Click to zoom
An emollient for use in dry skin conditions
From 1st July 2005, Epaderm has been listed in Part IX of the Drug Tariff (National Health Service, England and Wales) under the category heading ¿emollients¿ and is no longer listed in Part XVIIB of the Drug Tariff.
Epaderm continues to be reimbursable against NHS prescriptions and, as such, can still be prescribed by doctors and nurses. There has been no change to the formulation or intended uses of Epaderm.
Epaderm is a pale yellow ointment containing Emulsifying Wax and Yellow Soft Paraffin. It also contains Liquid Paraffin. Epaderm¿s formulation contains no fragrances, colourings or additives.
Epaderm provides a film barrier which aids moisture retention within the skin. It is highly versatile ¿ Epaderm can be used on the skin, in the bath or as a soap alternative.
It therefore offers the three stages of complete emollient therapy (1).
Developed by dermatologists, specifically for sufferers of dry skin conditions, Epaderm can be used on a wide range of dry skin conditions and is ideal for use in wrapping. Convenient 125g and 500g tubs are available in hospitals, on Drug Tariff, and can be prescribed by nurses (2)
Alternative Epaderm Uses
It’s a skin cleanser
When caring for dry skin conditions, it is vital to ensure that moisturisation is carried out whenever possible. However, it is equally important that no soaps or products containing detergents are used, as they will increase water loss from the skin (3). Using Epaderm as a skin cleanse substitute ensures that dry skin can be properly washed without losing additional moisture, or having to deal with the problems that common soap additives might produce.
Using Epaderm as a skin cleanser
Scoop a small amount from the tub, lather under warm water and then use as a normal skin cleanser.
It’s a bath additive
Soaking the skin in an emollient for optimum rehydration is another key step of complete emollient therapy (1). As Epaderm contains no fragrances, colourings or additives, baths can be taken as often as required.
Using Epaderm in the bath
Take 4g (about the size of a £2 coin) from the tub. Melt this in a tumbler of hot water, ensuring it has cooled sufficiently before adding to the bath. Do not apply hot water directly to the skin. When using Epaderm as a bath additive, care should be taken, as it will make the surface of the bath slippery.
Benefits of use
- Epaderm's formulation contains NO fragrances, colourings or additives
- Epaderm's film barrier aids moisture retention within the skin
- Epaderm can be used on the skin, in the bath or as a soap alternative and offers complete emollient therapy in one product (1)
- Epaderm is ideal for use in wet wrapping
- Convenient 125g, 500g and 1 kg tubs available on Drug Tariff and can be prescribed by nurses (2)
- Now available through HM&S and Southern Syringe
- Three-in-one relief for dry skin conditions
References
1 Cork MJ, Complete Emollient Therapy. The National Association of Fundholding Practices Official Yearbook. BPC Waterlow, Dunstable 1998: 159-168
2 Department of Health Drug Tariff, Nurse Prescribing Part IX, Stationery Office: London, July 2005
3 Fulme AW, Kramer GJ, Stratum Corneum Lipid Abnormalities In Surfactant-induced Dry Scaly Skin, Journal Of Investigative Dermatology 1996; 86: 598-602
Mölnlycke Health Care are the CE holders of Epaderm.