Psoriasis treatments: Emollients

Lotions are good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema – where pus is seeping out of damaged areas of skin). This is because lotions are thin and spread easily, but they're not very moisturising.

Reference https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

Reviewed: August 2026

Creams are good for daytime use as they're not very greasy and are absorbed quickly.

Reference https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

Reviewed: August 2026

Ointments are good for very dry, thickened skin and night-time use as they're greasy, thick and very moisturising. Ointments are usually free of preservatives so are suitable for sensitive skin, but should not be used on weeping eczema.

Reference https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

Reviewed: August 2026

Sprays are good for hard-to-reach areas and sore or infected skin that should not be touched, and are absorbed quickly.

Reference https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

Reviewed: August 2026

Everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out the skin and can make skin conditions like eczema worse.

It's recommended to use leave-on emollients as a soap substitute if you have dry or itchy skin.

Emollient soap substitutes that are used instead of normal soap in the bath or shower are not usually available on the NHS.

Reference https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

Reviewed: August 2026

There are lots of different types of leave-on emollient that can be put directly on the skin.

Some create a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture. Some have added ingredients to reduce itching or prevent infection.

Reference https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

Reviewed: August 2026