Emollients, such as Diprobase, Balneum and Cetraben, moisturise the skin and should be applied as often as necessary. This is normally two to four times daily depending on your routine and the severity of your eczema.
Special care should be taken to moisturise often, especially after washing, this will ensure the skin is protected from drying out. The skin absorbs moisturisers particularly well after washing so using emollients after showering or bathing is always a good idea. Washing the skin with soap, gels, shampoo or even very hot water can strip the skin of moisture and is not recommended.
Emollients can also be used in bath water and in the shower as a soap substitute.
Steroid creams, including Hydrocortisone, Betnovate and Eumovate, are applied as a think layer once or twice daily for a course of 7 - 10 days to treat a flare-up (always check the individual product instructions).
They should be applied in the morning and/or evening, leaving at least 15 minutes between applying your regular emollient and the steroid cream to allow both to absorb separately.