Emulsiderm Emollient

Information for the user

Emulsiderm™ Emollient

Bath additive/Cutaneous emulsion

liquid paraffin 25% w/w, isopropyl myristate 25% w/w, benzalkonium chloride 0.5% w/w

• Emulsiderm Emollient is an antimicrobial and emollient (softening and moisturising) treatment for dry and problem skin.
• It is for use in two ways:
  • for adding to your bath water
  • as a leave-on application, by application directly to the skin
• It helps to treat and prevent dry and itchy (pruritic) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis.
• All age groups can use Emulsiderm Emollient, including babies.
• There are two types of active ingredient in this product:
  • Benzalkonium chloride is an antimicrobial. This helps to:
    • combat bacteria present on your skin that can make eczema worse
    • prevent infection caused by scratching itchy skin.
  • Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate are emollients which help to;
    • soften, moisturise and protect your skin by trapping moisture in the skin and restoring the normal protective function of the skin
    • prevent the skin-drying and irritant effects that can be caused by washing and bathing and by the soaps, foaming additives and fragrances used in ordinary skin cleansing products.
• This product can be used in addition to any other emollients or treatments your doctor or pharmacist may have given or prescribed for you to treat your dry skin condition.

Do not use this product if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to benzalkonium chloride, liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate, or any of the other ingredients of Emulsiderm Emollient listed in Section 6

For maximum benefit, add this product to your bath water every time you have a bath.

The same instructions apply for all age groups:-

For use in the bath:

• Shake the bottle before use.
• Add up to 30 ml to a normal-sized bath filled with warm water (for the 300 ml bottle use up to 2 capfuls. For the 1000 ml (1L) bottle use the measuring cup supplied).
• Get into the bath and cover the affected areas of skin with the bath water.
• Soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
• Avoid rubbing with the towel because this makes dry skin conditions worse.

It is not necessary to use soap for additional cleansing. If desired, however, a fragrance-free soap substitute should be used. This type of product does not foam or lather.

For application to the skin:

• Smooth a small amount of undiluted product into the dry areas of skin until absorbed.

Like all medicines, Emulsiderm Emollient can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

This product has been specially designed for use on dry or problem skin areas anywhere on the body, but in some very rare cases it can cause local skin reactions (involving redness, irritation and/or itching). These very rare skin reactions may become more significant where associated with excessive use as a leave-on application in areas of folded skin such as the groin or in the nappy area.

Stop using this emollient and tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• If your skin condition seems to look or feel worse.
• If any of the side effects become unacceptable, or you notice any other side effects not mentioned in this leaflet.

• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use Emulsiderm Emollient after the expiry date shown on the container and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Always replace the cap after use

This leaflet was last revised in May 2024.

• Emollients help soften, moisturise and protect the skin. They play a central role in the treatment and management of dry skin conditions. For maximum effect, they should be applied regularly and as often as needed.
• When bathing, try to use warm, not hot, water and avoid staying in the bath for long periods. This could make dry skin conditions worse.
• Try to avoid using normal soaps or bath additives (even those labelled “moisturising”). This is because they tend to dry and irritate the skin. Avoid using products containing fragrances, as these can also cause skin problems. You should try to use a fragrance-free emollient “soap substitute” instead. This type of product will not foam or lather but will be better for your dry skin condition.
• Breaking the itch-scratch cycle.
  Some dry skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis are itchy, and can be quite sore. Although scratching relieves the itching for a short while, it further damages the skin. Badly scratched skin easily gets infected. This makes it itchier and the urge to scratch becomes even greater. It is better if scratching can be avoided by reducing the itching. The regular use of emollients or moisturisers can help with this.

To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please call free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only).

Please be ready to give the following information: Emulsiderm Emollient, 00173/0036.

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

RP16/24/1 202661