The experts from QV Skincare explain the importance of emollients in treating common skin conditions in children
What are the common skin conditions affecting children?
The most common skin conditions affecting children and infants include atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, nappy rash, cradle cap, impetigo, and psoriasis. Of these, eczema, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis may affect them throughout life.
Eczema is the most common condition, making the skin itchy, red, irritated, and dry. It is more likely in children who have one or more parents with eczema, and is commonly linked with allergies. There may be seasonal or allergen-related triggers for flares of eczema.
- Kang SY, Um JY, Chung BY, et al. Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Itching in Children and Adolescents. Biomedicines. 2021 Jul 30;9(8):919. (Table 1; section 2.1. Atopic Dermatitis; section 2.5. Seborrheic Dermatitis; section 2.6. Psoriasis)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Eczema — atopic. Emollients. [Internet]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2022 [cited April 2023]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/prescribing-information/emollients/emollients/.
- Atopic eczema. Overview. NHS Health A to Z. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/. Accessed November 2023.
What are the causes and symptoms of these conditions?
Contact dermatitis can be caused by irritants or allergies. The symptoms can range from mild dryness, redness, burning or stinging of the skin to very painful blisters that can become filled with fluid.
The cause of eczema is not known, but it is likely to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Eczema causes areas of skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore, and may affect particular areas, like behind the knees or inside of the elbows.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that is not fully understood. In psoriasis, your body’s immune cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake, which results in the overproduction of new skin layers. This leads to very dry, scaly, flaky patches of skin.
1. Contact dermatitis. Symptoms. NHS Health A to Z. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms/. Accessed November 2023.
2. Atopic eczema. Overview. NHS Health A to Z. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/. Accessed November 2023.
3. Psoriasis. Overview. NHS Health A to Z. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/. Accessed November 20
What are the ingredients of emollients?
Some of the common ingredients of emollients include light liquid paraffin, squalene, dimethicone, glycerin, and safflower oil.
Emollients should typically be plain, and not contain active ingredients, perfumes, or other additives.
Source: https://www.qvskincare.co.uk/articles/ingredient-spotlight/what-are-emollients-.html
How are emollients effective in treating skin conditions?
The outermost layer of skin, called the stratum corneum, needs to have about 20-30% water content to function at its best. If the water content drops too low, the skin cells start to dry out and shrivel up, causing small cracks to open up in the skin.
Emollients can help by filling the spaces between cracks, smoothing the rough and flaky skin. They also help support the skin barrier. Because emollients tend to be light oils, water can’t escape easily, preventing the skin from drying out.
Source: https://www.qvskincare.co.uk/articles/ingredient-spotlight/what-are-emollients-.html
How are emollients used?
Emollients are a crucial part of treatment for dry skin conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. They are prescribed as a first-line treatment by GPs and Dermatologists, and are ecommended by clinical guidelines (NICE guidelines) for all stages of these conditions, from mild to severe.
Emollients should be applied liberally and frequently: 250–500g per week. In particular, they should be used during or after washing, and applied when the skin is still moist.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Eczema — atopic. Emollients. [Internet]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2022 [cited November 2023]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/prescribing-information/emollients/emollients/.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE. Eczema atopic. Scenario: Moderate eczema. [Internet]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2022 [cited November 2023]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/management/moderate-eczema/.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Eczema — atopic. Scenario: Mild eczema. [Internet]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2022 [cited November 2023]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/management/mild-eczema/.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Eczema — atopic. Scenario: Severe eczema. [Internet]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2022 [cited November 2023]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/management/severe-eczema/.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Eczema — atopic. Scenario: Infected eczema. [Internet]. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2022 [cited November 2023]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/management/infected-eczema/.
What products are in the QV skincare range?
In the UK, the QV range includes QV Bath Oil and QV Gentle Wash, which are soap-free emollients suitable for bathing and showering, and QV Skin Lotion, QV Cream, and QV Intensive Ointment, which are emollient moisturisers that are applied to the skin after washing and throughout the day as needed.
Are they free from nasty chemicals?
QV products are plain emollients and do not contain soap, perfumes or active ingredients.
Are they suitable for vegans?
QV products contain no animal-derived ingredients and are suitable for vegans.
What’s the story behind QV Skincare?
Starting from humble beginnings, QV Skincare is the brainchild of Ego Pharmaceuticals (Ego), which was founded in 1953 by young chemist, Gerald Oppenheim, and his wife, Rae, a nurse. It was in response to a request from the dermatology ward of Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Hospital, that Gerald
Oppenheim created a specialist skincare product that would later become known as QV Bath Oil (named in honour of the hospital).
Where can I find out more about QV Skincare and buy the products?
You can find out more about QV products at https://www.qvskincare.co.uk. QV products can be purchased directly from QV at https://shop.qvskincare.co.uk or from select pharmacies across the UK. Your nearest stockist can be found by using the tool on the QV website: https://www.qvskincare.co.uk/where-to-buy.html
