emollients with antimicrobials
Emollients are essential in the management of dry skin conditions such as eczema. They reduce water loss from the skin and help to reduce itch and flare-ups of inflammation. They need to be used regularly and liberally to be effective and children with atopic eczema may need as much as 250 – 500grams a week to keep the skin under control.
One of the most common reasons for temporarily losing control of eczema is a flare-up caused by bacterial colonisation of the skin. The organism usually responsible is Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus or S.aureus to its friends). In the most severe cases, the bacteria produce infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics. But the influence of staph aureus on eczema does not stop there.
 |
It is now well established that people with eczema have much greater numbers of staph aureus on their skin than people with normal skin. It is believed that apart from their ability to cause infection the large colonies of staph aureus on eczematous skin act as an irritant to the skin and therefore contribute significantly to the disease process. |
This has lead to the introduction of emollients combined with chemicals which are active against bacteria and other organisms (antimicrobials). The antimicrobials used are usually antiseptic agents such as chlorhexidine, triclosan and benzalkonium chloride. These have been used for many years to clean skin and wounds. The rationale for these combination products is that they not only help to moisturise the skin but also reduce the numbers of Staph aureus.
There are a number of emollients with antimicrobials available on prescription or over the counter and they include creams/lotions (eg Dermol 500, Eczmol) and bath additives (eg Dermol 6oo, Emulsiderm, Oilatum Plus). They can be used as soap substitutes and may be particularly useful when repeated flare-ups are a problem. The frequency and method of use differs according to the product and is always described on the respective patient information leaflet.
Information written and supplied, as part of a project partly sponsored, by Genus Pharmaceuticals
Last Reviewed: 10 January 2012
Next Review Date: 29 September 2012
More about Eczmol |
 |
