Dermol

What is Dermol?

Dermol is available as a lotion (called Dermol 500 lotion), cream and wash. The cream ^[1] and lotion ^[2] are effective antimicrobial and emollient treatments, which means they both fight off germs and keep your skin soft and moisturised. You can use them in two ways: apply them and leave them on your skin (leave-on application), or use them instead of regular soap.

Dermol wash ^[3], on the other hand, works as a soap substitute that moisturises your skin and has antimicrobial properties. It’s specifically designed to replace traditional soaps (both bars and liquids) and cleansers, which can sometimes worsen dry skin. Just like the cream and lotion, Dermol wash can also be used as a leave-on treatment that you can reapply after washing and drying your skin.

What is Dermol used for?

All three Dermol products are very effective in treating and preventing dry, itchy skin conditions like atopic, discoid and dyshidrotic eczema. All of these conditions are chronic (long-term) but treatable.

Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis causes your skin to become itchy and dry. Dry skin may become cracked, inflamed and sore. Patches of dry skin can appear on any part of your body, but most often it will affect your hands, the insides of your elbows, the backs of your knees, face and scalp. It’s commonly triggered by exposure to allergens (the name ‘atopic’ means sensitive to allergens) like soap, cold and dry weather, pollen, or pet fur.^[8]

Discoid eczema is also known as discoid dermatitis or nummular eczema. It’s a condition that causes well-defined oval or coin-shaped (hence the name ‘nummular’) spots on your skin. These spots are often very itchy and may leak clear fluid or turn dry and crusty. Nummular eczema usually occurs after skin injuries like burns or insect bites, but there can be other reasons for it too.^[4]

Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx, causes itchy, fluid-filled blisters on your fingers and palms, or the toes and soles of your feet. They may ooze, and usually go away after two to three weeks. After the blisters disappear, your skin may become dry and cracked. You may also feel some pain.^[9]

How does Dermol work?

Dermol 500 lotion, cream, and wash, all contain the same two types of active ingredients:

Benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride

These are antiseptics with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.^[5][6]

When the patches of your skin affected by eczema start oozing and itching, there’s a higher risk of that area getting infected, especially if you scratch it. In some cases, a skin infection can even trigger a flare-up. If you notice a yellowish crust on the surface of the spots, excessive oozing, or if the affected skin becomes hot or painful, it’s likely that the skin is infected.^[7] Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria that can complicate eczema and make the itching worse.^[1]

The two antiseptics fight off germs on your skin that can worsen your eczema. They also help prevent secondary infections that can happen when you scratch your itchy skin.

Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate

These work as emollients to make your skin softer, keep it well hydrated, and provide protection by locking in moisture and restoring your skin’s natural protective barrier. Plus, they shield your skin from drying out and irritation that can result from using regular skin cleansing products like soaps, foaming agents, and fragrances during bathing and washing.

What forms of Dermol are there?

Dermol comes in various forms: cream, 500 lotion, wash cutaneous emulsion, 600 bath emollient, 200 shower emollient. These products all contain the same four active ingredients mentioned above, except for Dermol 600 bath emollient, which has three of the four ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, isopropyl myristate, and liquid paraffin.

For discoid eczema you’ll likely be prescribed Dermol 500 lotion, cream, or wash.

How to use Dermol

How you’ll apply Dermol depends on the form you use. Also, if you’re using another treatment on the same skin areas as Dermol, try not to mix them. Apply the treatments one at a time, allowing enough time for the previous application to absorb.

Dermol 500 lotion and Dermol cream
Only use this product on your skin. To get the most out of it, use it regularly and as often as needed.

To unlock the pump dispenser, turn the top anti-clockwise. Once it’s unlocked, you’ll need to press the pump dispenser a few times to get the product flowing.

When you use Dermol as a leave-on treatment:

1. Apply it to the affected skin areas.
2. Massage it gently into your skin.
3. If there’s any excess, give it some time to absorb; there’s no need to rub your skin vigorously.
4. Reapply as often as necessary.

When you use Dermol as a soap substitute:

1. Use it for washing instead of your regular soap or shower gel. It won’t foam or lather like typical cosmetic products.
2. After washing, use a soft towel to tap your skin dry (avoid rubbing, as this can worsen your condition).

Dermol wash cutaneous emulsion
Simply incorporate the emulsion into your regular cleansing routine in place of your usual bar or liquid soap or your regular cleanser. You get the best results when you use it every time you wash (including your hands).

Here’s how to use it:

1. Before using it, turn the top of the pump dispenser anti-clockwise to unlock it. Once unlocked, press the pump dispenser several times to prep it.
2. Wash with this product just like you would with any liquid soap, but keep in mind that it won’t create a foamy lather as you wash. Use a gentle washing motion.
3. Rinse off. You should still feel a protective layer on your skin.
4. Afterwards, pat your skin dry with a soft towel (avoid rubbing, as it can worsen dry skin conditions).

You can also use it as a leave-on treatment. Simply reapply it after washing and drying your skin. Gently massage the product into any dry skin areas, and if needed, allow any excess to soak in. Avoid vigorous rubbing of the skin.

How long does Dermol take to work for eczema?

Because its active ingredients are quickly absorbed into your skin,^[1] Dermol provides fast relief from dry, itchy skin. But it’s important to stick with your treatment for the full duration recommended by your clinician even if your skin is improving. Otherwise, your eczema may come back – typically in the same area as before.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Dermol?

Don’t worry if you occasionally skip an application. Simply use it again when your next application is due.

If the lotion, cream or wash get into your eyes and causes irritation, rinse them well with plenty of water. When rinsing one eye, be careful not to let the product flow into your other eye. If irritation continues, it’s better to talk to your GP.

If you swallow Dermol by accident and feel unwell afterwards, seek medical attention as soon as possible.