Eczema Care - Emollients

Moisturisers, also referred to as emollients, can be used frequently to trap and seal moisture into the skin. They can be applied directly onto the skin or added to the bath. One of the best times to apply creams to the skin is immediately after a bath - the skin is soft, clean and relatively free from scabs and crusts.

Some moisturisers are in the form of greasy ointments whilst others are creams or lotions. The severity of the eczema will largely determine which type of moisturiser to use. There are no hard and fast rules with moisturisers. Different creams and ointments can be used on different parts of the body. The more greasy moisturisers tend to work better on very dry skin whilst creams and lotions are good if the skin is less dry but perhaps weepy. Lotions are probably best used if the eczema is mild or as a time saving measure.

Choosing the 'best' emollient and how to apply by Dr J S C English

Many people who come to me for a consultation complain that selecting a skin care treatment for eczema can often be difficult. With so many products available which claim to treat the condition, sufferers can often become confused and unsure which product to use.

It is important when selecting an emollient to try a few different products to find the one that is best for your skin. I normally recommend urea based emollients, such as Eucerin, as a firstline treatment for eczema and dry skin sufferers.

Urea is a 'natural' moisturiser that is present in the surface layer of the skin (epidermis) and I believe that any product that can replicate the body's natural process should be the preferred treatment option.

The presence of urea in 'healthy' skin helps to prevent water loss and binds moisture into the skin to keep it smooth and supple. Eczema and dry skin sufferers often have reduced levels of urea in their skin which leads to roughness, tightness, scaly or flaky skin and irritation.

Emollients should be applied at least twice a day, everyday, in a light even coating all over the body. They should be applied in downward strokes in the direction of your hair growth, as this will reduce the risk of causing blocked hair follicles, leading to folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the pores.

Another important part of skin management is your bath or shower routine. You should avoid the use of soap or perfumed cleansers, such as shower gel or bubble bath, as these can further irritate the skin. Try to use a bath or shower emollient, rich in natural oils and lipids, to help seal in the moisture and relief itching.

In addition to the daily use of emollients, you should also try and pinpoint the triggers for your condition, so that you can avoid them where possible. Many sufferers are often able to identify when their condition is at its worst and the possible causes, these can include cold weather, tree and grass pollen, a food intolerance or allergy, and eliminate or reduce the impact of these factors.

By Dr J S C English, MB, FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist
Queen's Medical Centre
University Hospital Nottingham

Read our article about the Beneficial Effects of Urea

(July 2002)

The information contained on this page has been provided by Beiersdorf.

Page updated: 21 October 2007