Skin Care World

Epaderm has been specially developed by dermatologists for treating dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. You can use it every day - just like an ordinary skin balm - but it's also a highly effective 3-in-1 emollient. This means you can use it as a skin moisturiser, soap alternative or bath additive. It can also be used with specially designed Tubifast Bandages if you decide to try wet, dry or patch wrapping. Specially formulated from clinically proven ingredients, Epaderm contains no additives, fragrances or colourings, and works by deeply moisturing and softening skin, easing discomfort and leaving it feeling fresh and looking good. You can be confident about using Epaderm as it is safe for use on babies and young children.

THE BENEFITS OF EPADERM

Epaderm is a pale yellow ointment containing two active ingredients, Emulsifying Wax and Yellow Soft Paraffin. It also contains Liquid Paraffin. Epaderm’s unique formulation contains no fragrances, colourings or additives. Epaderm provides a film barrier which aids moisture retention within the skin. It is highly versatile – Epader can be used on the skin, in the bath or as a skin cleanser. It therefore offers the three stages of atopic eczema treatment, as suggested for complete emollient therapy (1).

Developed by doctors at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne specifically for eczema sufferers, Epaderm can be used on a wide range of dry skin conditions and is ideal for use in wrapping. Convenient 125g, 500g and 1kg tubs are available in hospitals, on Drug Tariff and can be prescribed by nurses (2).

APPLICATION GUIDE

To ensure sufficient skin rehydration, the following is intended as a guide to the amounts required per application for adults and amounts to a weekly total of 672 grams. Application should be at least twice per day. When emollients are applied to the whole body, it has been suggested that adults require at least 500g/week and children require at least 250g/week of emollient being used. Children will require at least 250g per week (3).

USE WITHIN WRAPPING

Wet wrapping Is a therapy used in the treatment of atopic eczema, and involves the use of an emollient, such as Epaderm, together with Tubifast Garments or Tubifast bandages. An emollient is applied to the affected skin, which is then covered with a damp layer of Tubifast Garment or bandage. Working together, the emollient and the damp layer keep the skin hydrated and moist, and help reduce inflammation (1). The damp Tubifast Garment or bandage also acts as a retaining layer, ensuring that the emollient stays in contact with the skin. The damp layer also cools and soothes the skin and helps to reduce the itch (1). A second, dry layer is then applied, which keeps the patient's clothing dry and prevents further scratching from aggravating the skin and causing potential injury.

Dry wrappingIs a similar process to wet wrapping. An emollient is applied to the affected skin, which is then covered with a single, dry layer of Tubifast Garment or bandage.

ALTERNATIVE USES FOR EPADERM

It’s a skin cleanser When caring for dry skin conditions, it is vital to ensure that moisturisation is carried out whenever possible. However, it is equally important that no soaps or products containing detergents are used, as not only will these aggravate the eczema, but they will actually increase water loss from the skin.(4). Using Epaderm as a soap substitute ensures that dry skin can be properly washed without losing additional moisture, or having to deal with the problems that common soap additives might produce.

Using Epaderm as a cleanser. Scoop a small amount from the tub, lather under warm water and then use as a normal soap.

Soaking the skin in an emollient for optimum rehydration is another key step of complete emollient therapy (1). As Epaderm contains no fragrance, colourings or additives, baths can be taken as often as required.

Using Epaderm in the bath. Take 4g (about the size of a £2 coin) from the tub. Melt this in a tumbler of hot water, ensuring it has cooled sufficiently before adding to the bath. Do not apply hot water directly to the skin. When using Epaderm as a bath additive, care should be taken, as it will make the surface of the bath slippery.

Epaderm is a Trade Mark of Mölnlycke Health Care Ltd.