Using emollients

While using emollient products may seem straightforward, there are various counselling tips that pharmacy staff can pass on to help customers get the most out of their treatments.

• Customers may prefer to apply ointments at night. Lotions contain more water than fat, so spread easily. Creams contain more fat but are less greasy than ointments
• Several products may be needed for different parts of the body or during flare-ups and periods of remission
• Bath additives and shower products are popular, but ointments can also be dissolved in hot water to make a soap substitute
• Soap substitutes are substitutes for soap only, not for emollient application after cleansing
• If the emollient comes in a tub, a clean spoon or spatula should be used to scoop it out. This minimises the risk of contamination from fingers
• Emollients should be applied frequently and liberally, in the direction of hair growth. An adult with eczema should expect to get through a 500g tub a week. They may also want to purchase smaller tubes and/or pots that they can take with them to re-apply during the day 
• Customers who use paraffin-based emollients should be warned about the easy ignition of clothing, bedding, dressings and other fabric that have dried residue of an emollient product on them and advised not to smoke or go near naked flames.