Exploring the use of emollient therapy in dermatological nursing.

This article explores how nurse prescribing has enabled patients with dry itchy skin to choose the product most suitable for the severity of their dry skin with the nurse. This is done through education, negotiation and trial of emollients. Health practitioners should ensure that patients understand how the environment challenges the skin, the processes of inflammation and ageing and how emollients used on a regular basis can support the epidermal barrier. Practical advice on technique of application is as essential to the concordance of the treatment as is the choice of product to be prescribed.