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Make this my homepageStay soothed with emollients
A vital element in the treatment and management of eczema, regardless of severity, is the use of emollients. Emollients are simple, non-cosmetic moisturisers that soothe and help relieve itchy, dry skin by replacing the defective lipids in the skin.
It is important to find the emollients that are right for you. Most, however, are perfume-free and therefore suitable for the delicate skin of young children. Emollients should be used regularly, even if there are no obvious signs of dryness, redness or itch.
Types of emollients
- Ointments
- For extra dry, fragile skin, good at night
- Creams
- Cooling and soothing, good for convenience during the day
- Bath oils
- Help moisturise during bathing, then leave a film of oil on the skin
- Soap substitutes/Emollient washes
- Detergent-free washes which will not dry out your or your child's skin
Click here to see an animation of how E45 Cream works. »
Emollients - morning, noon and night
A complete emollient regime means using a combination of emollients as part of a daily skin care routine. That means the frequent use of a chosen range of emollient cream, lotion or ointment, soap substitute, bath product and shampoo. It is important to avoid soaps and detergents which can undo the beneficial effects of emollients. Working together, the emollients help keep the skin moisturised, supple and comfortable.
By using the right products throughout the whole day, the symptoms of mild eczema can often be relieved with emollients. Use them continuously as an essential part of your overall management strategy.
How to apply emollients
- Use emollients liberally and frequently, two or three times a day, even when your eczema is under control. If your dry skin and eczema is widespread, it is not unusual to use 500g of emollient in a week, or 250g for children.
- Apply the cream as gently as possible, in the direction in which your hair grows. Be careful not to rub it in, as this can aggravate eczema. To avoid contamination, do not put your hands in the emollient pot - use a spoon or spatula instead.
- Keep a small container of emollient in your handbag/briefcase/desk drawer/car for use 2 - 3 times a day.
Emollient quantities
Suitable emollient quantities for an adult based on twice-daily application for one week*1:
| Creams and ointments | Lotions | |
| Face | 15-30g | 100ml |
| Both hands | 25-50g | 200ml |
| Both arms or both legs | 100-200g | 200ml |
| Trunk | 400g | 500ml |
| Groin and genital area | 15-25g | 100ml |
* Most 500g emollient pumps dispense approx 4g per plunge.
1 British National Formulary, March 2009.
Applying emollients to children
Applying an emollient when your child's skin is sore and irritated can be time-consuming and messy. If it becomes a real battle, try the following:
- Turn cream application into a soothing baby/child massage
- Distract them by singing nursery rhymes or playing games
- Let them help apply the emollient - they might well enjoy 'painting' themselves with cream!
Sources
http://www.waht.nhs.uk/Departments/Dermatology/Factsheets/Emollients_Moisturisers.htm (last accessed May 2010)
