We have received notification from the Health Board advising GP surgeries in Northern Ireland to stop or greatly reduce the prescribing of Bath and Shower treatments for dry and/or itchy skin conditions such as eczema.
Which bath and shower preparations are affected?
Moisturising bath and shower preparations include bath oils that are poured into bath water and bath and shower emollients that can be used to wash the body. Examples of these products include Dermol 200 Shower Emollient, Dermol 600 Bath Emollient, Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive, Doublebase Emollient Shower Gel, Balneum or Balneum Plus Bath Additive, Oilatum Emollient or bath formula and Aveeno Bath oil.
Why will these bath and shower preparations not be prescribed anymore?
A study showed that using pour-in-the-bath emollients did not make any difference to eczema symptoms and therefore using these products is not a good use of NHS resources. There is no good quality evidence to show that bath and shower emollients are more effective than leave on emollients used as a soap substitute. There are also risks with using bath emollients such as skin irritation if large amounts are used, particularly if antiseptic bath oils are used.
What options are available instead of these bath and shower preparations?
It is still really important to use leave-on emollient moisturisers and avoid soap. Emollients can be used as a soap substitute. Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of emollient in the palm of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin. Rinse and pat the skin dry, being careful not to rub it. You can use soap substitutes for handwashing, showering or in the bath. Emollients do not foam like normal soap but are just as effective at cleaning the skin.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding this change in prescribing you can contact the surgery to discuss with a GP or GP Pharmacist or you can get advice from your local Community Pharmacy.
Mr William Hollinger,
Practice Based Pharmacist