Emollient creams and ointments
Drug Safety Update
July 2024: Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment: reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injury
Due to the risk of ocular injury, Epimax ointment is not indicated for use on the face. If patients are using Epimax ointment on the body, please advise hand washing before touching the face and eyes.
August 2020: Emollients and risk of severe and fatal burns: new resources available
December 2018: Emollients: new information about risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients.
April 2016: Paraffin-based skin emollients on dressings or clothing: fire risk.
Important safety information (for all Emollients)
The CSM has warned that these preparations make skin and surfaces slippery, therefore particular care is needed when bathing.
Please see here for the following local Kent & Medway guidance and information:
- K&M Emollient Prescribing Guidance for Adults and Children
- K&M Emollients Patient Information Leaflet
Community Choices
First line community choices are listed below. Please see K&M Emollient Prescribing Guidance (link above) for second-line choices and further recommendations.
Hospital Choices
For patients in hospital- please use patient's own supply wherever possible. Where this is not possible, but an emollient is required, please prescribe one of the following:
Cream (Moderately greasy; for dry skin): Epimax Original 100g (first line); Cetraben 500g (large areas)
Ointment (Greasy; for very dry skin/acute flares): White soft paraffin/liquid paraffin 50:50
Body wash: Aquamax wash 250g
Oncology/Radiotherapy patients: Epimax Oatmeal Cream
Any emollient (except white soft paraffin alone) can be used as a soap substitute for washing.
First-line choice medium-heavy cream in community
Body wash choice in hospital
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 gram | £1.89 |
| 500 gram | £3.99 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 250 gram | £2.99 |
Light cream, 500g choice for large areas at MTW
(Least cost-effective in community)
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 500 gram | £6.29 |
First-line choice light cream in hospital and community
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 gram | £0.81 |
| 500 gram | £2.72 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 gram | £1.86 |
| 500 gram | £3.15 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 gram | £2.06 |
| 500 gram | £3.14 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 125 gram | £2.05 |
| 500 gram | £3.19 |
Moderately greasy; for dry skin.
Hospital choice for oncology/radiotherapy patients.
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 gram | £2.10 |
| 500 gram | £3.16 |
Only for those patients with confirmed paraffin sensitivity
Note: Fire hazard risk applies to both paraffin-containing AND paraffin-free emollients
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| 500 gram | £5.11 |