Only half of primary care practitioners are aware of complete emollient therapy (CET) as the main principle in the management of dry skin and eczema, according to a study by Cetraben for National Eczema Week (12-20 September).

The survey of 250 GPs and 250 practice nurses found inconsistency in the advice given to patients on the use of emollients, with just 38 per cent advising their patients on how to apply their emollients and a quarter failing to provide any instruction on the frequency of application.

Emollients should be applied in the direction of hair growth without excessive rubbing, and should be used several times a day in accordance with CET.

64 per cent of respondents believe that more education is needed to improve emollient use by patients with eczema, while two thirds think that around four in 10 of their patients apply their emollients incorrectly. Just four per cent feel confident that the majority of their patients get the best use out of their emollients.

The survey found that 30 per cent of community nurses discuss emollient preferences at every consultation with eczema patients compared to just 18 per cent of GPs, suggesting a key role for community pharmacists in the management of dry skin conditions.

Research suggests that while emollients are widely prescribed in general practice in the UK, they are often not prescribed in sufficient quantity for optimal effects.