How does it work?
This bath oil contains colloidal oatmeal, which is an extract from the grain of Avena sativa (oats or oatmeal). It is used in homeopathy to prepare moisturising skin preparations. The oil also contains liquid paraffin (sometimes known as mineral oil) and sunflower seed oil, and works by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface.
Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances that retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin, and water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.
The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older, and is made worse by washing, because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.
Moisturising bath oils are useful for dry skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. Used regularly, moisturisers and moisturising bath oils help restore the skin's smoothness, softness and flexibility by replacing lost moisture and helping the skin retain moisture. This helps reduce scaling, itching and redness.
The oil can be added to the bath water or applied directly to the skin when washing or taking a shower. After bathing using the bath oil the skin should be patted rather than rubbed dry.
In conditions such as eczema, using moisturisers and moisturising bath oils regularly, even once the skin has improved, can help prevent flare-ups.
What is it used for?
Eczema
Inherited, non-inflammatory dryness and scaling of the skin (ichthyosis, xeroderma)
Itching associated with dryness of the skin in the elderly (senile pruritis)
Warning!
When using this preparation in the bath or shower take care to avoid slipping, especially when getting in or out, as this preparation may make the bath/shower more slippery than usual.
This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.
Not to be used in
Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Sensitisation or allergic reaction
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
There are no interactions with this preparation.
<<Back
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved