BAD: Emollient advice is welcome
Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 13:56
Guidance stating that bath emollients should be used to help manage atopic eczema has been welcomed by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) said unperfumed emollients should be used everyday in washing, bathing and moisturising.
This recommendation is one of a number made to health professionals and parents to help the management of atopic eczema in children.
"Emollients in general are a tried and tested part of the treatment of eczema and are accepted as part of routine clinical practice," said BAD's Nina Goad.
"Their use is recommended in all guidelines for the treatment of eczema to date, and it is reassuring that their benefit has been recognised in the new guidance.
"Recent studies place an increased focus on the treatment and protection of the barrier function of the skin, and the use of emollients is one way of achieving this. People have a tendency, especially with children, to use bubble baths and other detergents in the bath routine. We know these exacerbate eczema, but it is of course still necessary for children to bathe."
She added that bath emollients can help to "make children's bath time both enjoyable and therapeutic".
