What are emollients?
Emollients (moisturisers) increase the level of moisture in the skin making it less dry. There are lots of different types including lotions, creams, gels and ointments. Dermatologists tend to prefer ointments because they are thick, greasy and last longer on the skin and contain fewer preservatives which can cause stinging and irritation.
How do emollients work?
Emollients provide a coating on the outer layer of the skin, improving the skin barrier and reducing water loss. You might use a number of different emollients for example greasier ointments can be used if the skin is very dry or you are relaxing at home but you might choose a cream-based emollient if your skin is not very dry or you are going to school/work etc.
The vast majority of emollients can be used as a soap substitute as well (except white soft paraffin). Regular soaps including shower gel and bath foam should be avoided as they can be very drying on the skin and cause irritation.
How much emollient is enough?
A thin shiny layer to the skin should be sufficient to all the affected areas. If treating the whole body approximately 600g per week for an adult and 250-500g per week for a child.
Precautions
- Some emollients contain paraffin which is flammable. Do not smoke, use naked flames (e.g. candles, BBQs, be near people who are smoking or using naked flames) or be near anything else which may cause a fire whilst these products are in contact with your skin, clothes dressings or bandaged.
- Emollients will cause surfaces such as baths and showers to be slippery so take care.
- If an emollient causes irritation, please seek advice from your medical or nursing team.
- If you are using a topical corticosteroid as part of your treatment plan also do not apply these at the same time as it may dilute your treatment and cause it not to work effectively. An emollient should be applied 30 minutes prior to applying a steroid or vice versa.
- If you are having ultraviolet light treatment or radiotherapy, check with your medical and nursing team if there is any specific guidance on your emollient use prior to starting treatment.
- Emollients do not contain SPF and should not be used as sun protection. Sun creams should be used as an alternative when skin is exposed to direct sunlight with a medium/high UV level.
How should emollients be applied?
Step 1
Always wash your hands for 20 seconds before applying an emollient.
Step 2
Do not put your fingers into the tub as this can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Use a clean spoon or a spatula to take your emollient out of the tub. If your emollient is in a pump this can be done straight on to your clean hands.
Step 3
Apply to the skin in a downwards motion following the hair growth. Do not rub in as this can block the follicles and cause infection.
Top tips for emollients
- As a moisturiser
Smooth onto the skin immediately after bathing and apply as often as needed to prevent the skin becoming dry.
Ideally it should be applied 2-4 times per day.
- As a cleanser
Apply liberally to the skin and wipe off with single layer of paper tissue, taking care not to damage fragile skin.
- As a soap substitute
Mix emollient with water in palm to form lather. Apply to the skin in a downwards direction. Gently rinse lather off skin leaving a thin layer of the ointment on the skin. Pat dry.
- In the bath
Ointments can be dissolved in water. Dissolve a spoonful of ointment in a small amount of warm water and add to the bath water. Take care when getting out of the bath, as it may be slippy.
Useful sources of information
British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
DermNet NZ
For Further Information
Medicines Information Patient Helpline:
Tel: 0191 282 3016. Available 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). This helpline is available for patients of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, to answer any questions they may have regarding their medicines.
Dermatology:
Tel: 0191 282 0098. Available 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
Out-of-hours Advice:
Contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest NHS Walk-in Centre.
PALS:
If you have any concerns during your treatment please discuss this with the Dermatology team.
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can offer on-the-spot advice and information about the NHS. You can contact them on Freephone 0800 032 02 02 or e-mail northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk
