Transcript Emollients for GPSTs

Emollients - what you need to know
• Barbara Page MBE
• Nurse Advisor - Dermatology
Skin
• facts and functions
• promoting healthy skin – skin integrity
• emollient therapy
• explore the variety of emollients
Skin Facts …….
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the largest organ of the body
weighs approx 2.5 kg
covers area approx 2 sq metres
contains over 1 million nerve endings
has ability to regenerate itself
cell renewal takes approx 28 days
two main layers - dermis & epidermis
Functions of the skin
• barrier
• temperature control
• sensory
• vitamin D synthesis
• communication & display
Promoting Healthy Skin…….
the basics of skin care
emollients……
emollients……
emollients…...
Healthy Skin
Allergens
Water
Allergens
Water
Water
Water
© 2001 Elliott/Cork/Cork
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Loss of Skin Barrier
Loss of water
Loss of water
Loss of water
Loss of fat
Loss of fat
allergens/irritants/infection
into skin - skin reacts
© 2001 Elliott/Cork/Cork
Internal and External Factors
Cold
Sun
Trauma
Central
Heating
Heredity
Factors
Infestation
Skin
General Health
Pollution
Infection
Chemicals/
Allergens/
Irritants
Nutrition
Fluid intake
Stress
Drugs
Ageing
Hormone
Change
Lifestyle
Emollients play a vital role in the
management of skin disease
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definition and function
classification
when to apply
how to apply
which emollient
Emollients
Emollients are oils that spread easily on
the skin, providing partial occlusion that
hydrate and improve the Stratum
Corneum
Rawlings A.V. et al., Dermatologic Therapy, Vol. 17, 2004, 49-56
Emollient……definition and function
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medical term for moisturiser
safe
simple
effective
steroid sparing
intrinsic anti-inflammatory action
Emollients also help to…………
• replace water lost from the skin
• lubricate the skin
• reduce scaling
• seal the Stratum Corneum
Classification of emollients….
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Lotions / Gels
contain more water and less fat than creams
• Creams
contain a mixture of water and fat
• Ointments
contain very little water
Classification cont………………
• Bath oils
clean and hydrate - trap water in skin
• Soap substitutes
not astringent - not alkaline - do not
dry out the skin
Emollients…..when to apply
• as frequently and liberally as possible
• if possible at least 3 times per day
• after bathing when the skin is still moist
Emollients….how to apply effectively
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bathing
• generously but gently
• do not rub vigorously - may cause itching
or irritation
• smooth emollient along arms, legs and
body following the natural hair growth
Emollient………the choice
• paramount importance
• cosmetic acceptability essential
• compromise between efficiency and
cosmetic acceptability
Which emollient ?
The very best emollient for any
individual is…………….
the one they prefer
Emollient base……...
Important point to remember………
• use a cream base for moist/wet skin
• use an ointment base for dry/cracked
skin
Quantities of emollient
For an adult with dry or compromised skin
• bath additives 300mls per month
• creams or ointments 2000gr per month
Emollient chart
Emollient chart
What not to use on the skin
• Aqueous Cream
• Emulsifying Ointment
• Olive Oil
Useful web sites
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www.pcds.org.uk
www.dermnetnz.com
www.nhsfife.scot.nhs.uk/skinintegrity
www.nhsfife.scot.nhs.uk/skincare
www.bad.org.uk
www.bdng.org.uk
www.sdns.co.uk
www.eczema.org
www.pathways.scot.nhs.uk/dermatology
• Thank you
• Questions ?