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" What is\u00A0Hydromol cream used for?  Dry skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis. Itching associated with dryness of the skin in the elderly (senile pruritis).   How does\u00A0Hydromol cream work? Hydromol cream contains the active ingredient sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate. It is used to help rehydrate dry, scaly skin. Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances that retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface. The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older, and is made worse by washing, because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface. When sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate is applied to the skin it penetrates the stratum corneum, where it readily absorbs and retains water. This increases the capacity of the skin to hold moisture, and the skin therefore becomes rehydrated.  This cream contains various other ingredients that have moisturising properties, such as isopropyl myristate, and also contains liquid paraffin, which provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin. This helps prevent water from evaporating from the skin surface. Both actions soothe and soften the skin, and reduce the scaling and itching of dry skin conditions such as eczema and ichthyosis. Moisturisers are helpful for all dry skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. Used regularly, particularly after bathing or showering, they help restore the skin&amp;#039;s smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture.  Important information about\u00A0Hydromol cream  This preparation is for external use on the skin\u00A0only. Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes. This preparation contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause skin irritation. This preparation contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).   Hydromol cream should not\u00A0be used in  Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  There are no restrictions on the use of this product during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Possible side effects of Hydromol cream Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Skin irritation in people hypersensitive to any of the ingredients.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. How can Hydromol cream affect other medicines? By smoothing and softening the skin moisturisers can increase the absorption of other medicines that are applied to the skin. This can be useful in conditions such as eczema because it improves the ability of other medicines, such as corticosteroid creams, to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation. However, if they are applied at the same time, moisturisers can also dilute the active ingredient of other medicines applied to the skin, so you should try to avoid applying them within about half an hour of medicated creams, ointments and lotions. Other medicines containing the same active ingredients There are currently no other skin\u00A0care products available in the UK that contain this combination of ingredients. Further reading For background information about our medicine factsheets, including the references used to produce them, click here. Last updated 01.02.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a6875/hydromol-cream/>