Managing Eczema: The Brick Wall & Emollients

Key Information:

The Foundation of Care: Understanding and using emollients (special medical moisturisers) is the single most important part of managing your eczema.
The “Brick Wall” Analogy:
- Healthy Skin: Think of it like a solid brick wall. The cells are bricks, and the “mortar” holds it together, locking moisture in and keeping irritants out.
- Eczema Skin: There isn’t enough mortar. This creates a “leaky” barrier that lets moisture escape (causing dryness) and irritants in (causing itching).
- The Solution: Emollients act as that missing mortar, patching up gaps and strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.

The 3 Golden Rules of Application

To use emollients effectively, follow these rules:

Be Frequent & Generous:

Apply at least twice a day, every single day, from head to toe.
You must do this even when your skin is clear to prevent future flares.
Apply straight after bathing or swimming.

Smooth, Don’t Rub:

Smooth the moisturiser gently onto the skin in the direction of hair growth.
Why? Rubbing generates heat (worsening the itch) and going against the hair can block follicles.

Avoid Soap:

Normal soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths strip natural oils.
Use your emollient or a specific soap substitute for washing instead.

Finding the Right Emollient

Emollients come in different forms. The “best” one is simply the one you are happy to use every day.

Lotions: Light and good for hairy areas.
Creams: A good all-rounder.
Ointments: Greasier, making them excellent for very dry skin or overnight use.

Tip: When starting a new emollient, test it on a small patch of skin first.

What Happens Next?

Using your emollient correctly is the best way to prevent flare-ups. We may need to try a few types before we find the perfect match for your skin. If a product causes irritation, please stop using it and let us know.

Discuss Emollients

Further Information

Treating Eczema Flare-Ups: Using Steroid Creams Safely

Infected Eczema: When to Seek Help

For more information about different types of emollients, how to apply them, and side effects, please visit the NHS website.

Learn more about emollients

Last reviewed: 26 December 2025
Next review due: 26 December 2028