Routine Skin-Care Measures: Emollients/Moisturizers

In general, thicker moisturizers in an ointment or cream base are the most moisturizing. Patients should look for products without fragrance.  For those with dry skin or eczema, moisturizer is best applied every day and especially after bathing. It is extremely important to consider the patient’s preference as they are unlikely to consistently use a product that they do not like. In addition, expensive does not necessarily mean a product will work better.

Some moisturizers have added ingredients such as keratolytics which include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid or urea. These break down surface scale and can be useful in conditions with thickening of the skin or hyperkeratosis such as keratosis pilaris or palmoplantar keratodermas.

For patients with sensitive skin who are worried about irritation from products they can perform a Repeat Open Application Test (ROAT). This is done by applying a small amount of the product to the inner forearm (making sure this area is free of eczema or other skin disease) twice daily over a week. If no irritation develops it should be safe to use this product more widely on the body.