Dermol

What is Dermol?

Dermol is an antimicrobial treatment for psoriasis that contains emollients, which help soften and soothe dry and irritated skin. Emollients are a first-line treatment for psoriasis: they help rehydrate dry skin, reduce scaling, relieve itching, soften any cracks, and help other topical treatments penetrate into the skin.^[1] Because it’s an antimicrobial treatment, Dermol could be a good option if you’re prone to itching or infection; it can help soothe and rehydrate dry skin, and fight off any infections caused by scratching itchy skin.^[2]

You don’t need a Dermol prescription in order to use it – Dermol is a pharmacy medication. That means you just need to answer some simple questions from a pharmacist when you purchase it (to make sure it’s an appropriate treatment for you).

How does Dermol work?

Dermol’s active ingredients work together to moisturise your skin and combat any infections. Liquid paraffin and isopropyl mistrate are types of emollients, which soften and moisturise your skin by trapping moisture in it, restoring its natural protection. They also help to prevent your skin becoming irritated or drying out after washing with normal skin cleansing products.^[3]

Meanwhile, the antimicrobial agents in Dermol help protect you from any infection that could make your condition worse. Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride reduces the amount of bacteria on your skin, while the benzalkonium chloride is an effective bactericidal and fungicidal agent.^{[4] [5]}

So Dermol kills bacteria and fungus on the skin and sterilises it, as well as moisturising and protecting dry skin to help relieve your symptoms.

How to use Dermol for psoriasis

How you use Dermol for psoriasis will depend on the form of Dermol you’re using, and how you’re using it. Look for the form and method of treatment you’re using below, and then follow the appropriate Dermol instructions for that product.

To use Dermol 500 lotion or cream as a leave-on application:

• Apply Dermol to the affected area.
• Gently rub it into your skin.
• Allow any excess to soak in by itself – don’t rub the skin too much as it can make your condition worse.
• Reapply when needed.
• If you’re using another treatment on the same areas as Dermol, apply them at alternative intervals so they’re not mixing together. Make sure you leave enough time for one treatment to soak in before you apply the next.

You can also use Dermol lotion or cream as a soap substitute:

• Use Dermol to wash your skin instead of your usual soap or shower gel. It won’t lather up or foam like normal soap – this is completely normal.
• Pat your skin dry after washing it – rubbing dry skin conditions can make them worse.

To use Dermol shower emollient or wash:

• Use it whenever you’d normally wash, including routine hand washing.
• Make sure you wash with it gently, and remember it won’t lather or foam like normal soap.
• Rinse it off. You should still be able to feel it coating your skin.
• Pat the skin dry – rubbing dry skin conditions can make them worse.

You can also use Dermol shower emollient or wash as a leave on treatment:

• After washing your hands or showering, apply Dermol to the affected areas.
• Gently rub it into your skin.
• Allow any excess to soak in by itself – don’t rub the skin too much as it can make your condition worse.
• Reapply when needed.
• If you’re using another treatment on the same areas as Dermol, apply them at alternative intervals so they’re not mixing together. Make sure you leave enough time for one treatment to soak in before you apply the next.

To use Dermol bath emollient:

• Shake the bottle before you use it.
• Add up to one and a half capfuls (30ml) to a warm bath for adults and older children, or three quarters of a capful (15ml) for babies and young children.
• Dermol bath emollient won’t lather or foam like normal bubble bath or soap.
• Get into the bath and cover the affected areas of skin with the bath water.
• Soak the affected areas for five to ten minutes.
• Pat the skin dry – rubbing dry skin conditions can make them worse.
• You don’t need to use any additional soap to wash with – but if you want to make sure it’s a fragrance-free soap substitute.

If you forget to use Dermol, it’s no issue. Just continue using it as instructed whenever you need to use it. If Dermol gets into your eyes, rinse them out with water. If you have irritation that doesn’t go away after washing, seek medical advice.

Are there different forms of Dermol?

There are a few different forms of Dermol to choose from, depending on your condition and your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a soap or shower gel substitute, Dermol 200 shower emollient or Dermol hand wash are designed to replace your normal cosmetics. Similarly, Dermol 600 bath emollient can be added to a warm bath to replace fragranced bubble baths that could make your condition worse.

If you want a topical treatment that you just need to apply to the affected areas, Dermol cream or Dermol 500 lotion are both good options. Dermol lotion is lighter in texture and suited for mild to moderately dry skin, whereas Dermol cream is thicker and better for severely dry skin.^[1]