Dermol 500 Lotion (500g Pump Dispenser): 

WHAT DERMOL 500 LOTION IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR:

Dermol 500 Lotion is an antimicrobial and emollient (softening and moisturising) treatment for application to dry or problem skin.

It is for use in two ways: 

• as a leave-on application 
• as a soap-substitute

It helps treat and prevent dry and itchy (pruritic) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis.

All age groups can use Dermol 500 Lotion, including babies. 

Ingredients:

There are two types of active ingredient in this product: Benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride are antimicrobials: 

• These help to: combat bacteria present on your skin that can make eczema worse – prevent infection caused by scratching itchy skin.

Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate are emollients which help to: soften, moisturise and protect your skin by trapping moisture in the skin and restoring the normal protective function of the skin they prevent the skin drying.  

This product can be used in addition to any other emollients or treatments your doctor or pharmacist may have given or prescribed for you to treat your dry skin condition. 

BEFORE YOU USE DERMOL 500 LOTION: 

Do not use Dermol 500 Lotion if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate, or any of the other ingredients of Dermol 500 Lotion.

Take special care when using this product:

For patients with very sensitive skin, it is generally a good idea to start any new treatment on a small test area first, in case any side effect occurs. This is especially important when treating the face or young children. Thereafter, treatments may be applied more generously, as required. Avoid getting it in the eyes, especially when using it on the face. When used as a soap substitute in the bath or shower the product can make the surface slippery, so be careful to avoid slipping over when getting into and out of your shower or bath (eg by using a shower or bath mat).

Using other medicines:

This product is not known to affect, or to be affected by, other medicines.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:

This product can be used during pregnancy and whilst breast-feeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted. Important information about one of the ingredients of Dermol 500 Lotion The product contains cetostearyl alcohol. This ingredient may cause local skin reactions (eg contact dermatitis) in a small number of sensitive people. If you have been told by your doctor that you are sensitive to cetostearyl alcohol, please talk to your doctor before using this product.

HOW TO USE DERMOL 500 LOTION:

Use it only on the skin. For maximum benefit you should use this product on a regular basis and as often as required. Before using the 500 ml bottle, turn the top of the pump dispenser anti-clockwise to unlock it. After unlocking, you will need to press down the pump dispenser several times to prime the pump before any product is dispensed.

The same instructions apply for all age groups:

For use as a leave-on application: Apply Dermol 500 Lotion to the affected areas.  Gently smooth into the skin. If necessary, allow time for any excess to soak in. Do not rub the skin vigorously. Reapply as often as required. If you are applying another treatment to the same areas of skin as Dermol 500 Lotion, try to avoid mixing the two products. This can be achieved by applying the treatments alternately, leaving sufficient time to allow the previous application to soak in.

For use as a soap substitute: Use Dermol 500 Lotion to wash with instead of your ordinary soap or shower gel. It will not foam or lather like ordinary cosmetic products. After washing, bathing or showering, pat the skin dry with a soft towel (avoid rubbing as this can make dry skin conditions worse). If you forget to use Dermol 500 Lotion do not worry if you occasionally forget to use it, just carry on using the product as described the next time you require it. If the product gets into the eyes The product may cause irritation if it gets into the eyes. Rinse the eyes with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.

What Dermol 500 Lotion contains:

The active ingredients in this product are benzalkonium chloride (0.1% w/w), chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (0.1% w/w), liquid paraffin (2.5% w/w) and isopropyl myristate (2.5% w/w).

The other ingredients are: cetostearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether (cetomacrogol 1000), phenoxyethanol and purified water. What Dermol 500 Lotion looks like and contents of the pack. The product is a white, non-greasy lotion that contains no dye or fragrance. This bottle contains 500 ml of lotion. The bottle is fitted with a pump dispenser.

GENERAL ADVICE ON LOOKING AFTER DRY SKIN CONDITIONS:

Emollients help soften, moisturise and protect the skin. They play a central role in the treatment and management of dry skin conditions.

For maximum effect, they should be applied regularly and as often as needed. When bathing, try to use warm, not hot, water and avoid staying in the bath for long periods. This could make dry skin conditions worse.

Try to avoid using normal soaps or shower products (even those labelled “moisturising”). This is because they tend to dry and irritate the skin. Avoid using products containing fragrances, as these can also cause skin problems. You should try to use a fragrance-free emollient “soap substitute” instead. This type of product will not foam or lather but will be better for your dry skin condition.

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle.

Some dry skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis are itchy, and can be quite sore. Although scratching relieves the itching for a short while, it further damages the skin. Badly scratched skin easily gets infected. This makes it itchier and the urge to scratch becomes even greater. It is better if scratching can be avoided by reducing the itching. The regular use of emollients or moisturisers can help with this.

You may find it helpful to contact NHS Direct (tel: 0845 4647) or a patient support group such as the National Eczema Society (tel: 0800 0891122, 8am to 8pm Mon-Fri) for information about your skin condition.