Bath additives

These are liquid, lipid products usually based on liquid paraffin but may be formulated using vegetable oils such as soya. When added to water, they are dispersible and therefore appropriate for use within washing water. Their primary aim is to form a thin layer of oil over the surface of the skin thus helping to rehydrate it. Most will also cleanse the skin thus removing the need for further skin cleansing products.

Method of application
A quantity, as identified by the manufacturer, should be added to the wash water and the water then agitated to ensure the product is dispersed properly. Some bath additives can be used directly onto the skin in the shower, although clearly it is much harder to measure the amount used. This may be important in the case of an antibacterial bath product as it may be irritant if overused. There is little independent research evidence that proves the therapeutic benefit of bath emollients (Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin, 2007); however, patients may find them helpful and some companyfunded research does suggest they are beneficial (Bettzuege-Pfaff and Melzer, 2005).

Many of the greasier ointment emollients (e.g. emulsifying ointment) can also be added to bath water. They must first be dissolved in hot water and then added to a bath of normal temperature water. It may not disperse as well as a trade name bath additive but there is no evidence to suggest it is any more or less effective.

Most bath additive products will make the bath and the person who has been immersed in them, slippery.