What are emollients - list and names of drugs, mechanism of action, composition and classification

Features of the use of emollients for atopic dermatitis in children, psoriasis and dermatitis in adults. The opinion of Dr. Komarovsky regarding treatment with emollients.

A skin rash accompanied by itching haunts many children and adults nowadays.

Atopic dermatitis - the diagnosis sounds scary at the first consultation with a dermatologist. And the statistics of the disease are also not encouraging. More than 65% of babies in the first year of life have atopy.

The disease is unpleasant, but can be treated if you follow the rules of skin care and have faith in a positive result.

Let's talk about emollients in medicinal cosmetics for atopic dermatitis and in modern products for everyday care and decorative line.

What are emollients for atopic dermatitis in children?

A little emollient cream is squeezed out of the tube to lubricate the skin of a child with atopic dermatitis

Emollients are substances based on fats of various origins that penetrate the upper layers of the affected areas of the skin in order to stop dehydration and start the regeneration process. They form a thin film to reduce the process of skin moisture loss.

Fats in emollients are retained and act only among the cells of wounds and dry areas; they do not reach the deep layers of the skin.

Emollients differ in origin:

• vegetable - herbal oils
• synthetic - substances created by scientists in laboratories
• chemical - petroleum jelly, paraffin, silicone and products based on them

During the period of exacerbation of rashes due to atopic dermatitis in children, they should be lubricated generously. Therefore, do not be surprised that a 250 ml jar will be used up in a week.

Emollients are:

• expensive, produced by cosmetic companies
• affordable in terms of price

Depending on the degree of atopic skin damage, emollients have been used in the composition:

• light creams and milk
• water softeners
• soaps, shower gels, shampoos
• creams and ointments

Note that small areas of rashes and dryness should be moisturized with milk or balm, and serious areas with cracks and redness should be moisturized with creams.

Which one is better to choose?

When choosing a specific drug, it is best to rely on the pediatrician’s recommendation and your own experience. It is advisable to try several different products and decide which one is especially effective for your baby.

Price also plays an important factor. Emollients are not cheap, they are consumed actively, in large quantities, so if you are limited in funds, choose inexpensive drugs (it is not a fact that they will be worse than the most popular ones).

Another important point is the spreadability of the drug. This is what experts call the ability of a cream or balm to lay on the surface of the skin in a thin or thick layer, and to adhere to folds or rounded surfaces.

To make the right choice, pay attention to the composition of the drug. Preparations with coconut or palm kernel oil have high spreadability; emollients containing petroleum jelly, castor oil, and jojoba have the opposite properties.

Emollients for atopic dermatitis in newborn infants

Mom applies emollient cream to baby to moisturize skin with atopic rashes

Excessive dryness, peeling and cracks in the skin are more common in newborn babies. In such a situation, it will not be possible to manage without the competent care of the mother.

Emollient products for little ones do not contain preservatives, fragrances or similar chemical ingredients. However, their shelf life is often short.

• Atopy in infants has a lot of causes that are not always possible to identify. And creams and emulsions with emollients ease the baby’s well-being and the condition of his skin.
• Apply them in case of relapse up to 10 times a day, following the rule of not a minute without moisture.
• During the period of remission, reduce the intensity of moisturizing to 2 times.

The most famous and effective brands for infants, according to young parents, are:

• Mustela Stelatopia
• Aven Trikzera
• Topicrem
• Emolium
• Bioderma Atoderm

Where can you buy and what to replace emollients with?

Emollients are sold in pharmacies and specialized stores. In addition, many manufacturers provide the opportunity to place an online order on their website. The pharmaceutical market is oversaturated with emollients for every taste and budget.

If you need to save emollients, you can try to replace them with budget drugs. It is advisable to do this only if the disease is mild, otherwise the therapeutic effect will not be achieved. You can try the following:

• Cream for children
• Petrolatum
• Glycerol

The best emollients for atopic dermatitis in children: list and names of drugs

emollients for children with atopic dermatitis are in a row

European cosmetic companies present the widest range of products with emollients for the treatment of skin rashes and dryness in atopic dermatitis.

Their list is below:

• Aven Trikzera
• A-Derma Exomega
• Aflocrem
• Atopic
• Bioderma Atoderm
• Bioderma Ro zinc
• Dardia
• Dermalex
• Weleda baby body milk
• La Cree, cream
• Locobase Lipocrem and Lipea
• La Roche Posay by Lipikar
• milk for children from the Sanosan series and the Chicco series
• Mustela Stelatopia
• Noreva Xerodian
• Oilatum
• Omnica
• Oillan
• Topicrem
• Uriage Xemose
• Physiogel Intensive
• Emulsion "SkinActiv"
• Excipial M Lipolosion
• Emolium

Price

Before ordering or buying a specific drug, it is worth studying price examples of at least several options. Emollient has to be used for a long time, so cost is important, because changing the product halfway through the treatment is not recommended. Specific prices are presented in the table:

Emollients for bathing children: list

The baby is bathed in a bath with oil to soften the water for atopy

A number of substances with emollients are successfully used for bathing babies. Thus, they soften the water and provide a healing effect on the skin of children.

Emollients for water procedures are offered:

• Mustela Stelatopia
• Emolium
• Oilatum
• Aven
• A-dermis
• Weleda
• Lipikar

Dermalex atopic

Dermalex atopic contains a complex of alkaline earth minerals and ceramides, which make it possible to actively influence the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. This emollient is recommended for use in children older than 2 months if atopic dermatitis is mild or moderate. Has a therapeutic effect on the symptoms of the disease. Dermalex atopic is applied to the skin after washing in a thin layer. After water procedures, it is recommended to reapply the product.

If atopic dermatitis is severe, then you need to consult your doctor before starting to use Dermalex Atopic. A contraindication to the use of the drug is a complication of skin diseases.

The drug Dermalex Atopic is a set of measures aimed at activating the skin’s own healing mechanisms and creating a protective epidermal barrier.

Cheap emollients for children: list

photo of a bunch of creams that a young mother used to soften the skin of a child with atopy

The problem of atopic dermatitis in children has become so common lately that the range of drugs for its treatment is constantly expanding.

So budget options for funds include:

• petrolatum
• paraffin
• silicone
• dimethicone
• cyclomethicone

Therefore, read the “Composition” column carefully before purchasing a cream/emulsion for your child. And also consider the degree of damage to his skin. If it is mild, then think about the point of buying an expensive emollient.

For example, budget options for care products for very dry skin prone to atopy:

• Excipial M
• Petrolatum
• Emolium
• natural oils - peach, jojoba

Mustela stelatopia

It is one of the most popular lines for atopic children. This line is ideally suited for irritated, inflamed skin and helps to defeat atopic dermatitis. Produced in France. Mustela line products consist of natural ingredients.

Mustela is used for children from birth both in the acute stage of the disease and during the period when its symptoms subside. One of the disadvantages is the high price, but this can be said about most good quality emollients.

You can find out how to treat dermatitis on the leg by following the link.

How and with what to treat seborrhea of ​​the scalp, we wrote in this article.

The following article will tell you about contact dermatitis, symptoms and treatment in children.

Emollients in creams, ointments, oils: indications and methods of use

put a little emollient cream on your finger before applying to the skin

Depending on the form of release of the emollient, there are differences in how it is used.

Oils and light creams work great with:

• slight peeling
• light rashes without weeping or cracking

Apply them after each water treatment for your baby and rub in for 2-3 minutes.

You can use them up to 4 times during the day, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor.

Ointments and creams with a higher concentration of emollients are indicated for:

• relapses
• wet
• severe itching, accompanied by excessive restlessness and moodiness
• cracks and open wounds caused by scratching

Such products, in addition to healing and restoring lipid balance, have an antibacterial effect on the affected skin.

Use ointments and creams up to 10 times per day in the first week of treatment. Then reduce the intensity to 4.

It should be noted that ointments contain a minimum of preservatives. They are well received by the skin and are absorbed by it gradually over time. This factor is often difficult to ensure if the ointment is applied to a baby, due to his activity and desire to touch himself.

Please note that taking the time to find the best product for your child is essential. Even after visiting a doctor and passing all the tests, allergy tests, and intestinal flora cultures, they will not help you get an unambiguous prescription for the treatment of atopy in your baby.

On the other hand, inaction and relying on the child to outgrow it are also ineffective.

Russian-made emollients

You can buy emollients of different brands and names in an online store or a regular pharmacy. The cost of most imported drugs is high, but they have a number of domestically produced analogues that are inexpensive. They have proven themselves to be safe and effective products of equally high quality. Examples of emollients from Russian manufacturers are:

1. Almond oil. Contains sweet almond extract Prunus dulcis var. Dulcis. It contains palmitic, linoleic and oleic triglycerides. When used externally, almond oil protects, softens and nourishes the skin. Penetrating into the epidermis, it accelerates cell regeneration, regulates lipid and water balance. A few drops of oil are applied to the fingertips and then rubbed into the skin. The product is prohibited if you are individually sensitive to its composition. Among the side effects, only hypersensitivity reactions are noted.
2. Hydrocortisone. This is an ointment based on the component of the same name. The substance is a highly active adrenal hormone. Compared to cortisone, hydrocortisone exhibits more active antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects. The ointment is hormonal, therefore it has many contraindications and side effects, which are best clarified in the detailed instructions for Hydrocortisone. For children, the medicine is allowed from the age of 2 years. The ointment is applied in a thin layer 2-3 times every day. Treatment lasts no more than 6-14 days, and in case of persistent skin disease - 20 days.

Mustela for children and Vaseline for atopic dermatitis

line of products Mustela Stelatopia for moisturizing the skin with atopic dermatitis in children

Mustela Stelatopia, according to mothers and dermatologists, is one of the best lines for childhood atopic dermatitis. Moreover, its products can be used from the very birth of the baby.

Mustela contains specially processed sunflower oil as its main ingredient. It copes well with moisturizing too dry skin types, as well as dry atopic rashes.

Main products of the line:

• bath oil
• emulsion
• face wash cream

Use the first one like this:

• pour 2-3 caps of oil into the bath
• mix thoroughly
• bathe the baby and wrap it in a towel
• Never wipe oil and water off your skin. For severe rashes, additionally moisturize the skin with emulsion.

Use the second remedy twice a day. Distribute over the entire surface of clean skin, paying special attention to areas with dry rashes.

The third remedy works great during water procedures. Apply it to your face and body.

Vaseline is another type of emollient - of chemical origin.

Its active ingredient is white paraffin. Upon contact with the skin, it covers it with a thin film. This prevents moisture loss from the epidermis.

• Vaseline absolutely does not interact with skin cells, is not absorbed and does not penetrate the bloodstream.
• Apply it to cleansed skin in small quantities or make applications.
• If you use it for atopy in a child, monitor his behavior and neutralize any attempts to get Vaseline on his mucous membranes.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after contact with Vaseline.

Discuss the frequency of daily applications with Vaseline with your doctor.

Popular means

When choosing certain emollients for adults or children, it is better to rely on the opinion of a dermatologist. Even with their safe composition, such products have a number of adverse reactions and contraindications. A good emollient does not spread when applied to folds and rounded surfaces. This property is due to the presence of vaseline or castor oil in the composition. You should not choose an emollient only at a high price. Some cheap drugs also bring good results. When choosing an ointment or cream for atopic skin, you should pay attention to the rating of the most popular products.

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Vaseline for atopic dermatitis

Contains liquid, semi-solid and solid high-molecular carbohydrates: medical vaseline oil, solid paraffins and ceresin. This emollient has softening and dermatoprotective effects. Possible side effects after its application: allergic reactions, irritation at the application sites. Vaseline should not be used if you are hypersensitive to the composition. Other contraindications:

1. Boric Vaseline. Not for use in cases of functional renal impairment, pregnancy, lactation, or under the age of one year.
2. Salicylic Vaseline. Prohibited in case of renal failure, under the age of 3 years.

Before application, the skin must be cleaned and dried. Then Vaseline is lightly rubbed into it. The drug can also be used for applications. Uses of other types of Vaseline:

1. Boric. Used to treat lice. To do this, Vaseline is applied to the scalp, and after 20-30 minutes it is washed off with warm water and shampoo.
2. Salicylic. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. After lubrication, place a sterile napkin soaked in salicylic acid on top. Change the bandage every 2-3 days.

Emolium

Emolium cream contains macadamia, shea butter and paraffin oil, sodium hyaluronate, urea, triglycerides of unsaturated fatty acids. Thanks to this composition, the product has an anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally Emolium:

• relieves irritation;
• moisturizes the skin;
• softens the upper stratum corneum;
• accelerates cell regeneration.

Before applying the product, the skin must be cleansed, washed well and dried. A positive result will be visible when applying the cream 2 times a day. For an hour after the procedure, you cannot wash those parts that were lubricated. If used for too long, itching and burning of the skin may develop. Emolium is contraindicated:

• in case of individual intolerance to the composition of the drug;
• for application to mucous membranes and eyes;
• less than 1 month old.

Topicrem

It is produced in the form of an emulsion with a dispenser, based on lactic acid and piroctone olamine. The moisturizing properties of the drug are due to the presence of mineral oil, beeswax and paraffin. The auxiliary components of Topicrem are also:

• isolinone;
• sodium lauryl sulfate;
• carbopol;
• propylene glycol;
• perfume composition;
• sepigel;
• preservative methylparaben.

The emulsion exhibits regenerating, stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. It is applied in a thin layer to the following parts of the body:

• face;
• elbows;
• forearms;
• neck;
• décolleté area.

The emulsion cannot be rubbed in. 5-8 minutes after application, it is washed off with warm water, after which the skin is blotted with a towel. To treat dermatitis, the product is used 2-3 times a day. Topicrem is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the composition of the product, deep wounds and skin injuries, and under the age of 10 years. Very rarely, the emulsion causes itching, burning and redness. Clinical studies did not reveal any other adverse reactions.

Oilatum

The gentle effect on the skin of this cream is due to the presence of light liquid and white soft paraffin in it. These substances create a film on the surface of the epidermis and moisturize the skin. Oilatum has no contraindications. There are also no side effects of this cream. Scheme for applying the product to the skin:

• clean and dry it;
• distribute a small amount of cream on the palm of your hand;
• Apply with massage movements to the damaged area;
• repeat the procedure 2-4 times throughout the day.

Skin Active

This product is available in the form of a cream. It contains vitamins A, PP and E, fatty acids, olive oil and avocado oil, urea, hyaluronic acid. You need to apply the cream 1-2 times every day. It is better to do this in the morning and evening. Apply the product in a thin layer, then leave it to absorb. You should not wash your face immediately after the procedure. In case of dry or irritated skin, application of Skin Active does not cause adverse reactions. This cream is contraindicated:

• for psoriasis;
• in combination with salicylic acid.

Emollients for adults for psoriasis, dermatitis: list of drugs and use

a girl applies emollient cream to her hand to moisturize the skin due to atopic dermatitis

Rash, red spots and itching bother not only children, but also adults.

Atopy in children, which is left without proper attention and care, develops into a chronic disease. It stays with a person for life.

Therefore, people suffering from psoriasis and dermatitis simply cannot imagine their life in society without emollients.

Below is a list of drugs that have proven effective in adult patients:

• Psorimilk cream
• Lipidioz or Nutrilozhi cream from the Vichy laboratory - during an exacerbation

You will find detailed instructions for using emollient creams for adults inside their box. The second option is after consultation with a dermatologist, who will prescribe a regimen for you.

Also use those European brands that were developed for children. Remember that it is unlikely to immediately determine your remedy that helps with any kind of skin rash. Only by brute force.

Cheap but effective means

Fortunately, there are inexpensive emollients for children that are highly effective:

• Atopic Avanta cream for daily care and soothing cream is a low-cost emollient, the components of which include D-panthenol, argan oil, shea butter, and urea. These components can relieve skin irritation, reduce the area of ​​inflammation and relieve itching.
• La-cree . The series includes creams, emulsion, bathing gel, healing cream. It performs the function of nourishing the skin, moisturizing it, but in terms of the quality of ingredients it is slightly inferior to atopic.
• Expial M. The components urea and liquid paraffin cause a beneficial effect on inflamed areas of the skin.

Natural analogues of emollients

girl chooses natural analogues of emollients

Analogues of pharmaceutical emollients are vegetable oils. For example,

• peach
• jojoba
• olive

Use them to moisturize your entire skin, paying special attention to the affected areas.

In most articles about emollients, you will find a statement that natural oils clog the skin and cause the formation of comedones. However, think about the reality of such a phenomenon.

Since ancient times, people have used oils not only for food, but also for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. This is confirmed by the surviving tradition in India. You need to be able to choose the right oil and prepare it before using it. That is, the science of oil therapy should be studied.

Therefore, it is most likely that such “truth” about oils is needed more by cosmetic companies. Otherwise, who will buy their products en masse?

Emollients in cosmetics

girl reads the composition of a cosmetic product before purchasing

The cosmetics industry today fills its products with emollients. They provide:

• durability and long-term effect of a particular product
• skin hydration and softness
• moderate healing result
• well-groomed and blooming appearance

Modern cosmetics manufacturers use the following as emollients:

• paraffin
• silicones
• lanolin
• fats and fatty acids

However, in addition to beneficial properties, cosmetic emollients also have harm. Thus, cheap cosmetics contain inexpensive emollients, namely lanolin and alcohols. They are dangerous because they cause the formation of comedones and rashes.

Silicones have gained the greatest popularity among modern cosmetic manufacturers. Due to their neutrality towards skin cells, they perfectly fulfill their role - to moisturize and maintain the durability of the product.

You will find emollients in:

• lipstick
• creams
• carcasses
• pencils
• eye shadow and blush
• shampoos and shower products

Is baby cream an emollient?

Paraffin is one of the components of baby cream, and, as stated above, it is an emollient. Paraffin, as a medicinal substance, has the ability to replace the medicinal effect only partially, since it is erased from the skin faster and is less absorbed. The therapeutic effect from its use will not be as significant as from the use of emollients. In addition, due to the presence of cheap components in the composition, it can cause unwanted reactions.

If the necessary medications are not available, baby cream can replace them for a short time. But the effectiveness of using baby cream is several times lower than that of using emollients.

Emollients for children - Dr. Komarovsky: video

photo of Dr. Komarovsky during the recording of his program

Dr. Komarovsky’s opinion states that atopic dermatitis must be properly treated from the first days of its appearance and continued during periods of remission.

All sorts of means and recommendations are used:

• antihistamine drops
• corticostecoids in ointments, creams, tablets
• diet
• limit your time in the water while swimming
• wear clothes made from natural fabrics
• maintain air humidity, especially during the heating season
• use creams and emulsions with emollients
• Maintain good hygiene, including cutting your child’s nails regularly

Komarovsky relies on statistics from American doctors. They argue that the first symptoms of atopy appear in children:

• first year of life in 65% of cases
• up to 5 years - 90%

Outgrowth of the disease is typical for children:

• preschool age
• middle school age

Older children very rarely remain with atopy for life.

Watch the video with Dr. Komarovsky on emollients for atopic dermatitis in children.