Stream 3 Treatment - Managing Dry Skin

Topics to be covered in the Certificate Course.

Conditions exhibiting dry skin
 The physiology of the skin barrier system
 Common moisturisers including ceramides and natural moisturising factor
 Allergic and irritant reactions to moisturisers

  Explain to a patient or a parent of a child with eczema how to use an emollient.

Response

Moisturisers are very important in atopic eczema. The skin tends to be dry and dry skin is itchy skin. Because it is itchy patients scratch and it is the scratching that induces many of the lesions. Hence it is important to have the skin well moisturised. Emollients or moisturisers are best applied after a bath or shower. This should be done virtually straight away when the patient comes out of the bath because the skin otherwise will dry out within about 10 minutes. The skin should be patted dry rather than rubbed and then a moisturiser applied. The simplest moisturiser is 10% Glycerine and Sorbolene cream. Some versions of this have propylene glycol in them and this can sting skin that is slightly broken. The moisturiser should be gently massaged into the skin. It is best to buy a 500ml pump pack because it is easier to dispense. It does not have to be vigorously massaged into the skin but it should be spread across the skin starting with the trunk and working down to the limbs. The face should have the cream applied last. Creams spread fairly easily as do moisturising lotions. Oatmeal products are also useful, for instance the brand name Aveeno or in Australia Dermaveen products. Moisturisers may need to be repeatedly applied to the skin depending on how dry an atopic skin is. Most people need at least two applications a day morning and night. Some people require more. A young baby with eczema can have further moisturiser applied every time a nappy is changed if the skin appears dry.