Emollients
Emollients moisturise dry skin. There are several different types of emollients available and they come in different preparations such as water-based creams and lotions, and oil-based ointments. Some emollients can be used as a soap substitute.
How do they work?
Emollients form a protective layer on top of your skin which keeps moisture in and allows your skin to become more flexible and soft. Applying an emollient also removes dead skin cells from your skin’s surface making it more flexible.
In addition, emollients help other topical psoriasis treatments absorb into the skin better so are a very important part of your daily skin care routine.
When are they used?
Emollients are used to relieve dry, itchy, flaky and cracking skin. Emollients can be used alone if your psoriasis is mild. They can also be used at the same time as other topical treatments, or other treatments such as systemic therapies. Some emollients can be used as a soap or shower gel and are useful as they do not remove the skin’s natural oils. Emollients can be used as often as needed.
How are they administered?
As with all topical treatments, emollients are applied directly to your skin. It is important to apply the emollient correctly to the skin to reduce the chance of irritation and improve its effectiveness.
Tips for applying an emollient
- Apply a thin layer of emollient to your skin in the direction of hair growth – a thick layer can trap body heat, making the skin itchy
- Do not rub in – this generates heat and may cause the skin to become itchy
- Reapply before the skin becomes dry again
- Leave at least 30 minutes between applying an emollient and other topical treatments
– Some topical treatments require you to apply your emollient before you apply the treatment and some afterwards
Advantages and disadvantages
Emollients are available in a number of different preparations, for example, creams, lotions and ointments. They are well tolerated and side effects (including skin irritation and rash) are rare and usually minor. This means they can be used as often as needed. However, they need to be applied frequently because their effects are short-lived.
If you have any questions about emollients, you may want to discuss them with a member of your healthcare team.