Aqueous cream

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aqueous Cream BP is a medicinal substance officially registered in the British Pharmacopoeia.

It is a light, paraffin-based emulsion used as a topical external medicine.

Its uses include:

  • Emollient (Moisturiser)
  • Soap-substitute - a gentle alternative for sensitive skin

The British National Formulary categorises it as:

13 Skin
> 13.2 Emollient and barrier preparations
> 13.2.1 Emollients
> Non-proprietary emollient preparations
> Aqueous Cream, BP

[1]

[edit] Indications

It is commonly prescribed in the United Kingdom for conditions such as Eczema, Aquagenic pruritus or Atopic dermatitis [2]. Whilst undergoing the cancer treatment Radiotherapy, the skin erythema caused as a result of treatment patients are advised to use Aqueous Cream as part of a skin care regime.

[edit] Contraindications

Some sources indicate that it is not always suitable for use as an emollient, because the preservatives (such as phenoxyethanol) used to prolong the cream's shelf life may cause a reaction (National Eczema Society article with citations). Boots (the chemist) UK use an alternative preservative viz. Chlorocresol which is said to cause less reaction.

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.bnf.org/bnf/search.htm?n=6&q=%22aqueous+cream%2C+BP%22 BNF index
  2. ^ 'Emollients' the NHS Direct Health Encylopaedia


 This dermatology article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.