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" What is aqueous cream\u00A0used for?  As a substitute for soap.  As a moisturiser for dry skin conditions.\u00A0  How does aqueous cream\u00A0work? Aqueous cream is a light, non-greasy moisturiser that is made from a mixture of emulsifying ointment (which contains paraffin oils) and water, with phenoxyethanol as an antimicrobial preservative. Dry skin results from lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of skin cells. 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, and 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. Moisturisers are helpful for dry skin conditions, such as dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. They work mainly by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface. Used regularly they help restore the skin&amp;#039;s smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture. They should be applied frequently to prevent the skin drying out. However, aqueous cream is not generally considered to be a good moisturiser (see below) and instead is more useful as a substitute for soap when washing. Using aqueous cream instead of soap can cleanse the skin while also preventing it from drying out.  Things to know about aqueous cream before using it  This cream\u00A0is for external use on the skin\u00A0only. A recent research study into the use of aqueous cream on healthy skin showed that regular use of aqueous cream can reduce the thickness of healthy skin and increase water loss from the skin. This is thought to be because it contains a detergent called sodium lauryl sulphate rather than just moisturisers. Skin experts now recommend that people with eczema only use aqueous cream as a soap substitute. There are many alternative moisturisers available for use in people with eczema. When using this cream in the bath or shower take care to avoid slipping, especially when getting in or out because, the cream may make the bath/shower more slippery than usual.  Who should not use\u00A0Aqueous cream?  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. Can I use aqueous cream while pregnant\u00A0or\u00A0breastfeeding?  Aqueous cream is safe to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.\u00A0  What are the side effects of aqueous 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, it 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.   Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of this medicine. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the\u00A0yellow care website?\u00A0 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.  Can I use\u00A0\u00A0aqueous cream \u00A0with\u00A0other medicines? By smoothing and softening the skin aqueous cream can increase the absorption of other medicines that are applied to the skin. This is 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 the moisturiser is applied just before or after applying other medicated creams, ointments or lotions, the moisturiser could dilute the other medicated product. For this reason you should try to leave a few minutes between applying moisturisers and medicated skin products, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Last updated 14.02.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a6228/aqueous-cream/>