Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines
Key to symbols The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP
The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist
Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
13. Skin

13.2. Emollient and barrier preparations

The MHRA published a Drug Safety Update in December 2018 about the fire risk and risk of burns associated with emollients and issued advice for health professionals.  The advice can be accessed by clicking here (external link).

13.2.1. Emollient Creams

Preferred List
ZEROBASE (cream)
Total Formulary
CETRABEN EMOLLIENT (CREAM)

13.2.2. Emollient Ointments

Preferred List
LIQUID AND WHITE SOFT PARAFFIN (OINTMENT)
Total Formulary
EPIMAX (PARAFFIN-FREE OINTMENT)

Restrictions:

Restricted to use only in patients who require a paraffin-free product.

Prescribing Notes:

Epimax should not be used as a soap substitute. Epimax should not be used on the face nor near the eyes; please see MHRA drug safety update (July 2024) for further details.

BNF Link

HYDROMOL (Ointment)

13.2.3. Emollient Gels

Total Formulary
ZERODOUBLE (gel)

13.2.4. Emollient Lotions

Total Formulary
CETRABEN (LOTION)

13.2.5. Other Emollients

13.2.6. Bath and Shower Emollients

In most cases, regular emollient preparations are suitable for use as bath additives and soap substitutes. The specific bath and shower preparations listed in the Total Formulary should only be reserved for situations where the use of regular emollient preparations are not suitable.

Please follow the manufacturers' instructions for the safe application and use of their products as soap substitute.

Preferred List
ZEROBASE (cream)
Total Formulary
CETRABEN EMOLLIENT (CREAM)
DERMOL 500 (LOTION)

Restrictions:

Restricted to use only when skin is infected or if infection is a frequent complication (e.g. folliculitis or secondary infection of eczema). 

Prescribing Notes:

Not for prolonged use unless clinically indicated.

BNF Link

EPIMAX (PARAFFIN-FREE OINTMENT)

Restrictions:

Restricted to use only in patients who require a paraffin-free product.

Prescribing Notes:

Epimax should only used as a body wash but not as a soap substitute. It should not to be used on the face nor near the eyes; please see MHRA drug safety update (July 2024) for further details.

BNF Link

HYDROMOL (Ointment)
QV GENTLE WASH

Restrictions:

Restricted to use in patients when their regular emollient preparation is not suitable to be used as a soap substitute for the patient.

BNF Link

13.2.7. Barrier Preparations

Preferred List
CONOTRANE (CREAM)
WHITE SOFT PARAFFIN (OINTMENT)