Brand: When in stock we get Hydrous Oily Cream B.P, this may be of a different brand to what is in the photo - but always to the B.P (British Pharmacopoeia specification)

How does it work?

Hydrous ointment is also known as oily cream. This is not an active ingredient as such, but works as a moisturiser by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface. It is a very greasy moisturiser.

It is made from a mixture of wool alcohols ointment (which contains lanolin, a waxy substance obtained from the wool of sheep) and water, with phenoxyethanol as an antimicrobial preservative.

Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances that retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin, and water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.

The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older, and is made worse by washing, because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.

Moisturisers such as hydrous ointment are helpful for all very dry skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. Used regularly they help restore the skin's smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture. They should be applied frequently, and particularly after washing, to prevent the skin drying out.

In conditions such as eczema, using a moisturiser regularly, even once the skin has improved, can help prevent flare-ups of this condition.

What is it used for?

Dry skin conditions.

Warnings

This preparation is for external use only.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.