There are a number of dry skin conditions which are prone to inflammation, such as eczema in its various forms, and psoriasis.
The term eczema, or dermatitis, describes a range of related dry skin conditions where there is damage to the skin barrier. These include atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and varicose eczema. In such cases the skin is dry and often inflamed or itchy. Scratching can cause further damage to the skin and aggravate the inflammation.
The causes of the different types of eczema are varied, and for atopic eczema there may also be a genetic link. Factors in the environment can make the eczema worse (called trigger factors).
‘Flares’ or ‘flare-ups’ can occur in atopic eczema, characterised by areas of inflammation where the skin is often hot, red and may also be itchy. Flares are often due to a trigger, and it is important to try to recognise what these triggers are so that they can be controlled. Common triggers are:-
Dry skin, which is lacking in oils, allows too much water to leave the skin. Emollients can help to replace the missing oils, to help trap moisture in the skin, and provide a protective layer on the skin preventing further water loss.
Scratching should be avoided, if possible, as it damages the skin even more and initiates a cycle of itching and scratching which causes inflammation, making the eczema worse.
By carefully looking after the skin and regularly using simple treatments such as emollients and anti-inflammatories, it is possible to reduce the impact of eczema for most people.
During flare-ups, emollients are often supplemented with prescribed anti-inflammatories such as topical steroids. These are treatments applied to the skin which reduce inflammation and help improve the condition.
Regular use of emollients can help to increase the time between flare ups and can help reduce the amount of topical steroids required. Adex Gel is a specially formulated emollient with an added anti-inflammatory, nicotinamide, to help reduce inflammation. Adex Gel does not contain any steroids.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory dry skin condition that causes skin cells to grow, or mature, too quickly. In healthy skin, this process usually takes between 21 and 28 days, but only a few days for psoriatic skin. This leads to a build-up of immature skin cells, causing red, dry inflamed areas of skin that are covered in silvery scales. These become uncomfortable, and can easily crack and bleed.
It is estimated that psoriasis affects more than 73,000 people in Ireland. Psoriasis can start at any age, but commonly begins in the late teens to early 30s, or between the ages of 50 and 60.
There are many treatments for psoriasis and your GP, Nurse or Pharmacist will be able to recommend an appropriate therapy for you.
Emollients are widely recommended for patients with psoriasis and they should be used alongside other treatments. Emollients help to soften scales, keep the skin supple, reduce the dryness and improve the appearance of the skin.
Treatment for psoriasis includes topical therapies, such as steroids or Vitamin D analogues to help reduce the inflammation.
General Advice
Emollients (medical moisturisers) are key to treating dry skin. However, for those whose skin is prone to inflammation, an additional treatment is often required, either during ‘flares’ or sometimes for longer, if the condition is not adequately controlled using emollients alone.
Emollients and topical steroids are often recommended to be used together to treat both dryness and inflammation. When used together, each treatment should be applied separately and allowed to be absorbed before the next is applied (in line with the in-pack leaflet or as advised by a healthcare professional). Emollients are commonly used in large quantities, whereas topical steroids should be used sparingly (as advised by a healthcare professional), and only on areas of active inflammation.
Emollients are key to the routine treatment of dry skin. However, for those whose skin is prone to inflammation, additional treatments may be required, in addition to the emollient, either during ‘flares’ or long-term, because the condition is not adequately controlled using emollients alone.
Additional treatments used with emollients are typically topical corticosteroids (sometimes just referred to as steroids) or immunomodulators (also referred to as calcineurin inhibitors). Effective though these agents are, their use may be restricted to avoid using long-term, on large areas of skin, on sensitive areas, and when used by children or the elderly.
Topical corticosteroids are available in a variety of different potencies. Patients may sometimes be required to use a range of different strengths of topical corticosteroid, when the severity of the condition changes, as well as for different parts of the body. It is always important to ensure that the correct product is being applied to the correct part of the body.
Immunomodulators are sometimes used instead of topical corticosteroids, in addition to emollients, for example on the face or for children. However, use of immunomodulators is normally short-term.
Advice should be sought from your pharmacist as to the appropriate use for each treatment.
Adex Gel emollient can also help to reduce the redness and inflammation of dry skin conditions prone to inflammation such as mild to moderate eczema and psoriasis.
Adex Gel combines an emollient with an ancillary anti‑inflammatory medicinal substance together in a single product. Adex Gel is very convenient to use, making it easy to establish a treatment routine.
Adex Gel can be used routinely where additional anti‑inflammatory action, in addition to the emollient action, may be beneficial.
Adex Gel can be used continuously, or for as long as necessary, all over the body including on the face, hands and flexures. It is suitable for adults and children over 1 year of age.
EmolliZoo is a free educational app that helps children with eczema and their families learn how to manage the condition and the effective use of emollients. For further information visit www.emollizoo.co.uk.
The information about eczema in the app has been accredited by National Eczema Society.
This website is intended for members of the public in the Republic of Ireland. Information on this website is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for further information.
Always read the label before use. Adverse Events/Incidents should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.hpra.ie. Adverse events/incidents should also be reported to Dermal.
*If you require a previous version of the leaflet (instructions for use) please contact us at info@dermal.ie.
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