Aqueous Cream B.P. which is commonly prescribed for eczema makes the condition worse at the cellular and molecular level.

Eczema currently accounts for 22.5% of skin complaints treated by GPs and the number is rising. Aqueous Cream B.P. is routinely prescribed to eczema sufferers despite evidence linking it to the thinning of the outer layer of the skin. New research conducted at The School of Pharmacy, University of London and published in the British Journal of Dermatology this month demonstrates for the first time why applying Aqueous Cream makes the condition worse as it actually increases the peeling and inflammation of the skin.

The study showed a clear difference between treated and untreated skin. Treated areas became more inflamed and prone to peeling due to an increase in the activity of proteases; enzymes which break down skin protein. There was also a decrease in the size and maturity of skin cells - an essential part of the skin's protective structure. The treated skin also lost significantly more moisture.

Research author, Diar Mohammed said:

"Imagine the skin's protective layer as a 'bricks and mortar' wall-like structure. In those areas that are treated with Aqueous Cream the bricks are smaller and less well-formed. At the same time the 'wall' is being attacked by enzymes which are eating away at the structure. The end result is, of course, a weaker wall. So, rather than soothing the condition, this cream produces exactly the opposite effect making the condition worse at the cellular and molecular level; it effectively causes the skin's 'wall' to collapse causing far more irritation and soreness.

"Aqueous cream is the UK's cheapest and most frequently prescribed emollient. But these results make it clear that being cheap is not enough to justify its continued use."

His PhD supervisor, Dr Majella Lane added:

"This new evidence finally shows exactly why using Aqueous Cream to treat skin complaints is a mistake. We would seriously suggest that consumers seek out alternative treatments.

"The research has considerable implications for the formulation and labelling of such dermatological products. The action of the detergent sodium lauryl sulphate in Aqueous Cream is a cause of many of the issues we have identified. Unfortunately the presence of this key ingredient is often not clearly indicated and we would wish to see far more explicit labelling."

Professor Jonathan Hadgraft, Emeritus Professor of Biophysical Chemistry concluded:

"Despite an increasing consensus that Aqueous Cream damages the skin's structure it continues to be prescribed. We now have clear evidence of precisely how this emollient can only make skin complaints worse."

Source:
The School of Pharmacy, University of London
Skin Research Centre