Hydromol Bath & Shower Emollient

What is Hydromol bath and shower?

Hydromol is a bath and shower emollient which helps to prevent dehydration of the skin in people with dry skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis.

Dry skin can cause itchy, flaky patches of skin which can be very uncomfortable. It can also lead to red and painful areas of skin which may peel and crack easily when scratched, causing bacterial infections.

Dry skin is commonly found in areas such as:

• Elbows
• Face
• Feet
• Hands
• Knees

Some people may only experience flare-ups of dry skin conditions occasionally, which may cause symptoms of dry skin to worsen. In such cases, it is important to keep your skin hydrated to reduce the recurrence of flare-ups.

Knowing what can cause your symptoms to worsen is important, as it can help you to manage your dry skin.

Regular use of moisturising bath oils such as Hydromol can help the skin retain moisture and keep the skin hydrated.

Why do people develop dry skin?

The skin’s outermost layer contains natural fats and oils (lipids) which prevent moisture from escaping, keeping the skin hydrated.

Excessive exposure to water can reduce the amount of protective natural oils on the skin, allowing the skin to dry out easily.

Some people are more likely to develop dry skin conditions than others. This may be due to medical reasons, such as having an underlying condition or from taking a specific medication. Other causes may be environmental.

Causes of dry skin which are not easily avoidable include:

• Being over the age of 40
• Living in dry and cold areas
• Having a family history of dry skin conditions
• Taking certain medicines (antihistamines, blood pressure and cholesterol medicines)

Causes of dry skin which can be avoided include:

• Washing with water for too long or too often
• Using cosmetics and harsh soaps which contain irritants like perfumes
• Having a job which involves regular skin exposure to water (such as cleaning, nursing or hair-styling jobs)
• Swimming regularly in chlorinated pools

During the warmer summer months, it’s important to protect your skin - especially if you already have a skin condition such as eczema, acne or rosacea. This is because UV rays from the sun, and an increase in sweat, can irritate your skin and make your symptoms worse.

If you are unsure about your risk of dry skin, or what you can do about it, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

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How does Hydromol bath and shower work?

Hydromol bath and shower contains the two active ingredients - light liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate.

Light liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate are natural minerals which preserve the protective barrier of natural oils on the skin’s surface, and help retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated.

When used regularly, these ingredients in Hydromol also prevent irritation and drying of the skin, which can occur when using certain soaps, fragrances and other cosmetic products on the skin.

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How do I use Hydromol bath and shower?

You should use Hydromol bath and shower every time you bathe.

To use Hydromol in the bath, add 1 to 3 capfuls to a 20cm bath of warm, but not hot, water.

Bathe for between 10 and 15 minutes and use a sponge or flannel to cover your skin with the bath water.

To use Hydromol in the shower, apply a small amount of Hydromol to a sponge or flannel and rub onto wet skin, before rinsing off with warm water.

Use a clean towel to pat your skin dry. Avoid rubbing your skin dry as this can cause further irritation and possibly make your dry skin worse.

You should use Hydromol on all of our skin, not just the areas of your skin affected by eczema.

What should I do if I forget to use Hydromol?

If you forget to use Hydromol, don’t worry. Simply remember to use it the next time you bathe or shower.

To get the most out of Hydromol, you should try to use it every time you bathe or shower.

What if I use more Hydromol than I should?

Using more Hydromol is unlikely to harm you, though there is a chance it may increase your risk of side effects.

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Hydromol bath and shower side effects and cautions

Before you use Hydromol, you should read the patient information leaflet that comes with it. Instructions on how to use and store Hydromol are also printed on the label.

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody taking the same medicine experiences them. It’s important to be aware of the associated risks of using any medicinal product, so that you know what to do if you develop any side effects.

The full list of side effects and cautions of using Hydromol bath and shower can be found in the information leaflet that comes packaged with your product.

Some side effects of using Hydromol bath and shower include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Rash
• Redness
• Skin irritation

Take extra care when bathing or showering with Hydromol as it can make surfaces very slippery. After having a bath with Hydromol, the oil should drain down the plughole and should not stick to the sides of the bath. If any Hydromol remains around the bath or shower, you can wipe it away with a damp cloth to prevent it from being slippery.

Allergies

Do not use Hydromol if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. You can find the list of ingredients in Hydromol bath and shower in the information leaflet that comes with the product.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Other safety information

If you are unsure whether Hydromol is suitable for you, one of our online doctors can contact you via email.

Do not use Hydromol bath and shower past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Always store Hydromol out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have the same condition as you.

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Frequently asked questions about Hydromol bath and shower

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