Note that Oilatum ® Plus is for MRSA treatment at NUH where Octenisan is not appropriate in line with NUH MRSA policy. Excetra ® cream is formulary option for moderately dry skin as per Notts Emollient Formulary. (APC Sep19)

It may help to apply an emollient before and after swimming. Leave enough time for it to be absorbed into your skin before you swim. The emulsifying ointment leaves a thin layer of oil on the skin's surface that stops water evaporating. 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. Use a clean spoon or spatula to remove emollients from a pot or tub. This reduces the risk of infections from contaminated pots. Risk of slippingAs a substitute for soap when washing hands or in the bath. It cleanses the skin while also preventing it from drying out.

Moisturisers are helpful for all dry skin conditions, particularly eczema, which gets worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. Used regularly they help restore the skin's smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture. This reduces redness, scaling and itching. Award-winning Ovelleis a skincare and pharmacy collection from Gardiner Family Apothecary. This Irish owned brand has been in business for almost a century, and has featured in Vogue, Grazia and Goop. Ovelle develops medically-driven solutions for various skin concerns such as sensitivity and dryness. Medicines that should be initiated by a specialist and prescribed by primary care prescribers only under a shared care protocol, once the patient has been stabilised. Grey / Non-Formulary (no formal assessment): APC has not formally reviewed this medicine or indication because it had never been requested for formulary inclusion. Often used for drugs new to market.

Your doctor or pharmacist will talk to you about which type of emollient will work best for your skin condition. First line options are Epimax ointment, Zeroderm ® emulsifying ointment and Liquid & white soft paraffin ointment (Fifty:50). Grey / Non-Formulary (undergoing assessment): Work is ongoing and will be reviewed at a future APC meeting. If you're using emulsifying ointment to wash with, use it just as you would soap or shower gel. If you're using it as a bath additive, melt some of the ointment in some warm water in a small container and add this to the bath water. After washing, the skin should be patted rather than rubbed dry to avoid rubbing the oil off the skin. Specialist is defined by the APC as a clinician who has undertaken an appropriate formal qualification or recognised training programme within the described area of practice and has a working experience and knowledge within a speciality area