To effectively manage the symptoms of dry skin conditions, keep skin comfortable and to prevent flare-ups; it’s important that patients apply an emollient frequently and liberally1.
The recommended amount of emollient to be used per week is1,2:
- 500g for adults
- 250g for children
Other recommendations:
- Advise the patient to apply their emollient at least two to four times a day
- Very dry skin may require application every two to three hours
- Use a soap substitute for washing, bathing and showering
- Creams may need to be applied more often than ointments
- Patients should continue to use an emollient even when they think their skin looks better to prevent flare-ups
References
- National Eczema Society, (2018). Emollient prescribing guidance for patients and primary care prescribers. [online] Available at: https://eczema.org/wp-content/uploads/Emollient-prescribing-guidance-for-patients-and-primary-care-prescribers.pdf [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (2007). Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management Clinical guideline [CG57]. [online] Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG57/chapter/1-Guidance#treatment [Accessed 28 Feb. 2020].
- North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups, (2019). Primary Care Emollient Options. [online] Available at: https://www.hounslowccg.nhs.uk/media/129981/01-Primary-Care-Emollient-Options-FINAL-V2.pdf [Accessed 28 Feb. 2020].
