Dry skin occurs when the water content of the skin drops below 10% and occurs as a result of a break in the stratum corneum barrier. To remain soft and flexible, the skin requires a water content of between 10 and 15%1.
Emollients play a vital role in the treatment of dry skin conditions to maintain skin hydration and to help restore barrier function2. Emollients cover the skin with a protective film that keeps moisture in, prevents water loss and keeps irritants out. Regular use of emollients can help to prevent flare-ups3.
Emollients soothe, smooth and hydrate the skin and are indicated for all dry or scaling disorders. The British National Formulary (BNF) states that the effects of emollients are ‘short lived and they should be applied frequently, even after improvement occurs’4.
There are several factors to be considered when prescribing emollients including: individual preference, lifestyle factors, the formulation of the emollient and the severity of the condition5. There is no evidence to suggest that one emollient works better over another6. However, if patients discover an emollient that suits their symptoms, lifestyle and preferences, then adherence to treatment is likely to be higher. Therefore, patients should be encouraged to explore a variety of emollient formulations.
The importance of emollients is often overlooked, and patients may feel that their emollient is ineffective because they are often used in small quantities7. This could be due to the patient feeling that their emollient is uncomfortable or unpleasant to use. It may also be due to reinforcing the belief that because emollients are prescribed in small amounts, they should be used in small amounts.
The EPIMAX® range covers cream, gel and ointment formulations. We encourage patients to find a formulation that works best for their symptoms, lifestyle and preferences.
We’ve designed a specialist ‘Help Me Choose’ tool, which takes patients through a series of questions about their symptoms and what they are looking for to suggest an emollient that might work for them.
References
- British Journal of Family Medicine, (2019). Spotlight: emollients and dry skin conditions. [online] Available at: https://www.bjfm.co.uk/emollients-an-effective-but-underused-treatment [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- British Journal of Nursing, (2013). The vital role of emollients in the treatment of eczema. [online] Available at: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/pdf/10.12968/bjon.2011.20.2.74 [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- Tiplica, G.S. et al, (2017). Prevention of Flares in Children with Atopic Dermatitis with regular Use of an Emollient Containing Glycerol and Paraffin: A Randomized Controlled Study. Journal, [online]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28271540 [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (2020). Emollient and barrier preparations. [online]. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/emollient-and-barrier-preparations.html [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- Nursing in Practice, (2018). Choosing the right emollients for eczema. [online]. Available at: https://www.nursinginpractice.com/choosing-right-emollients-eczema [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- Djokic-Gallagher, J. et al, (2016). Emollient efficacy and acceptability in the treatment oif eczematous dry skin: A double-blind, randomised comparison of two UK-marketed products. Journal, [online]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26864095 [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
- The Pharmaceutical Journal, (2001). Making the most of emollients. [online]. Available at: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/cpd-and-learning/learning-article/making-the-most-of-emollients/20004076.article?firstPass=false [Accessed 02. Mar. 2020].
