Selecting Emollient
Several types of emollients are available in the market before. Before buying the emollient, take advice from the doctor. Ointments are usually suggested if the skin is very dry and scaly. Ointments contain more oil and are greasier, while lotions contain less oil and are less greasy. Being more oily nature helps ointment in retaining the moisture of the skin. Lotions contain less oil and therefore are not very greasy, but can be less effective than ointments. A doctor may suggest a combination of different emollients or a mix of emollients such as
- An ointment for dry skin
- Emollient to be used instead of soap
- A different emollient for more sensitive areas like the face and hands while different for other body parts.
Sometimes the use of a particular ointment for a very long time can make it less effective, and skin may also start to get irritated. In such cases, any other product that suits the skin can replace old ointment.
- Method of using the ointment – Use ointment regularly, use large amounts, and don’t rub it on the skin; instead, apply it smoothly on the skin in the direction where hair grows.
- After bathing, pat the skin with a towel instead of rubbing it and then applying ointment to keep the skin moisturized.
- Apply ointment least twice a day.
- If the skin is inflamed, use topical corticosteroids because ointments are not good enough for inflamed skin areas.
Try not to put the finger in the ointment pot as it increases bacterial infection chance, use a spoon for bringing ointment out, and then apply. Do not share your ointment with any other person.