Moisturisers (Emollients) and Eczema
Although many people think an emollient and a moisturiser are the same thing, they aren’t. An emollient is one of the ingredients in a moisturiser. The other ingredients in a moisturiser bring water into your skin. Emollients are the part of a moisturiser that keep your skin soft and smooth.
Emollients have been used for over 5,000 years and they form an essential part of the therapy for all dry skin conditions, including atopic and contact eczema.
Emollients are safe and effective and, in the majority of cases, mild to moderate eczema can be successfully treated by using emollient therapy alone.
Why are emollients so effective?
Dry skin is one of the main symptoms of eczema. Changes in skin moisture levels cause a reduction in the barrier function, which in turn increases water loss, thus allowing the penetration of irritants and allergens which trigger eczema.
Itching is another major and most distressing symptom of eczema and produces an itch-scratch-itch cycle.
Scratching leads to the release of histamine, a chemical in the body, which makes the itching worse and leads to skin damage. This also allows entry for irritants, allergens and bacteria which trigger eczema.
Emollients soothe and relieve the itch, producing an oily layer over the skin surface which traps water beneath it.
The resulting restoration of the skin’s barrier function by emollients prevents penetration of irritants, allergens and bacteria thereby reducing or preventing the development of eczema. A good skin care routine using emollients can soothe, moisturise, and protect the skin, thus helping to reduce the need for steroid preparations. In mild to moderate eczema, topical steroids and topical antibiotics should only be necessary for flare-ups of eczema.
What are emollients?
Emollient is simply the medical word for moisturiser. However, emollients are different from cosmetic moisturisers in that they tend to be unperfumed and do not have anti-ageing ingredients. Applying emollients can be very time consuming and tedious, but it helps to know what they do for your skin. Emollients help skin to feel more comfortable and less itchy. They keep the skin moist and flexible, helping to prevent cracks. There are many types of emollients and they can be classified according to how they are applied.
- Lotions, creams and ointments: applied directly to the skin.
- Bath oils: added to the bath water or directly to the skin in the shower.
- Soap substitutes: used instead of soap to cleanse the skin.
Lotions
Lotions contain more water and less fat than creams. They spread easily and are cooling, but are not very effective at moisturising very dry skin. They are useful for hairy areas, or for quick absorption if time is short.
Unfortunately emollients are under-used, as people often perceive them to be inactive moisturisers and do not understand why they are so important in controlling eczema. When used correctly as a daily skin care regime, emollients become effective ‘active treatments’. Emollient therapy is not just about products but understanding how and when to use them.
Creams
Creams contain a mixture of fat and water and feel light and cool on the skin. They are easier to spread over sore skin and are not greasy. All creams contain preservatives and people can become sensitised to them, although this is rare.
Creams need to be used liberally and frequently so that the skin is not allowed to dry out.
Ointments
Most ointments do not contain water, therefore they do not need a preservative. This makes them ideal for people who react to preservatives. Ointments are often stiff and greasy and some people may find them cosmetically unacceptable. However, because they are very effective at holding water in the skin, they are useful for very dry and thickened skin, under wet wraps or if a heavier cream is required at night. Ointments should not be used on weeping eczema – use a cream or lotion instead.
Bath oils
Bubble baths are extremely drying and potentially irritating to people with eczema. However, daily baths remove dirt and skin debris which could cause infection. Bath oils and warm water clean and hydrate the skin coating it with a film of oil to trap water in the skin.
Some bath oils are fully-dispersing while others are semi-dispersing, leaving more or less oil on the skin. As with emollients it can be a case of trial and error. Experiment to see which suits you or your child’s skin best. Some doctors prescribe emulsifying ointment for bathing. This needs to be dissolved with boiling water first and whisked with a fork. Some people find this helpful, while others find it messy and time-consuming. Discuss with your doctor to find an emollient regime that works best for you.
Bath oils can be used in the shower, either on a sponge, or applied all over before showering off.
It is also possible to obtain emollients specially designed for the shower. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
If you find that entering the water stings the skin, apply a soap substitute or emollient all over before entering the water. Be careful not to slip – a mat or grab rails are helpful. Placing a towel in the bath may also be helpful especially when bathing an active baby. Bath oils do make a mess of the bath. Wipe around the bath with paper towels or tissues – this will absorb excess oil and shine the bath. Warn other bath users that the bath or shower may still be slippery. The bath may be cleaned with a bath cleaner but be careful to rinse it thoroughly before use.
Soap substitutes
Soap is alkaline and very drying to skin with eczema. The hands are particularly at risk, as they are washed more frequently. Each wash degreases the skin. Detergent base soap-substitutes (liquid soaps/cleansers) and perfumed products should also be avoided as they tend to irritate eczematous skin.
Emollient soap-substitutes do not foam and may take a little while to get used to. It is not essential to have bubbles to clean the skin and emollient washing creams are very effective at cleaning the skin. Soap-substitutes can either be applied before bathing, showering or washing, or scoop up a handful of cream and apply over the skin while in the water.
Choosing the right emollient
The best emollient is one which the patient prefers because then you, or your child, will use it more frequently. Dermatology nurses sometimes give out emollients for people to try. Always try new emollients on a small area of unaffected skin first to test for a reaction.
Once you have chosen your emollients they will need to be used frequently to have maximum benefit.
Ideally this would be every few hours but it should be at least 3 to 4 times a day – getting through a 500g tub per week is not unusual.
When and how to apply emollients
When the skin is very dry, using a combination of the three types of emollients helps to give the best hydration and restore the skin’s barrier function to normal. Emollients can be used in combination with other treatments which your doctor may prescribe, such as topical steroids.
There are no standard rules regarding whether to apply a topical steroid preparation after or before using an emollient. Some people are happiest using an emollient first to prepare the skin, followed by the steroid.
However, whichever order of care you choose it is important that you leave as long a period as practical, approximately 1/2 to 1 hour, between the two treatments to avoid diluting the strength of the topical steroid preparation, and to prevent the spread of topical steroids to areas not affected by eczema.
Emollient cream or ointment
- Use liberally and frequently – every hour if the skin is very dry, but at least 3 times a day.
- Apply gently in the direction of hair growth. Never rub up and down vigorously as this could trigger itching, block hair follicles or create more heat in the skin.
- Apply emollients after bathing, while water is still trapped in the skin, for extra hydration.
- Avoid putting hands into large tubs of emollient cream. Use a spatula to take out the correct amount each time and replace the lid immediately. Alternatively ask your doctor or pharmacist about pump dispensers for emollients.
- Continue to use the emollient, even when the eczema has improved, this will help prevent flare-ups.
- Storage depends on whether you prefer your emollient warm or cold – try either the airing cupboard or fridge.
Bath oil
- Adding oil to warm, not hot, bath water cleanses and hydrates the skin. Soak for 10-20 minutes, pat (do not rub) the skin dry. Apply emollient.
- Young infants may require two baths daily.
Emollient soap substitutes
- Use whenever you would use soap, but particularly on the hands and while bathing or showering.
This information was written by Dr Michael Cork, Senior Lecturer in Dermatology, UK on behalf of the NES
It is not the policy of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc to recommend or endorse any product or treatment.
It is part of the role of the Association to provide information on a wide range of products and treatments to keep those involved with eczema as fully informed as possible as to all options available. For medical advice, consult your health professional.
