Raising your customers' awareness
Raising your customers' awareness
Many people with dry skin may be unsure what emollients are, even when they are already using them. You can use your conversations with customers about dry skin to raise their awareness of what emollients are, how they work and how they should be used to achieve maximum benefit.
Advising your customers with dry skin, eczema or psoriasis6
- When recommending an emollient product, take into account how dry their skin is as well as their personal preferences; some customers may prefer a cream or gel compared to an ointment
- Some customers may choose to use a cream or gel during the day and an ointment at night
- It may be necessary for customers to try different emollients before deciding on the best combination for them
- Provide customers with clear instructions on the correct and safe use of emollients
- Emollients should be applied by smoothing them into the skin along the direction of hair growth, rather than rubbing them in
- Some customers may use several different emollients, for example, for different areas of skin, if their dry skin flares up or for use in different locations
- To help with frequent application, customers should consider keeping separate containers of emollient at work or school.
Always read the label: This product contains paraffin, which means that any fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with these products burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.
Fire hazard. Do not smoke or go near naked flames; clothing and bedding with this product dried on them can catch fire easily.
References
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
3. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/our-skin-and-eczema/
4. https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/about-psoriasis
5. https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-wash-your-hands-with-eczema-or-dry-skin
6. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/prescribing-information/emollients/
All references last accessed June 2022
Epimax Range Product Information
Presentation: Creams and gels available in a 500g Flexi-dispenser or 100g tube, ointments available in a 500g or 125g tub (Epimax Ointment only). Main ingredients: White soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin, anhydrous lanolin, Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour; Isopropyl myristate , yellow soft paraffin, Polyoxyethylene, hydrogenated castor oil. Indications: All products: As an emollient for the relief of dry skin in eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. Creams: For use as a soap substitute Gels: For the relief of dry or chapped skin which may also be itchy or inflamed. Ointments: Bath additive or soap substitute. Method of use: Adults, Elderly and Children: apply to the skin areas as frequently as required. As a soap substitute: Use as required instead of soap. As a bath additive: melt 4g in hot water and add to the bath. Dosage: Use as required. Warnings: Do not smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric that has been in contact with these products burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Avoid contact with the eyes. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional before use if the skin is broken, badly cracked, infected or bleeding. Contraindications: Patients with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient, including: Lanolin, Cetostearyl Alcohol, and Hydroxybenzoates, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl Palmitate and Benzyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine; Side effects: Rarely mild reactions such as skin rash can occur. Allergic reactions. Product classification: Class I Medical Devices. Cost: Epimax Moisturising Cream: £2.99 (500g), £1.99 (100g) [NHS Price List]; License holder: Aspire Pharma Ltd, Unit 4, Rotherbrook Court, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3QG, UK. Date reviewed: February 2021. Version number: 1010451581 v 6.0.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Adverse events should also be reported to Aspire Pharma Ltd on 01730 231148.