Bath Emollient
Relaxing in a warm, milky bath will ensure that you are receiving a very effective treatment for dry skin and eczema. During bathing, water passes into the skin and rehydrates skin cells. The oil in the bath emollient is also continually in contact with the skin and is absorbed into it to prevent subsequent water loss. Bathing also softens and removes rough flakes of skin. Ideally remaining in the bath for 10-20 minutes will give best effect. This is an ideal form of treatment for children and they love the milky effect that emollients give to the water.
Not all Bath emollients disperse as well as others - and they may make the skin feel greasier than fully dispersant bath emollients.
Shower emollients
Bath emollients are designed to work over a 10-20 minute period during bathing. They are not necessarily the best products to use in a shower. Shower emollients are designed to work under the shower, but can also be used during bathing or washing
Ointments
These are the most greasy emollient products. Ointments contain little or no water, for very dry skin and are generally drawn quickly into the skin. If your skin feels too greasy after application it may not be dry enough for this type of product. A cream may be better.
Creams
Creams are semi-solid formulations containing water as well as oil. The water thins the consistency and makes the product easier to apply. Most products in the treatment of eczema are cream formulations.
Lotions
Lotions contain more water than creams, and correspondingly less oil. They spread quickly and evenly over the skin.
Note: Whatever form of emollient you use it should be used regularly to ensure your skin is protected sufficiently from dryness and irritation
Using Emollients
Regular use of emollients forms the backbone of the management of eczema and dry skin conditions. Bath/shower emollients should be used once, and preferably twice a day. The bath emollient hydrates and moisturises all of the skin in a quick and effective manner.
Creams/ointments/lotions are used in between bathing to keep the skin moisturised and supple. This can mean applications 2,3 or 4 times each day. It is not unusual for an adult to use 500g or more of cream each week. This is perfectly normal, and indeed often set as a target.
Creams and ointments can sometimes be difficult to spread. A simple rule is to smooth them over the skin in one direction only, usually in the direction that the hairs on the skin lie. Rubbing against the lie of the hairs can cause irritation in the hair follicles.
Using emollients regularly in this way should improve the skin considerably. If any aspect of the product being used restricts usage, ask to try alternatives.
No two peoples' skin is exactly the same and some people prefer some products to others. Finding a product that you are most happy with is a fundamental part of treatment.
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