Transcript Emollients
Emollients - what you need to know • Barbara Page • Dermatology Liaison Nurse Specialist • NHS Fife • November 2013 Skin • facts and functions • promoting healthy skin – skin integrity • emollient therapy • explore the variety of emollients Skin Facts ……. • • • • • • • 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 • • • • • 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 • • • • • • 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…. • 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 • ideally - 3 times per day • after bathing when the skin is still moist Emollients….how to apply effectively • 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 • • • • • • • • • 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 ?