Aqueous cream
Aqueous Cream BP is a light, hydrocarbon-based emulsion, which is officially registered in the British Pharmacopoeia and categorised by the British National Formulary as a non-proprietary emollient preparation.[1] It is used as a topical, external medicine, emollient moisturiser and general-purpose substitute for toiletries such as soap, shower gel, shaving cream and lip salve.
Ingredients[edit]
The common ingredients are:
- liquid hydrocarbons
- white soft paraffin wax
- purified water
- emulsifying wax containing sodium lauryl sulphate
- cetostearyl alcohol
- chlorocresol
Indications[edit]
It is commonly prescribed in the United Kingdom for conditions such as eczema, aquagenic pruritus or atopic dermatitis.[2] Whilst undergoing radiotherapy, patients are advised to use aqueous cream as part of a skin care regime to remedy the erythema that is caused by such treatment.
Contraindications[edit]
British researchers found evidence that using the cream to moisturise areas affected by eczema may actually aggravate the condition.[3] They suggested this was due to skin-thinning effects of a detergent sodium lauryl sulfate. The National Eczema Society recommends alternatives such as white soft paraffin wax or other types of emollient without such a high content of sodium lauryl sulfate.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ BNF index
- ^ Emollients, NHS Direct
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11564662 BBC News – Aqueous cream 'aggravates eczema' (Oct 2010)
- ^ "Aqueous Cream". National Eczema Society.
