What Emulsiderm Emollient is and what it is used for
Emulsiderm Emollient is an antimicrobial and emollient (softening and moisturising) treatment for dry and problem skin.
It is for use in two ways:
- for adding to your bath water
- as a leave-on application, by application directly to the skin
It helps to treat and prevent dry and itchy (pruritic) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis.
All age groups can use Emulsiderm Emollient, including babies.
There are two types of active ingredient in this product:
- Benzalkonium chloride is an antimicrobial. This helps to:
- combat bacteria present on your skin that can make eczema worse
- prevent infection caused by scratching itchy skin.
- Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate are emollients which help to:
- soften, moisturise and protect your skin by trapping moisture in the skin and restoring the normal protective function of the skin
- prevent the skin-drying and irritant effects that can be caused by washing and bathing and by the soaps, foaming additives and fragrances used in ordinary skin cleansing products.
This product can be used in addition to any other emollients or treatments your doctor or pharmacist may have given or prescribed for you to treat your dry skin condition.
Before you use Emulsiderm Emollient
Do not use this product if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to benzalkonium chloride, liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate, or any of the other ingredients of Emulsiderm Emollient listed in section 6.
Take special care when using this product:
If using as a leave-on application, it is generally a good idea for patients with very sensitive skin to start any new treatment on a small test area first, in case any side effect occurs (see Section 4 below). This is especially important when treating the face or young children. Thereafter, treatments may be applied more generously, as required.
Avoid getting it in the eyes, especially when using it on the face.
It can make your bath slippery, so be careful to avoid slipping over when getting into and out of your bath. Be careful when handling babies and young children.
After use, clean out the bath with a suitable detergent to remove any remaining greasiness (wearing protective gloves to avoid irritating your hands).
Using other medicines
This product is not known to affect, or to be affected by, other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding
This product can be used during pregnancy and whilst breast-feeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted.
How to use Emulsiderm Emollient
For maximum benefit, add this product to your bath water every time you have a bath. The same instructions apply for all age groups:-For use in the bath:
Shake the bottle before use.
Add up to 30 ml to a normal-sized bath filled with warm water (for the 300 ml bottle use up to 2 capfuls. For the 1000 ml (1L) bottle use the measuring cup supplied).
Get into the bath and cover the affected areas of skin with the bath water.
Soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
Avoid rubbing with the towel because this makes dry skin conditions worse.
It is not necessary to use soap for additional cleansing. If desired, however, a fragrance-free soap substitute should be used. This type of product does not foam or lather.
For application to the skin:
Smooth a small amount of undiluted product into the dry areas of skin until absorbed.
If you forget to use Emulsiderm Emollient
Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use it, just carry on using the product as described the next time you require it.
If the product gets into the eyes
The product may cause irritation if it gets into the eyes. Rinse the eyes with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Emulsiderm Emollient can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
This product has been specially designed for use on dry or problem skin areas anywhere on the body, but in some very rare cases it can cause local skin reactions (involving redness, irritation and/or itching). Reactions may occasionally occur when used excessively as a leave-on application in areas of folded skin such as the groin area.
Stop using this emollient and tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If your skin condition seems to look or feel worse.
- If any of the side effects become unacceptable, or you notice any other side effects not mentioned in this leaflet.
- If you swallow Emulsiderm Emollient
- If you accidentally swallow the product and you then feel unwell, seek medical attention. Do not attempt to cause vomiting.
How to store Emulsiderm Emollient
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Do not use Emulsiderm Emollient after the expiry date shown on the container and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C.
Always replace the cap after use.
Further information
What Emulsiderm Emollient contains:
The active ingredients in this product are benzalkonium chloride (0.5% w/w), liquid paraffin (25% w/w) and isopropyl myristate (25% w/w).
The other ingredients are sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, industrial methylated spirits, methylthioninium chloride and purified water.
What Emulsiderm Emollient looks like and contents of the pack
The product is a pale blue cutaneous (skin) emulsion and bath additive that contains no fragrance.
It is available in a plastic bottle containing 300 ml fitted with a cap, or a plastic bottle containing 1000 ml (1L) fitted with a cap and measuring cup.
General advice on looking after dry skin conditions.
Emollients help soften, moisturise and protect the skin. They play a central role in the treatment and management of dry skin conditions. For maximum effect, they should be applied regularly and as often as needed.
When bathing, try to use warm, not hot, water and avoid staying in the bath for long periods. This could make dry skin conditions worse.
Try to avoid using normal soaps or bath additives (even those labelled “moisturising”). This is because they tend to dry and irritate the skin. Avoid using products containing fragrances, as these can also cause skin problems. You should try to use a fragrance-free emollient “soap substitute” instead. This type of product will not foam or lather but will be better for your dry skin condition.
Breaking the itch-scratch cycle.
Some dry skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis are itchy, and can be quite sore. Although scratching relieves the itching for a short while, it further damages the skin. Badly scratched skin easily gets infected. This makes it itchier and the urge to scratch becomes even greater. It is better if scratching can be avoided by reducing the itching. The regular use of emollients or moisturisers can help with this.