What are emollients?
Emollient creams are generally known as moisturizing creams. Emollients also comes in lotions and ointments which needs to be used depending on the condition of the skin.
Those with eczema can have dry skin if not protected and kept hydrated. Dry skin can turn inflamed in patches of eczema. Emollients should be applied to prevent skin getting dry and peel off. Emollients also lessen any itching, redness and burning sensation on the skin. But you need to know that emollients are not the same as the steroid creams or ointments.
Types of emollients
There are several forms of emollient such as emollient creams, lotions and ointments from various manufactures. The forms of emollients are based on the proportion of oil or lipid to water. In the emollient lotions the lipid content is less. In emollient creams lipid content is at moderate level but in the ointments lipid content is very high. Since, ointments contains higher lipid when applied on skin it feel bit sticky and greasy. However it last long and works better on the skin.
Best emollients to use?
There is any thing as such best emollient creams or lotions. Pharmacist or physicians can recommend you the brand because some emollient creams or lotion comes with certain other additives.
Emollient creams or lotions can be used if the skin dryness is not that severe, if the dryness is severe then applying emollient ointment will be best of use. For the areas with hairy skin a lotion type is advised. For a very dry skin or eczema think emollient creams or ointment is good. In cases of seeping eczema lotion or a cream is best since ointments can mess up the skin area.
How to apply emollient creams, lotions and ointments
Whenever you use emollients, apply it liberally to the affected area of skin. Emollients should be applied, smoothing them into the skin along the line of hair growth, rather than rubbing them in. You cannot overdose, as emollients do not contain active drugs, which pass through the skin. If you wash, or have a bath or shower, apply an emollient to the washed areas as soon as possible after wards in addition to any other times that you use emollients. Also, apply after swimming.
If you think of going one level more and think that emollient creams, lotion or ointment are not in correct proportion mix them according to your need. Also in morning, afternoon and at night use either cream, lotion or ointment based on what you think is best for your skin. Another way to use is apply the emollient creams all over the body and for the highly dry skin areas apply the emollient ointment.
Emollients in Bath additives and shower gels
There are products of emollients made as for the bath additives and as shower gels. These are specially made for those people who are having too much dry skin. However, directly applying emollient creams or ointments can provide better result than using bath additives or shower gels while taking bath. Point is that emollients are never a problem if used in excessive and there for you can see which is better for you and follow it.
Be safe when using the bath additive or shower gels of emollients because they are greasy can put you at risk of slipping and falling.
Remember place rough mat in the tub or in shower place to avoid falling accidently.
How frequent emollient creams can be applied on skin?
There is no measure as such prime requirement is to keep the skin moist, smooth and supple. Based on your skin condition apply as frequent as necessary. Its recommended to emollients apply more in areas of eczema or more dry skin. The application of emollients requirements also can change depending on the climatic condition. During winter you would need more emollient creams applied on skin than in summer.
Best thing you could do is the emollient creams at home, work place and any other place you expect to spend more time. This way can maintain the skin moist and supple using emollient creams through out the day.
Using emollients and topical steroids together
For those with eczema topical steroid cream are prescribed by physicians. These steroid creams are applied to prevent eczema flaring up over the skin. The emollients and steroid are not the same. When using topical steroid creams carefully follow the instructions provided.
Ideally apply the emollients first and leave for about 10 minutes and thereafter apply the steroid creams for better results. This mainly is, to allow emollients to be absorbed by the skin well before applying the steroid creams.
Side effects using emollients?
Generally there are side effects from the emollients when used. However, the production in market sells that are blended with perfumes or certain other additives. Due to this reason people can experience some kind of itchiness if they are allergic to perfumes or additives used in the emollient products. Sensitive skin can be affected more with these types of emollient creams or lotions.
In case you experience itchy or another undesired effects and your skin become too sensitive do not hesitate to consult a physician.
Change the emollient creams brands as necessary. Emollient creams or lotion used have certain amount of perfumes or additives same time the emollient ointments cause less problems to skin as they have little or no extra ingredients or preservative in it.
Above all remember to drink more water as well helps emollient creams to work better on your skin and keep the skin hydrated all the time.
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