Pump your arms moist! (Doublebase Emolient Cream)

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Doublebase Emolient Cream
Date:	12/07/09 (158 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ensures my arms are kept well moisturised throughout the day

Disadvantages: Can seem expensive, but well worth it

Having developed a rash on my arms, I was advised by my Doctor to use this cream to ensure that my arms were kept moisturised. This gel is used for the "management of dry or chapped skin conditions which may also be itchy or inflamed" - which sounded like just what I needed. It is also renowned for being good for people suffering with eczema.

You can get this in various sized containers - mine's a 500g pump action bottle, which comes encased in a purple box. The active ingredients are isopropyl myristate (15%) and liquid paraffin (15%). As emollients, they help to protect, soften and moisturise my skin by trapping the moisture in my skin. The inactive ingredients are glycerol, carbomer, sorbitan laurate, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol and purified water. The use by date for mine is 3 years - considering it's a massive bottle, i think this will last quite a while. It can be used in conjunction with other prescriptions given by your doctor to treat dry skin.

It can be used as and when throughout the day - In particular, I find that my arms are particularly dry after a shower, so I apply it once out. You can also use it before having a wash - dependent on what works for you. It can be used by all the family - no restrictions in terms of age - from the baby to the old.

As with all medications, there is the slight possibility of side effects - mainly in the form of rashes. If this happens, the best thing to do is to stop using it and inform the doctor, nurse or pharmacist. I have not experienced anything untoward from this gel, but just something to be cautious about.

In appearance it looks like wet marshmallows (sometimes it looks edible) but when on your skin, it is quickly absorbed and can be applied liberally. The dispenser top has to be turned anti-clockwise to unlock it, then it's a simple push of the top to release the gel. It has no fragrance, so I do tend to make full use of it by applying it twice a day. I was advised to use a few strokes in order to allow the gel to get absorbed into my arms, as opposed to rubbing it in.

In terms of storage, as with all medicines, it is to be kept out of reach and sight of children (like I said, as an adult, i felt compelled to eat it). Store at temperatures below 25°C. Ensure that the top of the bottle has been turned clockwise, to lock it or replace the cap, if you're using a tube. Just a few general pointers, as I'm sure you're aware with other medications.

When it comes to cost - I got a prescription for mine which cost me £7.20, I couldn't buy it over the counter (i thought I was being dealt a rough deal). I have since found that it costs £10.33 (Chemistdirect.com), so I guess I got the best deal. For me personally, it's an absolute godsend - it keeps my arms well moisturised throughout the day and also prevents them from developing the itchy feeling I used to experience.

Summary: 500g of gel to relieve dry skin conditions - a godsend!