While using emollient products may seem straightforward, there are various counselling tips that pharmacy staff can pass on to help customers get the most out of their treatments.

1. Ointments work best on very dry skin. In other cases, creams and lotions are better options.

2. Several products may be needed for different parts of the body or during flare-ups and periods of remission.

3. Bath additives and shower products are popular, but ointments can also be dissolved
in hot water to make soap substitutes.

4. Soap substitutes are substitutes for soap only, not for emollient application after cleansing.

5. If the emollient comes in a tub, a clean spoon or spatula should be used to scoop it out. This minimises the risk of contamination from fingers.

6. Emollients should be applied frequently and liberally, in the direction of hair growth. An adult with eczema should expect to get through a 500g tub a week. 

7. Customers who use paraffin-based emollients should be warned about the easy ignition of clothing, bedding, dressings, and other fabric that have dried residue of an emollient product on them and advised not to smoke or go near naked flames.