II. Indications
III. Mechanism
- Ointments, Lotions and creams trap existing moisture in skin
- Moisturizing is a misnomer
- Skin Emollients do not add moisture to skin
- Hypoallergenic agents are preferred
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- Moisture trapping effectiveness (highest lipid or oil content)
- Best moisture trapping: Oils or Ointments (e.g. Petroleum Jelly)
- Moderate moisture trapping: Creams
- Least moisture trapping: Lotions
IV. Technique
- Apply to affected area immediately after bathing
- Pat dry and apply lotion or cream
- Apply periodically throughout day
- Apply each time skin is washed
V. Preparations
- Most effective agents are Bland Emollients with high oil and low water content (but least tolerated)
- Mineral Oil
- Vegetable shortening (Crisco)
- Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
- Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
- Oils
- Moderately effective agents (ointment better than cream better than lotion)
- Vanicream
- Eucerin
- Lubriderm
- Aveeno lotion
- Moisturel
- Curel
- Neutrogena
VI. Preparations: Second generation Emollients add ceramide lipids (barrier repair therapies)
- Agents (most require a prescription)
- Cerave
- Restoraderm
- Mymix
- Atopiclair
- EpiCeram
- Eletone
- NeoSalus
- Efficacy
- Much more costly and no significant advantage when compared to standard Emollients
- Draelos (2009) J Cosmet Dermatol 8(1): 40-3 [PubMed]
- Miller (2011) J Drugs Dermatol 10(5): 531-7 +PMID: 21533301 [PubMed]
VII. References
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Related Studies
| Definition (MSH) | Oleagenous substances used topically to soothe, soften or protect skin or mucous membranes. They are used also as vehicles for other dermatologic agents. |
| Concepts | Biomedical or Dental Material (T122) |
| MSH | D004643 |
| SnomedCT | 373380003, 48279009 |
| English | Emollients, Emollient - Misc, EMOLLIENTS, emollients, [DE350] EMOLLIENTS, emollient, Emollient, Emollient product, Emollient (product), Emollient (substance), Emollient, NOS |
| French | Agents émollients, Produits émollients, Émollient |
| Swedish | Huduppmjukande medel |
| Finnish | Ihoa pehmittävät aineet |
| Russian | MIAGCHITEL'NYE SREDSTVA, SMIAGCHAIUSHCHIE VESHCHESTVA, MIAGCHITELI, МЯГЧИТЕЛИ, МЯГЧИТЕЛЬНЫЕ СРЕДСТВА, СМЯГЧАЮЩИЕ ВЕЩЕСТВА |
| Polish | Środki zmiękczające, Emolienty |
| Czech | látky hydratující kůži, emoliencia, přípravky změkčující kůži |
| Spanish | emoliente (producto), emoliente (sustancia), emoliente, Emolientes |
| German | Emollientia |
| Italian | Emollienti |
| Portuguese | Emolientes |
