Dermatology
Emollients
Moisturisers for dry skin — The everyday foundation of eczema and dry-skin care — used generously and often.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language class overview — it deliberately contains no doses. Always check the current Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), the BNF and your local formulary before prescribing or administering any medicine.
What it is
Emollients are moisturisers — creams, ointments, lotions and wash products — that are the cornerstone of managing eczema and any dry or scaly skin condition.
How it works
They restore and seal the skin's natural barrier, trapping water and softening the surface. A healthier barrier itches less, cracks less and is less prone to flares and infection.
In practice
In practice emollients are the unglamorous but essential base of skin care in eczema and other dry-skin conditions: used liberally and frequently they reduce flares and the need for steroid creams. The practical points are to apply plenty (smoothed on in the direction of hair growth), to leave a gap of several minutes from any steroid cream, and to be aware of two safety issues — fire risk, because paraffin-based products can make fabrics and dressings dangerously flammable, and slip risk in the bath or shower. Finding a product the patient will actually use is half the battle.
Examples
Practical use
How to take it & use it well
- Apply moisturisers (emollients) liberally and often to dry or eczema-prone skin, including when the skin looks settled, to keep it hydrated and protected.
- Smooth them on gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing vigorously, which can irritate the skin.
- Apply after bathing or showering while the skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
- If you also use a steroid cream, leave a gap between the emollient and the steroid so each works properly.
- Be aware of fire risk: emollients containing paraffin can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings and make fabric catch fire more easily, so keep well away from naked flames and avoid smoking.
- Use a clean spoon or pump rather than dipping fingers into tubs, to reduce the chance of contaminating the product.
Common uses
- Eczema and dermatitis (everyday maintenance)
- Dry, scaly or itchy skin
- Soap substitutes for sensitive skin
Monitoring
- Whether the skin stays comfortable and flares less
- Acceptability — the best emollient is the one that gets used
- Skin reaction to a new product
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- They soothe dryness and itch and help repair and protect the skin barrier.
- Regular use can reduce eczema flares and the need for steroid creams.
- They are suitable for long-term daily use and for all ages, including babies.
- A wide range of lotions, creams and ointments lets you find a texture that suits you.
Disadvantages
- Paraffin-containing emollients are a fire hazard once soaked into fabric.
- They need to be applied frequently and generously to work, which takes time and effort.
- Some products can sting, feel greasy, or occasionally cause irritation or a reaction.
- Tubs can become contaminated if fingers are dipped in repeatedly.
Key safety principles
What to watch for
- Fire risk — paraffin-based emollients can make clothing, bedding and dressings highly flammable; keep away from naked flames and cigarettes.
- Can make baths and showers slippery.
- Occasional irritation or reaction — switch product if the skin worsens.
Key interactions
What to avoid or check alongside
- Emollients have very few medicine interactions, but applying one at the same moment as a steroid cream can dilute the steroid, so space them apart.
- Greasy emollients can make the skin slippery, which matters when applying medicated patches that need to stick.
- Paraffin-based products increase the flammability of clothing and dressings, a serious safety interaction with naked flames and cigarettes.
- Very occlusive ointments may increase absorption of other things applied to the same area of skin.
- Some emollients can affect how well certain dressings adhere, so check with your clinician when both are used.
Patient & carer advice
- Apply generously and often, even when the skin looks well
- Avoid naked flames — treated fabrics can catch fire more easily
- Leave a few minutes between your moisturiser and any steroid cream
Answers
Emollients: frequently asked questions
How much emollient should I use?
Use emollients generously and often, far more than most people expect, applying them across dry or eczema-prone areas several times a day. Regular liberal use keeps the skin barrier healthy and can reduce flares and the need for steroids.
Why are emollients a fire risk?
Emollients, especially those containing paraffin, can soak into clothing, bedding and bandages. Even after washing, residues can make fabric catch fire more easily and burn faster. Keep away from naked flames, heaters and cigarettes while using them.
When is the best time to apply moisturiser?
A good time is just after bathing or showering, while the skin is still slightly damp, as this helps lock in moisture. Beyond that, apply throughout the day whenever the skin feels dry, smoothing it on gently.
Can I use an emollient and a steroid cream together?
Yes. Emollients are a key part of skin care alongside steroid creams. Apply them at different times with a gap between, so the steroid is not diluted and each product can do its job effectively.
Why should I not dip my fingers into the emollient tub?
Repeatedly dipping fingers into a tub can introduce bacteria and contaminate the product. Using a clean spoon or pump dispenser keeps it hygienic, which is especially important for broken or eczema-prone skin.
Authoritative sources
Always verify against the source
This overview is for orientation. For doses, interactions, contra-indications and the full monograph, use:
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