Emollients Resources

Good skin integrity is essential for overall health and wellbeing. The skin is the body’s first line of defence against external threats such as infection, injury, and fluid loss. Maintaining skin integrity is crucial, especially for patients in their own homes where skin observation may be less frequent than in in-patient settings. Any damage to the skin can increase the risk of complications, such as pressure ulcers, infection and skin tears. This article examines the importance of assessing risk and maintaining good skin integrity for patients, and explores the role of nurses in maintaining good skin health, outlining evidence-based interventions.

Emollients are products that are applied to the skin to rehydrate and provide comfort. They are key therapeutic products for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, but they may also be used to soothe itchy skin (particularly in the elderly). There are a plethora of emollients available on prescription and many more on the market that can be bought over the counter. Most emollients (often also known as moisturisers) contain paraffin in some format, usually either liquid or white soft.

This third article in a seven-part series looking at the identification and treatment of psoriasis, explores the active ingredients and action of the main topical treatments for psoriasis. Community nurses are perfectly placed to help patients take control of their skin condition, particularly in advising them on the benefits of topical treatments, which as they can be applied directly to the skin, allow the area to be targeted, lowering the level of absorption into the bloodstream and reducing side-effects (Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA, 2017a).

Psoriasis is a common skin problem that can cause significant distress to primary care patients, as well as representing a significant burden to healthcare resources. Often seen by communinity nurses, psoariasis is a condition that requires careful management as well as extensive knowledge of the different presentation. This article, the second in a series looking at the identification and treatment of psoriasis, examines the use of emollients in psoriasis treatment, focusing on the aims, benefits and efficacy of these topical treatments.

With so much choice, there can be uncertainty around which skin preparations to use in people with skin that is damaged or in danger of becoming compromised. However, community nurses are ideally placed to carry out skin assessments, provide education and work with patients to identify an effective emollient package. Patient choice is crucial and should be available to patients of all ages with vulnerable, dry or scaly skin conditions. Patient education and written management plans are also essential for the successful management of dry skin conditions. However, choosing one type of bath additive or emollient over another can create confusion for healthcare professionals and patients alike and this article sets out some basic principles for successful management. 

Sarah Purcell & Dr. David Paige give a brief overview on the management of dry skin conditions in infants & young children.

Collette Chambers from the National Eczema Society discusses the use of emollients in the treatment of eczema.
Collette Chambers is Information Co-ordinator for the National Eczema Society, London.
Article accepted for publication January 2002.

In recognition of National Eczema Week, health writer Beverley Chiodo gives a brief overview of the causes of eczema and its treatment.
Beverley Chiodo BA Hons, RGN, is a Freelance Health Writer, West Yorkshire.
Article accepted for publication August 2002.

Beverley Chiodo explains the role of emollients within the management of diseases with dry skin as a major symptom
Beverley Chiodo BA (Hons), RN is Practice Nurse, West Yorkshire
Article accepted for publication: August 2008

Carol Coley discusses the use of emollients in the management of skin conditions

Carol Coley MA, BSc (Hons), RN is a Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist, Dermatology Department, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Article accepted for publication: January 2009