The NICE British National Formulary (BNF) site is only available to users in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Hydromol’s formula also contains sebum and soft white paraffin, natural oil that slows down the evaporation of water from the skin’s surface, locking in the moisture and preventing the skin from drying quickly. Always take special care when using emollients after bathing; this may present an increased risk of slipping and falling. This preparation contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

Its humectant properties work to moisturize the skin from the inside while its oil-based layer helps to lock in the moisture. Both actions soothe and soften the skin, and reduce the scaling and itching of dry skin conditions such as eczema and ichthyosis. Wear protective gloves, wash your bath or shower afterwards with hot water and washing-up liquid, then dry with a kitchen towel. Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of leave-on emollient or soap substitute in the palm of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin. A Complete Emollient Therapy regime helps to support your skin's natural barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out.Moisturisers are helpful for all dry skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. It's a good idea to protect babies' hands and cheeks with an emollient before mealtimes to stop them getting sore from food and drink.

This helps to increase the water content in the upper layers of the skin, restoring its natural hydration properties. If you apply the moisturiser immediately before or after applying a medicated skin product, the moisturiser could dilute the medicine and potentially make it less effective. If you are using medicines which are also to be applied to the skin you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Hydromol Ointment as it might not be suitable to apply other topical preparations at the same time. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.

Emollients are best applied after washing your hands, taking a bath or showering because this is when the skin most needs moisture. If you have eczema, using a moisturiser regularly, even once your skin has improved, can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the need for topical corticosteroids. Hydromol Cream is effective for use on any condition in which dry skin is a feature, such as eczema, ichthyosis, psoriasis and xerosis. This product should be used in combination with other topical leave on emollients, as required or advised by a Healthcare professional.

Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The emollient should be applied as soon as you have patted your skin dry to make sure it's properly absorbed.Wash affected areas, rinse off any soap and dry the area, apply a suitable amount to the affected area. The NICE British National Formulary for Children (BNFc) site is only available to users in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). This cream contains various other ingredients that have moisturising properties, such as isopropyl myristate, and also contains liquid paraffin, which provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin.