Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Dermatitis - contact - Management
Emollient ointments

Age from 1 month onwards
Emulsifying ointment
Emulsifying ointment
Apply to skin frequently and liberally, as often as required. Use as a soap substitute.
Supply 500 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £2.22
OTC cost: £4.30
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Apply gently in direction of hair growth, and avoid vigorous rubbing of skin.
Hydrous ointment
Hydrous ointment
Apply to skin frequently and liberally, as often as required. Use as a soap substitute.
Supply 500 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £3.06
OTC cost: £3.58
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Apply gently in direction of hair growth, and avoid vigorous rubbing of skin.
Liquid and white soft paraffin
Liquid paraffin 50% / White soft paraffin 50% ointment
Apply to skin frequently and liberally, as often as required. Use as a soap substitute.
Supply 500 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £6.09
OTC cost: £8.72
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Apply gently in direction of hair growth, and avoid vigorous rubbing of skin.
Hydromol® ointment
Hydromol ointment
Apply to skin frequently and liberally, as often as required. Use as a soap substitute.
Supply 500 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £4.74
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Apply gently in direction of hair growth, and avoid vigorous rubbing of skin.
Epaderm® ointment
Epaderm emulsifying ointment
Apply to skin frequently and liberally, as often as required. Use as a soap substitute.
Supply 500 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £6.26
OTC cost: £10.00
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Apply gently in direction of hair growth, and avoid vigorous rubbing of skin. If used as a bath additive, take care to avoid slipping.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement