Emollient and barrier preparations

Question 1

What do emollients do?

Answer 1

Soothe, smooth and hydrate the skin

Question 2

What is the indication for the use of emollients?

Answer 2

All dry or scaling skin disorders

Question 3

How long do the effects of emollients last?

Answer 3

Short-lived

Should be applied frequently and even after improvement occurs

Question 4

Emollients are useful in dry and (?) disorders, and to a lesser extent in psoriasis

Answer 4

eczematous

Question 5

Emollients are useful in dry and eczematous disorders, and to a lesser extent in (?)

Answer 5

psoriasis

Question 6

The use of (?) as a leave-on emollient may increase the risk of skin reactions, particularly in eczema

Answer 6

aqueous cream

Question 7

The use of aqueous cream as a leave-on emollient may increase the risk of (?), particularly in eczema

Answer 7

skin reactions

Question 8

The use of aqueous cream as a leave-on emollient may increase the risk of skin reactions, particularly in (?)

Answer 8

eczema

Question 9

What type of emollient preparations can be used as soap substitutes for hand washing and in the bath? (2)

Answer 9

Aqueous cream
Emulsifying ointment

The preparation is rubbed on the skin before rinsing off completely

Question 10

(?) is occasionally used with other topical agents such as corticosteroids to enhance penetration of the skin

Answer 10

Urea

Question 11

When emollient bath additives are added to bathwater, how long should you soak in the bath for hydration to be improved?

Answer 11

10-20 minutes

Question 12

What is the risk with the build-up of residue from paraffin-containing emollients on clothing and bedding?

Answer 12

Fire risk

There is a fire-risk with all paraffin-containing emollients, regardless of paraffin concentraton, and it cannot be excluded with paraffin-free emollients

Question 13

(?) preparations often contain water-repellent substances such as dimeticone or other silicones

Answer 13

Barrier

Question 14

Barrier preparations often contain water-(?) substances such as dimeticone or other silicones

Answer 14

repellent

Question 15

Barrier preparations often contain water-repellent substances such as (1?) or other (2?)

Answer 15

1. dimeticone

2. silicones

Question 16

Give three examples of where barrier preparations are used on the skin in the elderly?

Answer 16

1. Around stomas
2. Bedsores
3. Pressure areas

Question 17

What is the first-line treatment for nappy rash?

Answer 17

1. Ensure that nappies are changed frequently
2. Avoid tightly fitting water-proof pants

The rash may clear when left exposed to the air and a barrier preparation, applied with each nappy change, can be helpful

Question 18

(Emollient/Barrier?) preparation may be helpful in the treatment of nappy rash when applied with each nappy change

Answer 18

Barrier

Question 19

What can be applied to nappy rash if inflammation is causing discomfort (but should be avoided in neonates)?

Answer 19

Hydrocortisone 0.5% or 1%

Barrier preparation should be applied after the corticosteroid to prevent further damage.

DO NOT apply hydrocortisone for more than one week

Question 20

For how long can you apply hydrocortisone 0.5% or 1% to nappy rash if the inflammation is causing discomfort?

Answer 20

Max. one week (but should be discontinued as soon as inflammation subsides)

Barrier preparation should be applied after the corticosteroid to prevent further damage.

Question 21

What can be used if the nappy rash is associated with candidal infection?

Answer 21

Topical antifungal (e.g. clotrimazole cream)

Question 22

What can be used if the nappy rash is associated with a bacterial infection?

Answer 22

Topical antibacterial

An oral antibacterial may occasionally be required in severe or recurrent infection