Getting to grips with your emollient
When you (or your child) have eczema, your skin is not able to create the natural protective barrier that stops water being lost, and dirt, irritants and bacteria from getting in. Your emollient is the most important part of your treatment package because it will restore the barrier function, so protecting the skin. It does this by replacing lost moisture, which means that you need to put a lot of it on.
Using enough emollient
The reality is that many people (both children and adults alike) just don't use enough emollient for it to do its job properly and for them to see the best results.
Follow these simple rules to applying an emollient:
- Put it on every day - in between and during flare-ups, even when skin is clear
- Apply it every 3-4 hours - which means at least 4 times a day
- Be generous - generally speaking you'll need far more emollient than you might imagine
You should use between 250-500g a week for children (that's 2-4 pump dispensers a month) and roughly 600g a week for adults (that's about 4 pump dispensers a month).
Building a daily emollient routine
We know that applying an emollient four times a day, each and every day, is time consuming - and it's not that enjoyable! However, trying to build emollient application into your daily routine (and that of a child) can help to make it a regular habit. Why not think of fixed points in time during the day when you could put on an emollient, for example:
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Before getting dressed in the morning
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Just after lunch (although for children special arrangements with nursery or school may need to be made)
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During an afternoon break (or for children when they get home from nursery or school)
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In the evening, after a bath or cleaning your teeth
Find out more about eczema
MSD, the makers of Diprobase, are committed to supporting people living with eczema. That’s why we’ve developed a dedicated website: www.eczemazones.co.uk. On it you can find lots more information:
- Eczema Jungle – jungle fun for the under 5s
- Eczema Robots – a blast for the under 12s
- Happy Days – support for parents and carers
- Confident living – support for adults with eczema
Each children’s zone contains lots of interactive fun, with interactive storybooks, online (and printable) charts to record how many times a day they are using their emollient, how they feel and the condition of their skin, as well as a ‘Pump Cover Maker’ and games.
For adults there is useful information on treatment options and tips on how to deal with the daily emotional and practical challenges of eczema.
Visit the site to find out more…
You might also want to download our free leaflet on childhood eczema.
Diprobase is tried and trusted
The Diprobase range of emollients has been soothing, healing and protecting sore skin for more than 25 years.
It’s free from common sensitisers and irritants such as lanolin, parabens, perfume and sodium lauryl sulphate which can aggravate eczematous skin.
Visit www.diprobase.co.uk to find out more.
