added ingredients to reduce itching or
prevent infection.
Your doctor or pharmacist will talk to you about which type of emollient
will work best for your skin condition. You may have to try a few different
emollients to find the best one for your or your child's skin.
Many of these leave-on products can also be used as wash products.
Soap substitutes (emollient wash products)
Everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out the skin and
can make skin conditions, such as eczema, worse.
Using an emollient soap substitute instead of normal soap for handwashing and
bathing can help to improve your skin.
How to use emollients
Leave-on emollients
Emollient lotions, sprays, creams and ointments should be applied
directly to the skin. They should be smoothed, not rubbed, into the skin gently
and in the same direction that your hair grows, to help prevent hair follicles
from getting blocked.
They can be used to replace lost moisture whenever your skin feels dry
or tight. They are very safe and you can't overuse them.
You may need to experiment with different emollients or try a
combination. For example, you may decide to use a cream during the day and an
ointment at night.
Soap substitutes (emollient wash products)
Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of soap substitute in the palm
of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin.
Rinse and pat the skin dry, being careful not to rub it.
You can use soap substitutes for handwashing, showering or in the bath.
They don't foam like normal soap but are just as effective at cleaning the
skin.
If your skin stings after using an emollient wash product and doesn't
settle after rinsing, ask your GP or pharmacist to recommend a different soap
substitute.
Bath additives
Emollient bath additives often come as a bath oil. Add this to warm
or lukewarm bath water and soak in it for at least 10 minutes. Once out of the
bath, pat your skin dry with a towel.
You can also apply bath oil directly to the skin in the shower,
but this isn't as effective as soaking in the bath.
Using a bath additive leaves a protective film of oil over the
skin that helps it to stop losing moisture.
Some bath oils contain an antiseptic, which can help prevent infections.
But these products should only be used occasionally, unless the infection
covers a large area of your skin or comes back. Talk to your GP, nurse or
pharmacist if you have questions about this.
Never use more than the recommended amount of bath additive, as high
concentrations may cause skin irritation.
Using emollients with other skin treatments
If you're using a steroid cream or other treatment for your skin
condition, wait at least 30 minutes after putting on your emollient before
applying it. This avoids diluting the effect of the treatment and spreading it
to areas of skin that don't need it.
When to apply emollients
Emollients can be applied as often as you like to keep the skin well
moisturised and in good condition. Ideally, this should be done at least three
or four times a day.
It's especially important to regularly apply an emollient to your hands
and face, as they're exposed to the elements more than any other part of your
body.
Certain activities, such as swimming or gardening, can irritate the
skin. It may help to apply an emollient before doing these.
It's a good idea to protect babies' hands and cheeks with an emollient
before meal times to stop them getting sore from food and drink.
Emollients are best applied after washing your hands, taking a bath or
showering because this is when the skin most needs moisture. The emollient
should be applied as soon as you have patted your skin dry to ensure it is
properly absorbed.
Skin reactions
Emollients can sometimes cause a skin reaction, such as: an overheating, burning sensation or stinging that
doesn't settle after a few days of treatment – usually caused by a
reaction to a certain ingredient contained in the emollient blocked or inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis)
that may cause boils, rashes on the face that can aggravate acne
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your GP, nurse or
pharmacist.
Safety advice when using emollients
Follow this general safety advice when using emollients:
· Keep away from fire, flames and
cigarettes when using paraffin-based emollients. Dressings and clothing soaked with the ointment can be easily ignited.
·
Use a clean spoon or spatula to
remove emollients from a pot or tub. This
reduces the risk of infections from contaminated pots.
· Take care of slipping when using
emollients in a bath or shower, or on a tiled floor. Protect the floor with a non-slip mat, towel or sheet. Wearing
protective gloves, wash your bath or shower after with hot water and
washing up liquid, then dry with a kitchen towel.
·
Never use more than the
recommended amount of bath additive. It may
cause skin irritation if the concentration is too high, particularly when used
with antiseptic bath oils.
· Be careful of using aqueous cream. It can cause burning, stinging, itching and redness for some
people, especially children with atopic eczema. Read more information about the safety of
aqueous cream on the Medicines and Healthcare Products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website. source
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