E45 Lotion is a light daily moisturiser formulated to treat dry skin and is perfect for everyday use all over the body, to keep skin soft, supple and hydrated. It has been dermatologically tested to be suitable for extremely dry, sensitive and atopic skin (eczema).

What causes dry skin?

Many factors can cause dry skin including:

• Weather- when temperatures and humidity levels plummet, it can cause our skin to lose moisture.
• Heat- central heating, fireplaces and heaters all reduce humidity and dry your skin out.
• Hot baths and showers- taking long hot showers or baths can cause dry skin.
• Swimming- spending a long time in chlorinated pools can strip our skin of its natural oils and cause dry skin.
• Harsh soaps and detergents- many soaps, detergents and shampoos strip moisture from your skin as they are formulated to remove oil.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a very common skin condition that causes inflammation and intense irritation. Common symptoms caused by eczema include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Itchiness
• Red, inflamed skin
• Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin.
• Oozing or bleeding.
• Areas of swelling.

This condition can start at any age, but symptoms often begin in childhood. 1 in every 5 children in the UK is affected by eczema at some stage. It can affect any part of the body, but commonly affects:

• The backs or fronts of the knees
• Outside or inside the elbows
• Around the neck, hands, cheeks or scalp

What causes eczema?

People with eczema tend to have an over-reactive immune system that causes inflammation in response to a trigger (such as a substance or an allergy). You can be born with an increased likelihood of developing atopic eczema from the genes you inherit from your parents. Research has shown that children whose parents have 1 or both parents with atopic eczema or who have other siblings with eczema are more likely to develop it themselves. This is due to a mutation of a gene that is inherited by a child from their parents. This gene is responsible for creating filaggrin, a protein that helps our bodies maintain a healthy protective barrier. Without this barrier, moisture can escape, and bacteria and viruses can enter our skin. This is why many people with eczema can have severely dry and infection-prone skin.

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the treatment of symptoms and exposure to symptoms. Typical triggers of eczema symptoms include:

• Irritants- such as soaps and detergents like shampoo, washing up liquid and bubble bath
• Dry skin- when the skin loses too much moisture, it can easily become brittle and rough, which can lead to a flare-up of eczema. 
• Environmental factors or allergens- cold and dry weather, dampness, dust mites, pet hair, pollen and moulds
• Food allergies- such as allergies to cows’ milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat
• Some materials­- such as wool and synthetic fabrics
• Hormonal changes- women may find their symptoms get worse in the days before their period or during pregnancy
• Stress- some people can experience an eczema flare-up when they are stressed. 

How to treat eczema

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms long-term, it is recommended that you seek advice from your GP. As well as medical treatments for eczema, there are many self-care measures you can take to help manage your symptoms and keep your skin comfortable.

Moisturise your skin at least twice a day.

Find a product or combination of products that work for you. Try bath oils, creams, lotions or sprays to find the best moisturising solution for you.

Try:

• E45 Dermatological Emollient Bath Oil- 500ml
• E45 Dermatological cream- 50g
• E45 Daily Lotion Spray- 200ml

Apply an anti-itch cream

Anti-itch creams can provide relief from dry itchy skin. Although it is tempting to scratch itchy skin, it can lead to a worsening of symptoms and infection. Apply an anti-itch cream twice a day, after moisturising, to relieve itchy skin and prevent scratching.

Try: E45 Itch Relief Cream- 50g

Avoid harsh soaps

Do not use soaps that contain harsh chemicals, dyes or perfumes as these can dry out the skin and cause irritation. Instead, choose mild soaps, dermatologically tested, non-fragranced and have moisturising properties.

Try: E45 Dermatological Emollient Wash Cream- 250ml

Why is moisturising important?

A damaged skin barrier makes it hard for our skin to retain moisture, which can cause dry, itchy skin and eczema flare-ups. Moisturisers keep our skin hydrated which helps to protect our natural skin barrier, making it more difficult for bacteria and viruses to penetrate, reducing infection and helping to manage eczema symptoms.

How does E45 lotion work?

This E45 product is formulated without perfume, is dermatologically tested and allergy-screened to ensure that it is suitable for dry, sensitive and atopic skin. Its light texture is easily absorbed by the skin so is suitable for daily use to quickly soothe, correct and prevent dry skin and other skin problems. This formula contains Medilan™, which is a purified, hypoallergenic form of lanolin, which has intense moisturising properties. E45 moisturising lotion is suitable for the entire family, from babies to the elderly.

How to use E45 body lotion

Apply to hands, body and face as often as required throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated, soft and supple.

Warnings

This product is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with clean water. If using large quantities, regularly change clothing, bedding or dressings that may have absorbed this product.

When NOT to use this product

Do NOT use this product if you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients (see ingredients tab for full list). Always check the label before applying any new topical product to your skin, to ensure it is suitable for you. If you are unsure whether this product meets your needs, speak to your GP or a pharmacist.

Side effects

Everybody’s skin is different, so the use of any topical products can cause an allergic reaction, although not everyone will experience this. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as a rash or swelling, discontinue use immediately and seek advice from your GP.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support