Tips on using emollients

When suffering from eczema or psoriasis using emollients is a necessary part of life. There are ways to make your emollients more effective and less of a chore to apply:

  • To reduce the risk of infection always wash your hands before applying your emollient.
  • To prevent the skin drying out apply your emollient immediately after drying the skin.
  • To minimise skin irritation and increased itching always rub emollients in the direction of the hair growth.
  • To decrease the risk of cross infection, never share your emollient with other people.
  • To moisturise your skin overnight, apply an emollient to your whole body before going to bed.
  • To minimise skin irritation, apply moisturising creams gently.

Mel Sinclair, RN