If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist. Safety advice when using emollients Fire safety Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of leave-on emollient or soap substitute in the palm of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Use in confirmed staphylococcal infection e.g. recurrent folliculitis and impetiginised eczema as per Notts Emollient Formulary. Rarely, mild allergic reactions such as skin rash can occur. If you notice any side effects or the condition worsens while using the product, stop use and tell your doctor or pharmacist. They will tell you what to do. Precautions:

First choice - Dermol ® 500 Lotion (less greasy than Dermol ® cream). Recommended for aditional use as soap substitute. Keep it simple: Using gentle soaps and cleansers avoid stripping the natural oils from your skin which helps preserve the skin moisture.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/ tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Nappy rash is usually irritant dermatitis. The first line of treatment is to change nappies frequently and avoid tight fitting waterproof pants

Lotions are good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema – where pus is seeping out of damaged areas of skin). This is because lotions are thin and spread easily, but they're not very moisturising. Sprays Certain activities, such as gardening, can irritate the skin. It may help to apply an emollient before doing these. They are useful on the skin around stomas, bedsores, and pressure areas in the elderly where the skin is intactThey can be used to replace lost moisture whenever your skin feels dry or tight. They're very safe and you cannot overuse them.

Go see your doctor: If your skin is chronically dry or painful it may be related to a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, if your dry skin lingers go and see your GP. Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture. Emollients are best applied after washing your hands, taking a bath or showering because this is when the skin most needs moisture.Avoid extremes: Hot and chilly weather or very hot baths and showers can dry out the skin even more so try to avoid if you can.