Emollients

About emollients

This belongs to the group of medicines known as emollients.

Emollients are made up of water, fats, waxes and oils and help to soothe, soften and moisturise the skin. They are used to treat certain dry skin conditions which cause the skin to harden, flake, crack and become sore and painful. They can also be used to treat some inflammatory skin conditions such as sunburn, windburn, eczema and ichthyosis.

Dry skin is mainly due to loss of water. Emollients rapidly moisturise the outer layers of the skin and the oils contained in emollients form a layer over the skin, preventing further evaporation of water. Some emollient preparations can also be used with water to wash with, instead of soap, to prevent the skin drying further.

Emollients are available in many different forms.

Preparations available are: Alpha Keri; Aveeno; Aqueous Cream; Balneum; Cetraben; Dermamist Emollient Spray; Dermol; Diprobase; Diprobath; Doublebase; Emulsiderm; Emulsifying Ointment; Epaderm; Hewletts; Hydromol; Hydrous Ointment; Imuderm; Infaderm; Lipobase; Liquid Paraffin and White Soft Paraffin; Neutrogena; Oilatum. . You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using emollients

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any of the ingredients listed on the packaging of this preparation

How to use emollients

• Always read the instructions on the container, if possible, before using the preparation.
• If you are using a type of emollient which is applied directly to the skin, apply the preparation and massage into the skin. The preparation can be re-applied as frequently as necessary, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• When applying this preparation to hairy areas, always apply in the direction of the hair growth.
• If you are using an emollient as a wash cream, soap substitute or shower gel, mix the preparation with water, apply to the skin, rinse briefly and pat dry taking care not to rub off the emollient.
• If you are using an emollient bath oil or additive, add the emollient to approximately 20cm/8 inches of bath water. Soak in the bath for 10-20 minutes then pat the skin dry taking care not to rub off the emollient.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using an emollient in the bath or shower, your skin and the surface of the bath or shower may become very slippery. Take care not to slip when getting in and out of the bath or shower and when handling babies and small children.
• If you are using an emollient which requires direct application to the skin, you should take extra care when applying near broken, raw or weeping skin.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, if any emollient gets into the eyes rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Can emollients cause problems?

Emollients are unlikely to cause side effects unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

If your skin condition gets worse after using an emollient, or if you develop a rash, stop using the preparation and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store emollients

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 19/10/2005