Emollients

There have been no systematic reviews on emollients in atopic eczema (Williams et al., 2008). However, there is overwhelming clinical consensus between dermatology health professionals that emollients are essential in managing eczema in acute and chronic periods. Complete emollient therapy is advocated and every topical preparation that goes onto the skin should be emollient based with soaps and detergents replaced with emollient-based products such as emollient washes, bath and shower products (Cork, 1997; NICE, 2007). For information on emollients, see Emollients.