Are your nails dry and itchy? Let's talk about emollients that moisturize the skin! (Emollients)

Our skin is dry, sometimes flaky, itchy... These are very annoying things, aren't they? It goes without saying how annoying this can be, especially for someone with a condition like eczema. So, as a solution to this, your doctor may have told you to use a cream, lotion, or ointment called "Emollients". Some people get a little worried when they hear this name, "What kind of medicine is this?" But emollients are actually like our skin's best friend. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

What are emollients? Let's understand it simply.

Simply put, emollients are special substances that soothe dryness and inflammation in our skin and moisturize it . Many of the skin care products we use, such as creams and lotions, contain these emollients.

Another name for this is "barrier creams." It means something like "protective barrier cream." The reason for saying that is that when this emollient is applied to the skin, it forms a thin film on the top layer of our skin. It's like putting a protective shield on our skin. This shield stops the moisture inside our skin, that is, water, from evaporating and leaving. It also protects the skin from things like dust and germs coming from outside.

This is why doctors often recommend these emollients to people with very dry, flaky, and itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

What are the benefits of emollients for our skin?

Now, see how many good things these emollients can do for our skin.

• Attract moisture to the skin: Some emollients can attract water vapor from the environment and deliver it to our skin.
• Prevents moisture loss: As I mentioned earlier, it creates a protective layer over the skin, keeping the skin's precious moisture inside.
• Soften scaling skin: As skin ages, it starts to peel. Applying emollients can soften that dry, rough skin.
• Soothe irritated skin: Emollients provide great relief when the skin is itchy, red, and inflamed.

Are emollient and moisturizer the same thing?

This is a problem that many people have. Don't confuse the two. Think of a moisturizer as a complete meal. An emollient is like a delicious, nutritious vegetable in that meal.

That is, an emollient is a key ingredient in a moisturizer. The main function of an emollient is to soften the skin. In addition to emollients that soften the skin, a moisturizer may also contain humectants and other nutrients that attract water to the skin. Therefore, almost every moisturizer we buy in the store contains an emollient.

What are the main types of emollients?

Emollients can be divided into two main types. Most of the time, a good moisturizer will contain a combination of both. This table will give you a clear idea of ​​this.

In what situations can emollients be used?

Emollients are very beneficial for anyone with dry, cracked, or flaky skin. They are especially important in these situations:

Skin conditions:

• Dermatitis: Various allergic and inflammatory conditions of the skin.
• Eczema: A condition in which the skin becomes dry, red, and extremely itchy.
• Psoriasis: A condition in which skin cells divide rapidly and form thick, silvery scales on the skin's surface.

Dry skin caused by other causes:

• Cancer treatment: Some cancer treatments can cause extremely dry skin.
• Cold, dry weather: Although this is rare in our country, skin loses moisture quickly in extremely cold areas.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are also more prone to dry skin.
• Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands with soap frequently removes the skin's natural oil layer and dries out your hands.
• Working with chemicals: People who work in jobs that expose them to certain chemicals can develop dry skin.

Can I apply emollients with other creams prescribed by the doctor?

This is a very important question. If a doctor has prescribed a medication, such as a steroid cream, for a skin condition, it is essential to follow those instructions exactly.

Doctors usually recommend that you first apply the medicated cream (e.g., steroid cream) to the affected areas of the skin, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and then apply the emollient all over the body or where needed. This allows the medicated cream to be absorbed well into the skin.

To get the most out of emollients, how exactly should you use them?

Rather than just buying an emollient and applying it properly, the results are much better. Emollients absorb best when the skin is slightly damp. So try this.

1. Bathe in lukewarm water: Avoid bathing in very hot water. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and dries it out even more. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

2. Pat your skin gently: Don't rub your skin vigorously with a towel after showering. Doing so can damage your skin. Instead, pat your skin dry with a towel to absorb any excess water. Don't let your skin dry completely; it's best to leave it slightly damp.

3. Warm the emollient in your hands: Take the required amount of emollient and rub it between your hands to warm it up. This will make it easier to apply to the skin.

4. Apply within 3 minutes: Applying emollient within the first three minutes of showering is most effective because the pores are open at that time, allowing the emollient to absorb better into the skin.

5. Apply gently and in the right direction: When applying emollient to the skin, rub gently in the direction of the hair follicles, that is, from top to bottom. Rubbing in a circular motion or from bottom to top can clog hair follicles and cause infection.

What are the benefits and risks of using emollients?

Like anything, emollients have their benefits, but there are also a few things to be aware of.

Benefits

Regular use of emollients can provide great relief to those with dry, itchy skin. If you are using medicated creams, using emollients in addition to them can also help with treatment. Using them daily can help prevent skin from cracking, which can help protect against bacterial infections that can enter the body through those cracks.

Risks and things to be aware of

Emollients are generally very safe, but consider these things before using a new product.

• Allergic reactions: Some products may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have very sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, choose products that have fewer ingredients and are labeled "hypoallergenic" or "sensitive skin."
• Acne: If you're prone to acne, thick, oily occlusive products like petroleum jelly can aggravate acne. In such cases, choose products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." Noncomedogenic means that they won't clog pores or cause breakouts.

The best way to reduce these risks is to ask your doctor which product is best for your skin type.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are using emollients and still notice these changes in your skin, definitely see your doctor.

• Non-healing cuts or wounds
• Increased skin inflammation or discomfort
• Increased itching
• A new rash develops
• Skin redness

If you have a long-term skin condition, it is very important to see your doctor regularly for advice.

When do you need to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)?

Some skin rashes can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Therefore, if you have one or more of the following symptoms along with your rash, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately .

• If there is a fever with the rash
• If the rash has spread all over the body
• If water-filled blisters appear
• If the skin around the rash appears as red streaks
• If a yellow or green liquid oozes from the rash
• If the rash appears suddenly and spreads rapidly
• If there is severe pain
• If the area feels warm when touched

In a situation like this, don't stay home. It's essential to seek medical attention immediately.