Doublebase Dry Skin Emollient

Eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably to describe a group of commonly occurring skin conditions that causes itchy skin. They affect up to 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults. The signs and symptoms vary, but can include making the skin dry, red, hot and itchy. It can affect any part of the body, although it most commonly appears on the hands, insides of elbows and behind the knees. It can also become inflamed, leading to additional redness and irritation during ‘flare-ups’.

No, eczema and dermatitis are not contagious. You, or your children, can't catch eczema by coming into contact with someone with the condition. However, if you aren't sure about your diagnosis, we recommend you check this with your doctor or pharmacist to rule out other skin problems that can be infectious or contagious.

Psoriasis is a long-term scaling skin disease that affects 1 in 50 people. It occurs equally in men and women and can start at any age. Psoriasis is a long-term condition which may come and go throughout your lifetime. Symptoms include raised silvery patches of skin which have distinct red edges. It does not usually scar the skin, although sometimes it can cause a temporary increase or reduction in skin colour. The outer layer of skin (the epidermis) contains skin cells which are continuously being replaced. This process normally takes between 3 and 4 weeks. Psoriasis causes skin cells to divide quicker, so that cells are both formed and shed in as little as 3 to 4 days. Infections, stress, damage to the skin, alcohol, and sometimes intense sunlight may trigger flares of psoriasis. For more information click here.

No, psoriasis is not contagious. You, or your children, can't catch psoriasis by coming into contact with someone with the condition. However, if you aren't sure about your diagnosis, we recommend you check this with your doctor or pharmacist to rule out other skin problems that can be infectious or contagious.

Ichthyosis is a rare skin condition that causes the skin to become unusually dry, thick and scaly, often from birth or early childhood. The name comes from the Greek word ichthys, meaning ‘fish’, because the skin can sometimes resemble fish scales. It happens when the skin doesn’t shed its cells properly, leading to a build-up that can feel tight, rough or flaky. While there’s no cure, daily care can make a big difference, helping the skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable.

No, ichthyosis is not contagious. Most forms are genetic, meaning they’re inherited and can’t be passed from one person to another through touch, contact or sharing items.

Emollients are medical moisturisers which help to prevent water loss from dry skin. Emollients contain oils which work by replacing natural oils in the skin – helping to repair the skin’s natural protective barrier against irritants. Sometimes they also contain ingredients called humectants, which help to hold water in the skin.

Yes, emollients are recommended as first line treatment for all dry skin conditions. Rarely, individuals can be allergic to an ingredient. So, as with any product, it’s a good idea to check ingredients, in case there are any that you may be concerned about.

Dry your hands thoroughly after washing. After washing or sanitising, immediately apply an emollient to trap moisture in the skin, replace lost oils and to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Use a soap substitute instead of normal hand cleansers, particularly one that contains moisturising ingredients to help restore the skin’s natural barrier property. A moisturising soap substitute with an added antibacterial agent such as chlorhexidine or benzalkonium chloride can also be beneficial for cracked skin where there is a risk of skin infection.

Emollients should generally be applied frequently throughout the day. The most suitable interval will vary between different products and different individuals. In some cases, it may vary as the skin conditions vary. As a general rule, emollients should be re-applied as often as necessary to keep the skin feeling moisturised. Sometimes emollients alone are not enough to control eczema and psoriasis, particularly in more severe cases. Additional treatments eg topical steroids may be necessary under these circumstances, in addition to emollients.

Yes, although rare individuals can be allergic to any ingredient. So, as with any product, it’s a good idea to check ingredients, in case there are any that you may be concerned about. As with any oily product used in large quantities and applied repeatedly over long periods, build-up of dried residue on clothing, bedding and dressings may make these materials more flammable. If using these products, do not smoke or go near naked flames. As a precaution, dressings and clothing should be changed and washed frequently.

Many soaps, hand washes, shampoos, body washes and laundry products contain ionic detergents and surfactants. It’s what makes them foamy. These ingredients can be highly irritant for people with problem dry skin. One of the worst culprits is SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) which can strip the skin’s natural oils, making problem dry skin worse.

Yes. Dry Skin is available without a prescription. You’ll find it in the Dry Skin & Eczema fixture in Boots, and the healthcare section of all good supermarkets, pharmacies and retailers. Dry Skin is also available online at Amazon.co.uk

Dry Skin can be used daily by adults, children and infants.

Dry Skin can be used during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. However, safety trials have not been conducted. When breast-feeding, if use on the nipples is necessary, apply sparingly and after feeds. Gently wipe away any remaining product before feeding your baby.

Dry Skin does not contain any products of animal origin and has not been tested on animals.

Dry Skin has not been tested on animals.

Dry Skin is available in both 250g pump bottles and 100g tubes.

Please see our 'Where to buy' page. You’ll find a list of retailers who stock the Doublebase range and links to where you can buy it online.

Dry Skin has been designed specifically for problem dry skin, which can often be sensitive. It has been clinically proven and tested on dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. However, as with all products, rare individuals can be allergic to any ingredient. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

The ingredients in Dry Skin are: Isopropyl myristate, liquid paraffin, glycerol, carbomer, sorbitan laurate, trolamine, phenoxyethanol, purified water.